Also known as Dynamic Governance. Books, Articles and Training for Decentralizing Leadership

When we talk about the need to become more diverse, inclusive, and equitable at a basic level we are talking about hospitality. How do we learn new practices of hospitality for our congregations and our ministries? How is the idea of recognizing past wrongs an extension of this hospitality?

Our faith is changing and we need innovation in worship, in leadership, and in new communities. How do we support the innovators and risk-takers among us? What can we learn from them for our own congregations?

A liberatory faith holds the theological mandate to privilege those most in need of justice and most at risk. How do we educate for this theological mandate?

In our responsible search for truth and meaning, we are called to wrestle with our theological legacy and engage with it in the search for deeper spiritual depth and communal inspiration for the work of transformation.

What does it mean to develop systems that are accountable to expanding diversity, equity and inclusion? Structures that promote accountability are essential to maintaining progress over time, especially as the world is changing.

“We want to look more diverse but we don’t want to be more diverse.” While it may not be said, it’s a sentiment often lived out in our congregations. We’ll explore the subtle ways in which our congregational systems keep ourselves in place and what we can do differently.

Paula Cole Jones introduced the notion of congregations as a Community of Communities to foster inclusion and diversity at last year’s Fahs Lecture. We’ll expand on how to introduce and begin practicing this new framing in your congregation.

How might we create communities where each member can contribute equitably in service of mission and vision? Circles are an ancient tried-and-true practice.