A Smattering of Good Ideas

 

One of the joys of my job is visiting so many different congregations and seeing how many ways there are to “do” Presbyterian.  Along the way, I get exposed to lots of great programs, ideas and resources.  As mission coordinator, I want to share some of these ideas with you, so that you can learn from one another.  (One pastor referred to this as my “Robin Hood” ministry… taking from those who are ‘rich’ in ideas and giving to those who are ‘poor’ in those areas.)  In any case, here is the first of an occasional sharing of ideas and resources.

Good Idea #1 – Mission Ambassadors

Macland Presbyterian Church’s mission team has formed an “ambassador corps” that allows people to serve in one specific role that fits their passions, skills and schedule.  Mission ambassadors stay in touch with a specific community organization or advocate for one of the special offerings of the PC(USA).  To quote the church’s January newsletter, mission ambassadors “expand Macland’s mission reach enormously.” 

Good Idea #2 – Officer Training and Examination

The Book of Order requires that those who have been elected to serve as elders and deacons must receive training and then be examined by the Session prior to ordination and installation.  The ways that these tasks are done varies widely from congregation to congregation.  Often, the examination process is glossed over (possibly to avoid offending anyone), but this then does little to honor the critical role that our leaders play in the spiritual and organizational work of the church.  When I visited Providence Presbyterian church in Dallas earlier this winter, I was impressed at the way Rev. Joe Brice was leading the time of training and examination.  He has put together a “take home” study and reflection piece for each elected officer.  The session exam is based on these reflections.  The questions posed are wonderful at helping the officers to share their faith journey, their sense of call, and their sense of what is needed in the church at this time.  There is not an offensive question in the bunch!  AND the entire congregation is invited to sit in on the examination of their officers.  This struck me as such a wonderful way for leaders to share meaningfully and be appropriately examined and such a wonderful way for the congregation to get to know their leaders.   With his permission, I have posted Rev. Brice’s study and reflection document on the website.  (www.chereokeepresbytery.org “Resources, Officer Training” tab.)

Good Idea #3 – Mission Networks

As I travel about, I notice that many of our congregations are engaged in overseas mission efforts that are not coordinated through an outside agency.  Many are active in Kenya, in Central America, etc.  The World Mission area of the General Assembly has helped to establish Mission Networks composed of American Presbyterians who are engaged in overseas missions.  The Networks help each member share information and coordinate work, as well as connect with mission partners in each country of interest.  The networks are organized by country or people group.  When I was working in Vietnam, I participated in the Vietnam Mission Network and found it to be a valuable way to connect with others who shared a passion for work in that country and to share joys, challenges and “best practices” for that work.  If you or your congregations are involved in overseas mission, I would encourage you to check into the mission networks by going to http://www.pcusa.org/worldwide/get-involved/networks.htm and then clicking on the link that is most suited to your work. 

Thanks for the varied ways you serve God’s Mission both here and abroad.  Keep the good ideas coming! 

Shalom,

Rebecca