Summary of "Thriving Ministry - Team Working"
Key Wellness and Productivity Strategies in Team Working for Thriving Ministry
Intergenerational Collaboration
- Form teams that include a wide age range (8 to 80 years old) to foster diverse perspectives and creativity.
- Encourage members from different backgrounds and parts of the community to participate together.
Shared Planning and Ownership
- Teams meet regularly (every couple of months) to plan a month’s worth of worship services collaboratively.
- Use shared resources (e.g., the Re:us magazine) to inspire themes and ideas for worship.
- Give groups complete freedom to design worship services, allowing creativity and tradition to blend.
Inclusive Participation and Creativity
- Incorporate children actively in the worship planning and execution to bring fresh insights and simplicity.
- Experiment with creative methods to engage the congregation, such as using a parachute to act out biblical stories.
- Encourage imaginative approaches that might not traditionally be considered in church settings.
Addressing Challenges in Teamwork
- Navigate scheduling conflicts by balancing the needs of working adults and children.
- Manage differing opinions by fostering open dialogue and ensuring everyone has an equal voice.
- Promote mutual respect and shared leadership within the group.
Building Community and Belonging
- Foster a sense of family and ownership among participants, including those without children who find meaning in mentoring roles.
- Create a space where all ages feel they belong and contribute meaningfully.
- Encourage faith development through group discussion rather than segregated Sunday school.
Revitalizing Church Life
- Use collaborative worship to energize the wider church community and attract those previously disengaged.
- Share worship materials and reflections through displays to connect people with the bigger narrative.
- Maintain active participation to avoid passive worship experiences, reinforcing the idea that liturgy is “the work of the people.”
Presenters / Sources
- Alan Phillip, Children’s Development Worker, Livingston United Parish Church
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
