Inviting Potential Leaders to Discern Their Gifts
Anxiety about lack of volunteers and leaders can often lead to treating them as human capital, objects to be managed. Ironically, this anxiety-fueled approach tend to produce disappointing results. Instead, creating a program based on an I-Thou relationship of mutuality, generosity and gratitude can create a culture where people desire to find ways to serve.
Relational Discernment Strategies
- Schedule one-on-ones with members of the congregation to ask them about their passions and how they might be engaged with the mission and vision of the congregation. (see example below)
- Have members take the Centered Leadership series from the UU Leadership Institute. Schedule workshops to discuss the case studies and participate in the activities provided.
- Encourage each leader and potential leaders to develop a personal leadership inventory and learning/serving plan.
- Create leadership study groups where members create relationships of accountability around their learning and serving.
Sample Program: Cultivating a Culture of Service in Your Congreation
How the GTS Program WorksService is a cornerstone of Unitarian Universalist identity, and of UUCDC membership. Through service, not only do we play our part in healing our broken world, but we also find the opportunity to grow our own faith and spirituality, and to enhance our relationships with others.
The Growth through Service (GTS) program enables UUCDC to better bring service opportunities to you, our members, that are fulfilling, feed your passion, and grow your soul. We hope you can joyfully serve, gaining a deeper connection to your faith and our church.
- Attend a Conversation with a GTS team member, one-to-one, as a couple or with a group, to explore your spiritual journey and the role of service in your life.
- Consider service opportunities that match your interests, skills and available time, using the Open Service Opportunities online list or suggestions by the GTS team.
- Take on an exciting service opportunity helping others, for personal and spiritual growth and share our experiences with the GTS team.