Kia ora e te whanau
Sunday saw me at that the official opening of a new ancillaries building attached to the Ellesmere Co-operating Parish in Leeston. It was very well done. And, it was a joy to be part of an event that demonstrates that CVs continue to believe in themselves, in their own future, and are committed to an effective ministry in their communities.
Leadership & Personal Development Resources
The unexpected tenacity of local ecumenical partnerships
With the place of Co-operative Ventures being currently under the spotlight, this article out of Churches Times, is both apposite and inspirational. It will be of little surprise to those of us who have seen the strengths of our particular expression of the ecumenical movement close at hand, and will hopefully encourage a ‘thinking again’ from those of us who struggle to see beyond our own denominational borders. The article can be engaged with here: https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/17-april/features/features/the-unexpected-tenacity-of-local-ecumenical-partnerships
No, you can’t upskill your culture. But you can upskill your leaders
This FastCompany article makes it clear that the culture in any organisation (and I want to suggest, especially in the Church) starts at the top – with its leadership. It is who we are, especially around those we’re called to serve and lead, that sets the whole tone for our venture. Fortunately, who we are can grow. I remember, while at Theological College, being involved in a conversation with a fellow student. Lynne, (better half) berated me afterward for ‘not listening!’ “I heard everything they said!” I protested, and proceeded to tell her in great detail what had passed between us. “Yes”, she replied, “But you didn’t look as though you were listening.” I was apparently looking elsewhere, and communicated that I was not particularly interested. Ouch!
An important read, this article can be accessed here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91529962/no-you-cant-upskill-your-culture-but-you-can-upskill-your-leaders
The 10 mental traps that sabotage your success
It could be that you’re your own worst enemy. This Smart Brief article offers a useful analysis of the most common ways our thinking, turned inward, undermines our leadership and effectiveness. With each trap, it also offers a simple diagnostic question that can help release us to move forward in a healthier way. The article can be accessed here: https://www.smartbrief.com/original/the-10-mental-traps-that-sabotage-your-success
AI is replacing creativity with ‘average’
Yep, I’m beating that drum again! While I recognise much of the gift that AI can give us, I’m deeply concerned at both the ‘dumbing-down’ and delegitimatizing effect it may ultimately have on those of us in church leadership. Where we claim we’re dependant on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and yet turn to AI to do the heavy lifting in message and publication preparation – in presenting ‘clever’ and well-constructed offerings, yet at the same time losing the authenticity of our own voice, I wonder at what point we’ve surrendered our calling and task to the machine. This article picks up the added danger of ultimately surrendering our out-of-the-box, counter-intuitive creativity (my take, not the article’s) and the losses that ensue. It can be engaged with here: https://www.fastcompany.com/91530169/ai-is-replacing-creativity-with-average
The Loneliest part of getting old
The Algorithms are at it again. Another of my pet subjects. Farley Ledgerwood offers more useful insights on the aging process, offering tips on how we can navigate it in life-giving ways – both to ourselves and those important to us. In this article he draws a clear distinction between those who truly are friends, and those who are simply socially connected to us. It can be engaged with here: https://experteditor.com.au/blog/d-psychology-says-the-loneliest-part-of-getting-old-isnt-the-solitude-its-the-slow-realization-that-most-of-the-connections-you-maintained-for-decades-were-held-together-by-proximity-routine-and-obl-2/
Homilies and Preaching Resources
My response to the lectionary Gospel for the 3rd of May – John 14 vs 1-14, the beginning of Jesus Upper Room discourse where, in response to his being challenged “we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Leads to our title ‘The Way, the Truth, The Life’ and can be engaged with here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9fb9FqJeVw
Gospel Conversations – out of the Dunedin Anglican Diocese. They host a conversation of 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, they are focusing on other parts of the Lectionary. For this coming Sunday the 3rd of May, they’re considering Acts 7:55-60. It can be accessed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp9QwsVf0lE