Ah yes the temperature is rising, the ground is thawing, and our spirits are rising as we exit a winter I’m happy to put behind. I’ve had the old golf clubs out and ready, and have even been able to sneak out a couple times with a great group of “putt ‘in Pastors” but we’re all a bit rusty so occasionally you’ll hear the dreaded FORE as an errant shot goes seeking a different direction than what we’d planned. Maybe with some practice.
Much of our discussions within our LLD groups revolve around practice. Yes practice, practice, practice but who has the time? Well now that the weather is changing and the pressure on already busy schedules tends to increase I’m reminded of our promise to accountability with the group – hum, how could I weave this into an analogy for our laity leadership?
Lucky for me, I was recently scoot ‘in around in the boot heal of our wonderful state at the invitation of the Southeast District Lay Speaking committee and a friend of ours, and fellow LLD Facilitator, Mike Bell reminded me of this accountability tenet in our LLD sessions. You see, just as I am looking forward to the weather changing and my fairway woods and irons becoming consistent once again, many of our LLD participants will also be longing to put the long, cold, and messy winter behind which will have the normal consequence of having those dreaded “scheduling conflicts” involving all sorts of activities come up, oh no, FORE!
Just like Mike’s insightful reminder, now is the time for each of us to re-engage with our course participants and review the commitment we made to each other during session one, our covenant. Let us resolve to keep our active participation with our LLD course work, and Pastor Partnerships just as much a priority as all the other activities which will compete for our time and attendance. Many of you use e-mail messages for reminders, and encouragement – might I recommend a gentle reminder of our mutual accountability to each other, and the work of our leadership journey in our congregations. A quick review of the covenant we all signed could also help to reinforce this accountability at the start of our next gathering, just to reset ourselves to the mission, and to keep from hollering FORE!
FACILITATOR TIP – If you do not have a copy of “Bull Horn Guy” the short DVD clip used for the final session (Session 8) among your Districts Facilitators group let me know. We’ll find one, or get you a download for that portion of your presentation so that you have everything you need.
Additionally, as many of you are over half way to completion it’s time to start thinking of creative ways to recognize the hard work and commitment of these individual servant leaders. LLD Certificates are available with Brian’s signature which can be printed locally, and many of the District Superintendents make themselves available to attend your final session to present these (just ask). I’ll send the Certificate file (PDF version) to each District Office so you can have them produced and available in time.
BIG NEWS – Many of you have been asking about what comes after LLD? Well, here it comes. LLD-NEXT is being developed right now and will be ready for you this fall. I’ll send you each a separate message with the LLD-Next overview and book list to review. Look for it in your e-mail.
Blessings for your continued leadership and as always our heartfelt thanks for your dedicated service to this growing ministry.
Kevin <><
