Leadership and Discernment
for God's Mission

Jesus said, "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last..." John 15:16 

This is not our venture, but we find ourselves in a great adventure of God's redemption of the world. This is not our story, but the history of God's mercy and love. This is not our church with a mission, but God's mission that has a church. 

This course is for:
 
Congregations in Transition
Congregations in transition will connect with God’s present work in the world, a more faithful approach than inventing their own purpose and direction.
 
Churches in a Rut
Churches in a rut will discover anew God’s purpose for them and will identify their key ministries for engaging God’s mission as their leaders implement the training.
 
Church Leaders Seeking Renewed Enthusiasm for Ministry
Church leaders seeking renewed enthusiasm for ministry see afresh the Spirit’s work in their lives, journey with colleagues in ministry, explore God’s ways in the world, and wonder at the grace and majesty of God’s kingdom already surrounding as they awaken to renewed passion for ministry.

Interim Pastor Training
Interim pastor training is valued by congregations, synods and districts. This program offers an interim training track that prepares pastors for interim ministry.

The Rev. Dr. Christopher E. Hagen, M.Div., M.S.-Nonprofit Management, D.Min.-Congregation Mission and LeadershipChris has served over 25 congregations as settled or interim pastor. He has served small and large congregations in rural, inner-city, suburban and small town settings. At the heart of church ministry and personal calling is responding to God's tangible activity in local situations. In addition, he has addressed intense conflict, misconduct, financial risks, legal risks and crises in congregations. He has a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Doctor of Ministry in Congregation Mission and Leadership. His doctoral thesis was on a missional approach to interim ministry.

Course Topics

Leadership
Leadership Approaches and Definitions
Leadership as Attributes
Leadership as Role
Leadership as Process

Discerning God’s Mission
Discerning Mission In Large Settings
Discerning Mission In Small Settings
Theology Of Missional Ministry
Theologies Of Discernment
Discerning Demographic Information
Collaboration for Discernment

Conflict Management
Classical Levels Of Conflict
Management Methods At Each Conflict Level
Polarities
Theology Of Conflict

Fundamentals For Effective Ministry
Building Trust Among Members
Building Trust Within Staff
Rapport
Theology Of Trust

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