Both are critical and preaching can and is the avenue which a great chunk of leadership vision is conveyed. It is not a dichotomy at all. But...interestingly enough here are some stats presented through the Strategic Planning process that went throughout North America this past fall.
This is taken from CRCNA Pastoral Excellence Survey
Source: 2012 Survey by Calvin College Center for Social Research
Here is how CRC Pastors describe themselves:
The 2011 Top 3 pastoral self- perceived skills: Listening and Encouraging, Communication, and Maintaining a non-anxious presence.
The bottom 3 self-perceived skills: Strategic Planning, Conflict Management and Motivating People to perform at their full potential.
We feel like we can preach (communicate) but we feel like we cannot do the work of Strategic Leadership nor motivate others to lead. However one might weigh which skill is more important (or to what degree) we need to do work in equipping ourselves to better leaders perhaps.
Best comment on the Judgement - Article 37: The Belgic Confession.
Funny how the broader 'church' still entices many to unbiblical and unReformed thinking. Perhaps this post should be sent to all Church librarians so as to know what to keep their eyes out for and what not to stock the shelves with.
Hey, while we are at it, perhaps we can still do something about the Left Behind stuff.....
I am not speaking on behalf of the BOT (but as a new member of the Board) it does seem a valuable way to keep the broader church up to date on things for it as a board as Keith Knioght suggests.
And not only for BOT, but other boards and commitees as well who are working on Synodical issues leftover from the previous year or looking toward the year ahead.
In reading your post Karl Westerhof, I am most delighted in that you are seeing signs of the denomination paying attention to the classes and local churches by operating under a new reality that calls for them to resource congregations and be led by prayer. As a BOT member and someone on the denominational Strategic Planning Group, I am more and more encouraged that we are moving in this direction and operating in healthier and healthier ways. Let us continue in such a way so as to strengthen each other!
And no I am not saying we are perfect, but we are growing ....
Posted in: Pray for Peace and an End to Violence
Nicely spoken/written my friend, Scott. Be well. Grace and Peace. Darren
Posted in: Leadership or Preaching? What is more important in the CRC?
Both are critical and preaching can and is the avenue which a great chunk of leadership vision is conveyed. It is not a dichotomy at all. But...interestingly enough here are some stats presented through the Strategic Planning process that went throughout North America this past fall.
This is taken from CRCNA Pastoral Excellence Survey
Source: 2012 Survey by Calvin College Center for Social Research
Here is how CRC Pastors describe themselves:
The 2011 Top 3 pastoral self- perceived skills: Listening and Encouraging, Communication, and Maintaining a non-anxious presence.
The bottom 3 self-perceived skills: Strategic Planning, Conflict Management and Motivating People to perform at their full potential.
We feel like we can preach (communicate) but we feel like we cannot do the work of Strategic Leadership nor motivate others to lead. However one might weigh which skill is more important (or to what degree) we need to do work in equipping ourselves to better leaders perhaps.
Posted in: 2nd Judgement
Best comment on the Judgement - Article 37: The Belgic Confession.
Funny how the broader 'church' still entices many to unbiblical and unReformed thinking. Perhaps this post should be sent to all Church librarians so as to know what to keep their eyes out for and what not to stock the shelves with.
Hey, while we are at it, perhaps we can still do something about the Left Behind stuff.....
Posted in: Farewell and Feedback
I am not speaking on behalf of the BOT (but as a new member of the Board) it does seem a valuable way to keep the broader church up to date on things for it as a board as Keith Knioght suggests.
And not only for BOT, but other boards and commitees as well who are working on Synodical issues leftover from the previous year or looking toward the year ahead.
Darren
Posted in: Some Observations: Do You See What I See?
In reading your post Karl Westerhof, I am most delighted in that you are seeing signs of the denomination paying attention to the classes and local churches by operating under a new reality that calls for them to resource congregations and be led by prayer. As a BOT member and someone on the denominational Strategic Planning Group, I am more and more encouraged that we are moving in this direction and operating in healthier and healthier ways. Let us continue in such a way so as to strengthen each other!
And no I am not saying we are perfect, but we are growing ....