leading edge Courses, days, events for dioceses to resource mission-shaped leadership
making disciples, developing leaders, growing churches
CPAS have developed a range of leadership events for ,those in leadership of churches.
Individual days or sessions often run as part of CMD or IME. Short courses: three or four days, one a month, to explore a particular theme in some depth (for example sustaining yourself in leadership).
Training for clergy as mentors: a process of equipping clergy to mentor fellow clergy. Learning communities exploring leadership of multi-parish benefices over two years, involving clergy and other key people from the benefice.
A diocesan leadership programme: a year-long leadership development process. This leaflet describes some of the courses, programmes topics and days we offer. We are always keen to tailor events to the particular needs of a diocese, so the descriptions in this leaflet are simply illustrative of the range of things we can cover. These high quality, practical events vary in format but generally include: Teaching, including tools that can be applied in a local context. Group activities (for example case studies, reflective exercises, scenario explorations). Opportunity for the sharing of ideas and experience. Space for reflection on personal context. If you would like further information on costs and availability, or on our courses, learning communities and programmes, do contact us using the details below.
www.cpas.org.uk/events This version January 2014
CPAS, Sovereign Court One (Unit 3), Sir William Lyons Road, University of Warwick Science Park, COVENTRY, CV4 7EZ T 0300 123 0780 E info@cpas.org.uk W www.cpas.org.uk page 2
Leadership programmes, clergy mentor schemes, and multi-parish benefice learning communities There are three larger pieces of work we offer dioceses, described on the next two pages. Each of these is specifically tailored to the requirements of a diocese, and all are aimed at significant transformation in both the clergy person and their church context.
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Diocesan leadership programme
It is both an exciting and challenging time for clergy, as the Church seeks to be about the mission and ministry of Christ in a rapidly changing world. Drawing on CPAS’s extensive experience of running leadership development processes, we now offer dioceses, a tailormade leadership course for clergy, based on the following principles. Transformational process This is a process (over at least ten months) aimed at transformation of clergy as leaders in mission. It isn’t simply about applying some leadership skills, but addresses underlying issues of character, vocation and the spiritual life. Diocesan owned The course is run by the diocese resourced by CPAS. The diocese decides who it is aimed at in consultation with CPAS, invites people to attend and arranges the practical details. It may easily run alongside other leadership development provision within the diocese. Intentional commitment Participants complete an application form, and commit to the whole of the course process, with a high expectation of involvement throughout. Contextually focused Each clergy person is leading in a unique context, and therefore the outworking of the course needs to be tailored to each individual. This is done through a personal development plan and the help of a mentor. We have successfully completed a pilot course in one diocese with two cohorts of clergy. The diocese have now asked us to take four further cohorts through the process, and two other dioceses will be starting courses in the next 12 months. To find out more about this scheme, please contact James Lawrence jlawrence@cpas.org.uk.
Clergy mentor scheme
A number of dioceses have approached CPAS to enquire if we could help with training mentors for clergy. We already train mentors in a number of settings: for our Arrow Leadership Programme, through the Growing Leaders suite of resources, and most recently, through the training course at the heart of the Mentoring Matters resource. This material has been piloted in two dioceses and is already being used in two further dioceses. It involves providing resources and training in a three-stage process: Identifying: this includes clarifying the difference between mentors, coaches and other helping roles, as well as providing material to help with the selection of mentors. Training: a two day initial training process prepares them for the initial stages of a mentoring relationship. Six to eight months later there is a further training day, which includes reflection on their experience of mentoring. Deploying: key to the success of any scheme is the careful deployment of mentors. We have various guides and policies that can be adapted by dioceses to help with this process. If you would like to find out more about this scheme, please contact James Lawrence on jlawrence@cpas.org.uk. page 4
Multi-parish benefice (MPB) learning communities
In 2012 we conducted some research into multi-parish benefices. It is clear that the trajectory of many dioceses is towards an increase in the number of multi-parish benefices, and also an increase in the number of parishes in such benefices. It is also clear that whilst there are a variety of models that exist to try to help clergy adapt to the changing role such positions involve, many are struggling and most feel under resourced. In partnership with LEAD Academy and The Arthur Rank Centre we have designed a learning community process which is currently being piloted in three dioceses. The communities run over 24 months, involve clergy and lay leaders, are local to the MPBs on them, and involve four main gatherings (one every six months). We are looking for further diocese to be part of round 2 (starting in autumn 2014) and round 3 (starting in early 2015) who would like to run these learning communities. Our aim is that each MPB will be enabled to: Discern vocation to play their part in God’s mission. Work well together across the benefice and within individual churches. Develop suitable leadership structures. Navigate culture change with creativity, wisdom and care. Grow in confidence and be energised by faith. If you would like to know more please contact Pam Macnaughton pmacnaughton@cpas.org.uk.
