Workshop #1: Understanding FOLLOW ME March 19, 2012

Follow-up Questions from the Workshop Overview Webinar (3/12)? Please enter in chat room.

Introduction & Prayer Led by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham – Rector, Church of the Holy Spirit The Rev. Scott Gunn – Executive Director, Forward Movement The Rev. Clarence Langdon – Bishop’s staff, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Eric Arnson – Research advisor & REVEAL co-originator

Today’s Purpose Recap the Webinar Overview Review the Facilitator Guide in-depth – Focus on the Exercises Discuss the homework (pre-reading) Provide suggestions to optimize outcomes

Work in Progress! Webinar is a new resource, so may not be perfect Do welcome feedback—positive or constructive—throughout the entire process Especially this workshop, as it sets the tone and direction

“Please be patient, God is not finished with me yet.” 6

Phases 7 1. RevealWorks—Willow Creek (2003, still going strong) 2. Episcopal Incubator—Church of the Holy Spirit (2009) 3. Episcopal Pilots—15 Churches (2010) 4. Episcopal Expansion (now)

Developed by & for Episcopalians 8

General Construct Four sessions: – 1. Spiritual Formation: Understanding FOLLOW ME – 2. Data Sharing: Parish Profiles & Survey Findings – 3. Applying Best Practice Principles to your Church – 4. The Plan and Guiding Metrics Each session starts with Scripture & Discussion Homework, most pre-reading

Workshop #1

Workshop #1: Purpose & Outcomes What ‘s at stake—can’t stay where we are Understand Spiritual Growth Framework Honest examination of congregants personal spiritual journey Church’s role in parishioners’ spiritual growth

Pre-Reading

Has been modified to improve fit with exercises and times required. All workshops changes and refinements will by available by 3/29/2013

Exercise 1: Personal Experiences Best done in groups of four – Part of homework, in the Participant Guide Capture as part of Life-line exercise – Visual format will be available by next webinar Begins with quality of life and overall satisfaction – Highlight ebbs and flows of your life – What were the catalysts for movements What was my spiritual lifeline throughout the same period? – Where did you experience growth? Where stalled? Key learnings are shared with group

Exercise 2 & 3: --Spiritual Life Continuum --Spiritual Growth Framework

“I believe in Jesus and am working on what it means to get to know him.” “I feel really close to Christ and depend on him daily for guidance.” “My relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship in my life It guides everything I do.” Growing Close Centered Exploring “I believe in God, but I am not sure about Christ. My faith is not a significant part of my life.” 23% 52% 19% 6% Spiritual Growth Continuum Episcopal Churches Composite Relatively low development of spiritual maturity 16

Custom Episcopal Survey 17 blanks

Episcopal Survey: Additional Topics –Eucharist –Prayers of the People –Interfaith Conversation –Social Justice –Symbols/Cross ‣ Liturgy ‣ Christian Seasons ‣ Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost ‣ Sharing the Peace ‣ Prayers of Confession ‣ Music 18

Spiritual Practices Faith-in-Action Disciple Follower Believer Beginner Christian Relationships Movement 1 Movement 2 Movement 3 Three purely Episcopal spiritual catalysts were analyzed 19

Totally Episcopalian Insights: Practices, Relationships, Faith-in-Action Catalysts for growth 20 Growing Close Centered Exploring Read the Bible, Solitude Prayer for Others, Love of God Meet with Close Friend, Small Group Serve those in Need (Church), on Own The Eucharist Prayer to Give Thanks Serve in a Church Ministry Serve those in Need (Church) Solitude Prayer for Guidance Prayer to Express My Love of God

Most Influential Episcopal Church Inputs Catalysts for growth 21 Growing Close Centered Exploring Prioritizes my spiritual growth over my church membership Provides a worship service that is challenging and thought provoking Helps me develop a relationship with Christ Engages me in the Sacraments in a way that helps me grow spiritually Challenges me to grow and take next steps spiritually Promotes a strong serving culture that is widely recognized by the local community

Conclusions Congregants are in all stages of maturity Episcopal Framework similar, some unique aspects Are definitive activities that drive spiritual growth

Exercise 4: Role of the Church

Points to Highlight Think about your own spiritual life-line. What are the connections to your church? – Role of Clergy – Role of Lay Leadership – Roles of Ministries – Spiritual friends, mentors – Activities and events What did you hear from others in your group?

Workshop #2 Homework Parish and Community Profiles – Should be assigned NOW Episcopal ‘Renewal’ Survey Report – Sample on website now Note: Best Practice Principles are referenced in report – Detailed discussion will occur as part of workshop #3 Any additional questions for next session

Workshop #1: Purpose & Outcomes What ‘s at stake—can’t stay where we are Understand Spiritual Growth Framework Honest examination of congregants personal spiritual journey Church’s role in parishioners’ spiritual growth Key to set expectations

Questions? 28

Concluding Remarks & Prayer Led by the Rev. Jay Sidebotham

Next Steps & Thanks! Next session: March 26 th at 2pm CDT Focus will be Workshop 2 Homework assignment: – Read Facilitators Guide, pages – Sample Church Report will be ed with invite to the next webinar

Appendix

Workshop Team Composition Modeled after a Search Committee Lay led—a must Clergy, Rector in particular, must not guide – Nor back seat driving Need a separate time-keeper Plus a separate scribe – That gets notes and follow-up done

Helpful Hints Encourage a bit of hospitality minutes before each workshop starts – A number will not know each other Start and end each sub-section promptly, even if not completely finished Post the key elements of each session to demonstrate progress and be a reference Keep a ‘parking lot’ flip chart for unanswered questions, suggestions, follow-up

More Lessons Learned Make sure ALL the voices are heard – Set as an expectation, then prompt Make differences a value – Will be different viewpoints, especially on ‘growth’ Do fewer things, well – Will try to do too much Close with a reassuring and encouraging prayer