In 2007, Gil Rendle, an independent consultant working with issues of change and leadership in denominations and large churches, was asked to help provide new direction for the denomination that wishes to steer away from trends that have dominated past decades and that are felt to have weakened the denomination. As one of the top United Methodist strategist, thinkers, and teachers, Rendle, an ordained Elder, began the intensive work.
In reflection to some of the work Rendle has been doing, he writes, “All who wander are not lost. Quests require wandering in order to advance. It is in the wandering that new discoveries are made and old assumptions put to rest.”(Next Steps in the Wilderness: Rehearsing Our Path In Order To Move Forward)
Rendle makes the argument that many churches and leaders have been wandering with good results. In fact, over the past 10 to 15 years, scarcely, a measurable portion of the United Methodist denomination has seen the need, or developed the skills, for a quest to recover faithfulness.
The truth is that there has been and is a paradigm shift within our denomination that is largely focused on the mission of Jesus Christ. Likewise, in order for our church to continue to be significant outside our own walls in Cumberland District, we must continue to do the same. Rendle writes, “Memory of who we are, where we have come from, what steps have been taken along the way, and what has been discovered to be of value and must not be forgotten. So we are now at a time in which leaders need to draw the MAP (Ministry Action Plan) of the known part of the wilderness in order to remember what they have learned so that they can move further ahead.”
Over the next few weeks we will move to a time of reflection and celebration (Thanksgiving & Advent). As with most people, there is great curiosity, interest, excitement and maybe even worry during this time of the year. My hope for the Cumberland District is that you and I will embrace this “preferred future” and continue to further the mission of Jesus Christ in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Bishop McAlilly has helped us define the questions we should keep before us (adapted from Patrick Lencioni/The Advantage):
In reflection to some of the work Rendle has been doing, he writes, “All who wander are not lost. Quests require wandering in order to advance. It is in the wandering that new discoveries are made and old assumptions put to rest.”(Next Steps in the Wilderness: Rehearsing Our Path In Order To Move Forward)
Rendle makes the argument that many churches and leaders have been wandering with good results. In fact, over the past 10 to 15 years, scarcely, a measurable portion of the United Methodist denomination has seen the need, or developed the skills, for a quest to recover faithfulness.
The truth is that there has been and is a paradigm shift within our denomination that is largely focused on the mission of Jesus Christ. Likewise, in order for our church to continue to be significant outside our own walls in Cumberland District, we must continue to do the same. Rendle writes, “Memory of who we are, where we have come from, what steps have been taken along the way, and what has been discovered to be of value and must not be forgotten. So we are now at a time in which leaders need to draw the MAP (Ministry Action Plan) of the known part of the wilderness in order to remember what they have learned so that they can move further ahead.”
Over the next few weeks we will move to a time of reflection and celebration (Thanksgiving & Advent). As with most people, there is great curiosity, interest, excitement and maybe even worry during this time of the year. My hope for the Cumberland District is that you and I will embrace this “preferred future” and continue to further the mission of Jesus Christ in the weeks, months and years ahead.
Bishop McAlilly has helped us define the questions we should keep before us (adapted from Patrick Lencioni/The Advantage):
- Why do we exist?
- How do we behave?
- What do we do?
- How do we achieve our mission?
- What is most important right now?
I truly believe that the most significant, meaningful work is yet to come for the Cumberland District. Moreover, I truly believe that with determination, humility and a relentless focus on spiritual discernment both personally and as a community of faith, nothing can stop Cumberland District from doing the adaptive work God is calling the church to do and to be.It is and has always been my privilege to serve as your District Superintendent.Scott
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