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Topics for IME/CME mornings, afternoons or days, seminars or workshops at diocesan conferences, sessions within leadership programmes.
The following pages offer a sample of an ever-expanding portfolio of topics. If there is something you are interested in and it isn’t here, let us know.
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The shape of Christian leadership
Leadership seems to be the ‘in’ topic. But how much do we allow our understanding of leadership to be shaped by business or psychological models, and how much is it shaped by the Christian heritage? This day explores leadership in relation to the Bible, the Christian tradition, ministry and the gospel. With careful theological scene-setting, the practical outworking of the day impacts just about every aspect of leadership in a church.
Missional leadership
Many church leaders want to help their church(es) become more missional – but what sort of leadership might make that happen? How do leaders help churches to know mission as part of their DNA? The day explores how we understand what it means to participate in the mission of God and to be formed as leaders who retain an outward focus in all we do. It considers theological models for mission, looks at the impact social changes have for mission and offers space for engagement with local contexts.
Discerning direction
Leadership is about going somewhere, and for those in Christian leadership it is about going God’s way, but how do we discern where God is leading a church? What is the role of vision and why is it important? This day identifies why having a clear vision is so vital, explores the role of clergy in facilitating the development of vision, and offers three practical models for discerning God’s direction.
Vision to action
Research tells us that 60-70% of vision statements are never put into action. How can a church turn vision into action and make change happen? The day explores the practical issues and potential pitfalls, including discerning priorities, setting goals, getting people on board, generating momentum, and reviewing progress.
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Communicating well
Talk to any organisation or church about areas of struggle and it won’t be long until communication is mentioned. One of the many leadership responsibilities is to facilitate great communication: this is multi layered and increasingly complex in a social-media networked age. The day explores the variety of communication methods available to church leaders (from to one-to-one to one-to-many, including networking, social media, printed material) and offers practical insights into how to improve our communication in each.
Changing culture
Many in church leadership know that culture change is what is required in their context, but culture change is perhaps the most difficult leadership challenge. How do you change culture but not trash the past? How do you change culture and not impose personal preferences? How do you change culture and ensure it is lasting and not just until you leave? Combining a strong model on culture change with practical tools, this day explores the questions: What is culture? What sort of culture do you currently have? How can you bring about culture change?
Handling change
Part of leadership is about going somewhere, and when we move in a defined direction it will almost inevitably lead to change. Handling change well is an art, and this event explores insights from research and change experiences that help leaders approach change with others in a way that heightens the possibility of success. The day covers how people respond to change, how to approach change, and how to handle resistance.
Dealing with conflict
Conflict is the experience of all in leadership, sometimes healthy, creative conflict, other times negative, destructive conflict. This day explores how to encourage healthy conflict and handle unhealthy conflict. Practical tools are combined with perceptive analysis to help equip leaders to navigate conflict well.
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Leading well with others Day one – Engaging people Christian leadership is best exercised in community. It isn’t a solo venture, but involves leading well with others, from the PCC to the Church Wardens, from leadership teams to staff, from leaders of small groups to leaders of activities. The day explores both how to engage people, and how to make sense of Anglican structures so that we can ensure we exercise leadership that encourages the growth and health of the local church. Day two – Building teams A more focused development of this approach to leadership is a day on building teams. There is widespread recognition that, on paper, collaborative leadership is a key model for leading in today’s church. In reality, however, working well with others and engendering a culture of effective teamwork within a church, which encourages and nurtures the skills and gifts of all, is not easy. The day explores how to launch a team, what makes an effective team and how to overcome the pitfalls that can arise. It also explores the role of a team leader and common dysfunctions in team life Day three – Engaging Gen Y Gen Y (those born between 1980-2000) are among us. They are different, and many churches are finding that they don’t seem to lead in the same ways as other generations. This day explains the differences between the generations (Gen Y, Gen X, Boomers, Trads), and explores how to attract, engage and motivate Gen Y in leadership (for example paid staff such as younger youth workers or curates, as well as volunteers).
