Description Explore the UUA’s descriptions of Breakthrough Congregations. The UUA Breakthrough Congregations program “inspires and supports spiritual vitality in Unitarian Universalist communities by showcasing new models of vitality and successful approaches to leading change.” As you...

Introduce the concept of adaptive challenge to the group. Point out the posted newsprint, and read the definition to the group. Tell them that this definition comes from the work of Ron Heifitz, director of the Leadership Education Project at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

(30 minutes) Materials Leader Resource 1, Accessibilities Audit Scenario Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Preparation Prepare Leader Resource 1 according to the instructions (cut the individual role play directions apart). Arrange seating in a “fishbowl”: a tight circle of six chairs (or...

In this activity, participants consider the gifts and skills contributed by members of their leadership team. Distribute paper and writing or drawing implements, and invite participants to name some of the skills and gifts their leadership team brings that can help navigate turning points.

(25 minutes) Materials Story 3, Practicing Reconciliation—a Reflection Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Newsprint with questions from Activity 1, posted where all participants can see Preparation Decide whether you might ask a volunteer to read the story aloud, or plan to read it yourself.

(30 minutes) Materials Story 1, A Path Diverted Optional: Story 2, Rise in Body or in Spirit Clock or timer Bell or chime Preparation Read both stories. Choose one for this activity. Decide whether you might ask a volunteer to read the story aloud, or plan to read it yourself. You may wish to...

Gather the group in a circle. Ask a participant to light the chalice as you or another participant read the opening words, “A Prayer for This Gathering” by Laila Ibrahim.

This workshop introduces the idea of turning points—times when events or circumstances lead one’s life in a new direction.After identifying personal turning points, participants consider conditions that can lead a congregation to and through a turning point.

In this activity, small groups write brief pieces describing the doings of their 10-years-in-the-future congregation, one that actively cultivates a “we” culture and puts relationship at the center of its religious and spiritual practice.

This non-drawing-oriented activity is a good alternative to Activity 4, What Is My Faith?

This activity provides an opportunity for participants to share, at whatever level they are comfortable, a bit of their identity by telling others about something they cherish.

Take-home suggestions and resources for participants in Workshop 1 of Harvest the Power, 2nd edition.

Consider and discuss these questions with your co-facilitator: Looking at each activity in this workshop, what worked as well as or better than you had anticipated? What did not work as well as you had anticipated?

(5 minutes) Materials Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Preparation Optional: Customize the Taking It Home handout for your group before emailing or photocopying it. Copy Taking It Home for all participants, or plan to email it....

Engage participants to explore ways to share their leadership stories with the broader congregation.

(25 minutes) Materials Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Handout 2, Types of Power Pens and pencils Participants’ copies of Handout 1, Five Smooth Stones, from Activity 4 Preparation Copy Handout 2 for all participants. Write on newsprint, but do not post: “Power is the ability to achieve...

(25 minutes) Materials Handout 1, Five Smooth Stones Preparation Copy Handout 1 for each participant. Description Distribute Handout 1. Share brief biographical information about James Luther Adams from the Unitarian Universalist Historical Society’s online Dictionary of Unitarian & Universalist...

Share this quote from religious historian William Cantwell Smith: Faith at its best has taken the form of a quiet confidence and joy which enable one to feel at home in the universe.

This activity invites participants to reflect on and share their own leadership journey. It has three parts, offering participants an opportunity to consider in turn their early leadership experiences, their congregational leadership experiences, and what they have learned about what it means to be a lay leader.

Explain to participants that covenants are a foundational aspect of liberal congregations, and the practice of establishing a covenant is an essential act of leadership.