For Pastors
Bishop's Fundamentals
Fundamentals of Transformation
Transformation. One dictionary definition of the word reads: “A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance.”
In the Florida Conference transformation means a dramatic change in the way congregations approach and do ministry. It means congregations becoming healthy and vital, dramatically changing themselves and people’s lives so the Kingdom of God can be present here and now.
The conference is committed to helping churches address long-term transformation issues, but conference leaders are also encouraging churches to work together to achieve immediate outcomes.
The goals focus on the fundamentals, or basics, of ministry — inviting others to profess their faith in Jesus Christ, offering quality worship that brings people closer to God and motivated to serve their world, and reaching out in service to others by continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ on earth.
They are designed to enable all churches in the conference to be more effective as a team in practicing the fundamentals of the mission of the church. Overall, they are modest goals, representing the kind of accomplishment and effort for which all churches should strive as they seek to be faithful and fruitful in serving Jesus Christ.
We came across an article the other day written by Dr. William Lindsay, PhD and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Bethune-Cookman College. The title of the paper was “Exercising Leadership in Academic Life,” but it has a wonderful application in the Church as well. Here are the bullet points:
- Leaders display integrity.
- Leaders value collegiality.
- Leaders are marked by a strong commitment to mission.
- Leaders display transparency and accountability.
- Leaders are marked by intelligence and critical thinking
He went on to say that Leaders do not “keep up mess.” As I reflect on your leadership in our Gulf Central District, I want you to know how grateful I am that you are tirelessly building the Kingdom and teaching others to do the same.
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