Part of Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition: Developing Lay Leadership

This workshop invites participants into challenging territory. The activities explore the stresses that are part of the fabric of the life of our congregational community. Participants name and embrace that which sustains and grounds them, and learn how this self-knowledge can help them lead from a place of creativity and imagination, rather than reactivity. The workshop offers models to help individuals and leadership teams support and reinforce the integrity of those entrusted with leadership positions in our congregations.

In This Section

Introduction
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

This workshop invites participants into challenging territory. The activities explore the stresses that are part of the fabric of the life of our congregational community.
Opening
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Gather the group in a circle. Ask a participant to light the chalice as you or another participant read these opening words from Theresa Soto, published in Spilling the Light: Meditations on Hope and Resilience.
Activity 1: Fannie Barrier Williams
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

(15 minutes) Materials Story, Fannie Barrier Williams Participants’ copies of Handout 2, Types of Power, from Workshop 1 Optional: Newsprint, markers, and wall-safe tape Preparation Familiarize yourself with the story....
Activity 2: Navigating Moments of Crisis
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Invite participants to recall a moment of crisis in their own lives, a moment when they had some choices to make. It might be a work, family, or health crisis, or a crisis that emerged out of a commitment or goal they were pursuing.
Activity 3: The Who of Leadership
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

(10 minutes) Materials Handout 1, The “Who” of Leadership Preparation Copy Handout 1, The “Who” of Leadership, for all participants. Pre-arrange with four participants to read aloud the four paragraphs of the handout. You may wish to provide them each with a copy ahead of time. Description...
Activity 4: What Sustains You?
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Ask participants to consider what sustains them in times of crisis. What spiritual practices or disciplines do they find helpful? What keeps them grounded and centered when they face challenges?
Activity 5: Stresses in the System
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

In this activity, participants identify issues—both internal and external to the congregation—that cause stress for those who are part of the congregation and for leaders.
Activity 6: Barriers
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

(30 minutes) Materials Handout 2, Gridlocked Systems Pens or pencils Clock or timer Preparation Copy Handout 2 for all participants. Description The concepts presented in this activity may be new to participants. Present the concepts, guide participants’ initial responses, and encourage...
Faith In Action: Leadership's Spiritual Dimension
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Consider ways to nurture your spiritual well-being. What practices help you feel centered and whole, even when you’re under stress? Consider setting aside time in your daily and/or weekly schedule for practices that sustain you.
Closing
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

(15 minutes) Materials Table or stand for chalice and worship materials, and a cloth to cover the table Chalice, candle, and lighter or LED battery-operated candle Four candles and a lighter; or, four natural objects such as pinecones, stones, or shells, and a container to hold them Bell or chime...
Leader Reflection and Planning
From 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?
Taking It Home: Integrity
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

Take-home suggestions and resources for participants in Workshop 5 of Harvest the Power, 2nd edition.
Alternate Activity 1: Button Pushing
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

The purpose of this activity is to raise participants’ awareness of their own stressors and to consider how they react and respond to stress.
Alternate Activity 2: Worship with Serenity Prayer
From Harvest the Power, 2nd Edition

This worship time offers a model for leadership groups to acknowledge the anxieties and the challenges in the congregation while lifting up that which supports and deepens the congregation’s vision and mission.