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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2009-06-11, Page 12By Pastor Brent KipferBrussels Mennonite FellowshipDo you consider yourself aleader? I am surprised by the number of people who deny having any leadership gifts – and yet lead very effectively: in their home, workplace or volunteer organization. Leadership takes many different forms. We expect to see it in a principal’s office – but it also happens on the playground when a child stands up for a classmate who is being bullied. A nurse may show leadership by questioning whether a patient is receiving the right medication. A manager may invite employees to brainstorm fresh ways to tackle the challenges of a recession. Responsible parents exercise leadership every day – as do countless people in business, government and community groups. Leaders are not only those who make the headlines, govern nations or start companies. They are ordinary people who at one time or another step out and help guide agroup (small or large) to a betterfuture.The world (including our communities, churches and families) needs good leadership. There are many different ways that God accomplishes his purposes on the earth, but as I read the scriptures, I get the distinct impression that God prefers to work through human beings. Whether it is Moses leading the people out of Egypt or Hannah keeping her promise at the temple, God entrusts ordinary people with responsibilities that shape the quality of our lives. I believe that God has been generous in handing out the skills necessary for leadership – to a wide variety of people. In healthy families, churches and communities, leadership is not hoarded by a few, but shared by many. Often we lead because of a particular role that we have been given, as a “parent” or a “coach” or “Girl Guide leader” or “work supervisor.” Even without an official title, there are many acts of leadership that we can perform. I believe that God wants us to help each other become the most effectiveleaders that we can be. Tony Campolo belongs to a largeAfrican American church in Philadelphia. When their long- serving, well-respected pastor died, the congregation invited a young man to be their new pastor. Tony was surprised. The young man was just graduating from seminary and had little experience in leadership. In a conversation with one of the church elders, Tony told him that the church needed someone with a proven track record in ministry. “We need a great preacher!” he said. The old man answered, “Then we’re just going to have to take this young man and make him great!” What a wonderful vision! What is involved in growing as a leader? I am convinced that our development as leaders needs to focus on five main areas. Each involves an ongoing process of learning, discovery and decision: 1) Our identity as people who have been chosen by God. The shakier this is, the more likely we are to exercise leadership in way that tries to bolster our own security, significance and self-worth. If we have already found these things inJesus Christ, we are freed up to leadin a way that looks to the interests ofothers rather than our own. 2) Our call. The clearer we are about the purpose of our lives, the easier it becomes to decide how to use the limited time and resources we have been given. 3) Our character. All leadership involves influence and hinges on the trust that people place in us. As a Christian leader, I can only be effective if I am developing a Jesus- shaped character. This takes some co-operative effort. 4) Our competence. Growing leaders seek out ways to hone the talents, skills and knowledge they need to lead well. 5) Our leadership community. We lead best when we are part of a team that provides accountability, support and encouragement. Lone Rangers are successful on TV but rarely in real life. How do we continue to grow in these areas? In September, I plan to lead a year-long course called Growing Leaders. The group willbecome a learning communitydedicated to exploring this question. Anyone interested in learning more is invited to an information night Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship. PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2009.From the Minister’s Study‘Do you consider yourself a leader?’ Would you like to grow as a leader? Good leadership is essential for community, families, workplaces, churches and volunteer orgnanizations. Beginning in September, Brussels Mennonite Fellowship plans to offer a one-year course called, Growing Leaders, led by pastor Brent Kipfer. It is designed to help participants know that they are chosen by God, discern their call, develop Christ- like character, cultivate leadership competency and lead in community with others. The course involves eight two- hour monthly sessions, two Friday nights - Saturday mini-retreat sessions, a small number of projects between some sessions and (ideally) an opportunity to meet regularly with a mentor. Anyone who would like to learn more is invited to an Introducing Growing Leaders information night on Tuesday, June 23, 7 p.m. at Brussels Mennonite Fellowship. To learn more, phone 519-887-6388. getlivingwater.org Pastor: Ernest Dow ~ 519-523-4848 Living Water Christian Fellowship 10:30 a.m. ~ Worship & Sunday School at Blyth Public School, corner of King & Mill June 14: Luke 10:1-12 “General Assembly Video: PERNELL GOODYEAR - Joining the Work of Jesus in Your Neighbourhood” 7:30 pm at BPS: “FIREPROOF” movie! Evangelical Missionary Church WW ee ll cc oo mm ee tt oo BB rr uu ss ss ee ll ss MM ee nn nn oo nn ii tt ee FF ee ll ll oo ww ss hh ii pp Sunday, June 14 9:30 a.m. Worship Service includes Celebration of Pastor Brent Kipfer 519-887-6388 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages Noon Potluck Fellowship Meal MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS SUNDAY, JUNE 14 Wheelchair accessible ~ Nursery care available 519-887-9831 11:00 am - Sunday Morning Worship - Sunday School 9:30 am - Sunday Belgrave Service Please join us for worship SUNDAYS Morning Service 10:00am Evening Service 7:30pm BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor John Kuperus Hwy. 4, Blyth THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA Welcomes you to come and worship with us Trinity, Blyth 9:15 a.m. 519-523-9595 St. John's, Brussels 11:15 a.m. 519-887-6862 Sunday, June 14 PASTOR DAVID WOOD 119 John’s Ave.,Auburn 519-526-1131 www.huronchapel.org 9:30 a.m. Sunday School & Small Groups 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Service UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS August 17-21 “Athletes in Action” Soccer Camp Ages 7-12 July 6-10 “Through the Wilderness” Vacation Bible School Grades JK - Gr. 6 BMF offers year-long course 308 Blyth Rd. E. ~ Pastor Les Cook 519-523-4590 B l y t h C o m m u n ity Church of God C H U R C H O F G O D ,ANDERS O N , I N D I A N A “The Church is not a building, it is people touching people Sunday School 9:45 a.m. - Christian Education for all ages 11:00 a.m. - Worship Service Mid-week Bible Studies See you Sunday! Youre Invited to come worship with us Sunday, June 14 Brussels Public School at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday School for children 4 to 11 years of age (mornings only) Childcare provided for infants and toddlers Coffee & cookies after the morning service For additional details please contact: Steve Klumpenhower 519.887.8651 Rick Packer 519.527.0173 BRUSSELS - ETHEL PASTORAL CHARGE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Sandra Cable, Worship Leader Church Office 519-887-6259 E-mail - bepc@wightman.ca Sunday, June 14 Ethel United Church Worship Service - 9:30 a.m. Brussels United Church Worship Service - 11:00 a.m. Celebrating our Christian Faith together in worship Corner of Dinsley & Mill Street Blyth United Church Office: 519-523-4224 Rev. Gary Clark All Welcome Sunday, June 14 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Baptism Sunday June 21 - Father’s Day ~ Guest speaker: Erin Roy ~ Torch Bearer ~ Beijing Olympics