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Developing leaders Day one – Developing leaders Does leadership in a parish, benefice or team keep coming back to one person or a few ‘usual suspects’? Will it all fall apart without those few? Drawing others into leadership is a crucial area for the present and future ministry of any church – but how? The day looks at ways to identify, nurture and encourage new leaders and to work better with the people you already have in leadership roles. Day two – Growing Leaders training the trainers As part of this theme we offer a ‘training the trainers’ day for the CPAS Growing Leaders and Growing Leaders - Youth Edition courses. Both are comprehensive packs of materials that provide everything a parish or deanery needs to run a year long course to grow both emerging and existing leaders. The training day is for those thinking about running one or both of the courses, and provides practical insights into how to run a good course.
Nurture disciples Day one – Mentoring Matters training the trainers ‘Discipleship is the key issue facing the church today’ – so comment a number of thinkers and authors. Mentoring is one way to help nurture whole life disciple-making disciples. This day looks at what mentoring is, what makes Christian mentoring distinctive and how it relates to other helping roles (such as coaching, spiritual direction, counselling, pastoral care and so on). It then offers a framework for a mentoring relationship, considers core skills for mentors to use and introduces ways to establish a church-based mentoring network. The day is linked to the CPAS resource Mentoring Matters, a practical take-home resource for those who want to set up mentoring networks.
Developing whole-life disciples Exploring the work of LICC and the disciple-making movement we consider tools and resources to help churches in developing wholelife mission focused disciples. It includes a review of available resources.
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Sustaining yourself in leadership Day one – Staying fresh, staying faithful All leadership is demanding and burnout is familiar to those exercising leadership in all sorts of contexts. This day looks at a model of handling pressure, whilst exploring what drains and sustains us. Day two – Personal orderliness, handling the admin avalanche Admin is a part of life. Yet rarely does anyone talk about how to handle it. This day focuses on the practicalities of diary management, email, phones, meetings, filing, and creating a conducive working environment. Day three – ‘Do not lose heart’ Structured as a quiet day, we explore Paul’s injunction in Corinthians not to lose heart. With three periods of input, and lots of space for personal reflection, thinking and prayer, it provides an encouraging oasis in the midst of busy ministry lives.
Time, personal admin and working with an administrator
A slightly different day with three sessions exploring three topics, offering practical insights with maximum application. People can come for all, one or two of the sessions, and are invited to bring their administrator with them if they attend the third session.
Moving on
This day offers insight into the tricky subject of moving jobs. It provides some biblical framework to the discernment process and how to make good choices. It also looks at the practicalities of making good applications and handling interviews well. ‘Moving on’ gives Godly space to think about this important subject.
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Leading from the second chair
Some people will always be second chair leaders – those who serve with others in overall leadership. Others will be passing through to becoming the incumbent or some other first chair leader. Many in overall leadership will have those who lead with them. This day identifies some of the common issues for those in the second chair, explores how to work with those tensions, and offers a forum to share concerns and struggles.
Multi church leadership
‘How many churches can one person juggle?’ is a question asked by those leading in multi-parish situations. The day offers space to reflect and think theologically and practically about the leadership required for grouped churches to become truly missional in attitude and action. With practical tools and ideas, helpful case studies, and a chance to work with others who have struggled with the issues, it includes some alternatives to constantly spinning plates.
Leading two churches
Following some research in Lichfield Diocese, and working alongside them, we’ve created a day to explore the particular nuances of leading in two church situations.
Making meetings matter
The average church leader will have 564 meetings a year. That is 20,304 hours in 25 years, the equivalent of 846 days of their life! Does that excite you or depress you? This day will look at how we can make the most of every meeting, with practical insights into everything from the PCC to a pastoral occasion, from a supervision to a gathering of the WI. Meetings matter because meetings are ministry.
CPAS have developed a range of leadership events for those in leadership of churches. This leaflet describes some of the courses, programmes, learning communities, topics and days we offer. We are always keen to tailor events to the particular needs of a diocese, so the descriptions in this leaflet are simply illustrative of the range of things we can cover.
www.cpas.org.uk page 12