Kia ora e te whanau
We’re moving into a period of uncertainty – we can see the signs – on the international stage, nationally, and even in the church and UCANZ. We do not know what the future holds.
I’m a keen observer of American politics – because, where the US goes, we almost inevitably follow – as that old saying goes, ‘When the US sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold’. We’re 2 months out from their mid-terms. And if we think this is just another election, and nothing will change, then we haven’t been paying attention. I’m anticipating a (imagine the rudest word that comes to mind). The world is becoming an increasingly unsafe place. It will affect us. Will we be ready to meet the moment?
And, we’re facing our own general election at the same time. It also feels somewhat precarious – and many of us are dreading the possible outcomes. Unfortunately, what will be a source of grief for one will be a source of comfort or joy for another – across families, church communities – and there won’t be much in the middle ground. Will we be ready to meet the moment?
And for UCANZ and CVs, as we read the tea leaves, we anticipate that change is coming down the pike. Will we be ready to meet the moment?
Leadership & Personal Development Resources
What Leaders Should Do When The Roof Is On Fire
This Forbes article is about how we show up in the moment of crisis. When leadership is required. When others are looking to us to know what is needed in the moment. What to do. What to say. Yet more importantly is how we show up. The invitation is to be the calm presence in the room. It’s this that sets the tone for everything else.
To quote the article: ‘leadership in a crisis is not just about action. It is about awareness. It is about understanding how you respond shapes how others will respond. There is no clearer moment to practice servant leadership than when the stakes are high. Servant leadership in crisis is not about slowing things down or avoiding accountability. It is about making sure people have what they need (to perform) in the moment.’
Hopefully, you will be able to access the article here: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2026/07/22/what-leaders-should-do-when-the-roof-is-on-fire/
How to navigate a values conflict at work as a leader
Even (or especially) in the church we encounter those moments when we have clashes of values – not just on ‘truths’ we hold dear, but on how we hold them. There are some useful pointers in this article on protecting that which is important to us, and in how we might proceed when red lines are crossed. The article can be accessed here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91598013/how-to-navigate-a-values-conflict-at-work-as-a-leader
Great Teams Are Built on Culture, Not Just Talent
In the middle of the recent Football World Cup, our author asks why one coach can make such a positive difference to a team that has been consistently middling – and it’s not about on the field tactics. It’s about how we show up together. We could easily swap out the word ‘soccer’ and put in ‘church’. The article can be accessed here: https://www.inc.com/jennifer-knowles/usmnt-coach-mauricio-pochettino-proves-great-teams-are-built-on-culture-not-just-talent/91360966
Homilies and Preaching Resources
My response to the lectionary Gospel for the 13th of September – based on Matthew 18 vs 21-35 is titled ‘The Currency of the Kingdom’ – offered in response to Jesus’ answer to Peter’s question “How often should I forgive my brother or sister?” and illustrated by the parable of ‘The Unforgiving Servant’. It can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gJIgxjCEe8
Gospel Conversations – out of the Dunedin Anglican Diocese. They host a conversation of (usually) 4 Theologians / Practitioners. The site with all its options can be accessed here: https://www.calledsouth.org.nz/gospel-conversations/.
Led by Michael Godfrey, rather than the Gospel text, this year they are generally focusing on other parts of the Lectionary. For this coming Sunday, they consider Genesis 50 vs 15-21, reflecting ‘on Joseph’s remarkable choice to forgive rather than revisit the wrongs of the past. They explore how reconciliation is cultivated through smaller acts of forgiveness along the way — preparing us for those moments when forgiving can be much harder.’ It can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hV39KzJWD8
Rev Darryn Hickling (Methodist colleague leading the Rolleston Project) has posted an Instagram reflection focussing on Matthew 18 vs 21-35, and titled ‘The Double-Edged Sword of Forgiveness’. It can be accessed here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dc-XvOcBM0x/?stkn=Z21kOXpub2dhcG12
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Once again, use the videos as you will.