Empowering Local Churches: Leadership Development 101

In this episode, we delve into the theme of improving the capacity of local churches, using the UMC Mountain Sky Conference as a case study. This is a continuation in part of a conversation Zach and I had in September ( HERE ). Please share if this resonates with you! Joined by guests Gayla Jo Slauson (Mountain Sky Co-Lay Leader), Mark Calhoun (Wyoming District Superintendent), and Zach Bechtold (Pastor, Bozeman (MT) UMC), the conversation explores how church dynamics can be a mix of tradition and innovation. Zach hosts the discussion and I join the panel for discussion. We share insights into leadership roles, with a focus on collaborative opportunities and how lay-led churches can grow and thrive. A continuation to work on clearly emerges. The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of church management, like finances and resources, and the importance of keeping focus amid distractions. With perspectives from both rural and urban churches, the panelists discuss the challenges and opportunities within church communities, emphasizing the necessity of a clear mission and vision. The episode highlights the vital need for clarity and adaptability in navigating the complex landscape of modern church life. Draft paper I mention in the show is HERE . Those that have heard me speak at Annual Conference are probably not surprised that I am a believer when it comes to the positive net benefit from the conference. An earlier conversation with Gayla Jo is HERE and Mark is HERE . Zach co-hosts his own Podcast -- Bearded Theologians . It is excellent! Dennis email is HERE .(Some podcast services do not allow email addresses to be linked. I don't know why. Dennis at mantuan dot org ... Transcript is HERE . Note: It doesn't do a good job of making a distinction between Mark and Gayla Jo (and yes, odd.) I have sent a note to the service.

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Empowering Local Churches: Leadership Development 101 is an episode from Various Thoughts from Dennis Shaw by Dennis Shaw.

This episode is 47:36 long.

This episode was published on Feb 10, 2025.

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