What Kind of Kid Disciples Are in Your Church?

What Kind of Kid Disciples Are in Your Church?

My parents are fond of saying that us five kids came out of the womb with our personalities intact. The same may be true of the children and youth in your congregation. When discipling young people, it is essential to understand their personalities to reach them most effectively. I like using the DiSC® model of behavior to assess personality styles. Although personalities are technically not set until later in life, you can learn a lot about a child by observing their actions and behavior now.

For example, children whose personality reflects the Dominance (D) style are often seen as brave, confident, and assertive. A child with the Influence style (i) is outgoing, enthusiastic, and talkative. Both (D) and (i) styles are fast paced. Children with the style of Steadiness (S) are even-tempered and empathetic, while children with a Conscientiousness (C) style like to take their time and be organized. (S) and (C) styles are moderately paced. And, of course, all children, like adults, reflect each of the four styles within their personalities to differing degrees.

By understanding the different DiSC® styles of the children of your congregation, you can create an environment where children feel comfortable, engaged, and able to relate to the message being taught. You can help by providing opportunities for them to learn and interact in ways as diverse as their personalities.

For instance, let’s say you have a group of children that primarily are Influence (I) style. Connect the group by organizing a fun and interactive activity that allows them to express themselves creatively. Children with the (S) style may appreciate a calm and nurturing environment for engaging in group play. Children with the (D) style can be given a problem that requires risk or boldness to solve. Children with the (C) style can design processes for caring or incorporating new children into the group.

Creating an engaging and inclusive environment for children in church is essential for their spiritual growth. As adults and leaders, we must ensure children feel safe and respected in their faith community. After all, Jesus too exhibited varying personality styles, and we see it in the Gospels. We know of his compassion, forgiveness, and empathy, but we know he also took risks, questioned, challenged, inspired, and shook things up.

By creating an environment where children can feel comfortable exploring their faith and expressing themselves, this helps them be more Christlike. Invite them into conversations and provide activities tailored to their preference. 

Regardless of DiSC style, here are 6 things you can do to create a safe and empowering environment for children: 

  • Encourage children to ask questions freely 
  • Model kindness, understanding, and respect
  • Invite the children to be honest and take risks in sharing their perspectives 
  • Make sure everyone is included and feels heard across the DiSC® styles 
  • Facilitate conversations that are meaningful for the child’s age and development level
  • Shake things up! 

Understanding the DiSC® model of human behavior and applying this knowledge to create an inclusive and engaging environment for children in church is not just a matter of intellectual understanding. It is, in fact, a call to practical wisdom – to understand and act upon these learnings. It’s about stepping out of the realm of theory into the realistic, dynamic world of action. 

In my three-year award-winning leadership coaching program, Creating a Culture of Renewal®, church leaders are equipped with a variety of DiSC® profiles to facilitate the growth of healthy and vibrant church communities.  Communities that empower both adults and children. Reach out to learn more.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

3 Powerful Impacts of Group Culture on Congregations

3 Powerful Impacts of Group Culture on Congregations

Group culture is the “way we do things.” Churches, denominations, and even committees have a group culture. While ethnicity, region, and generation impact the way a group functions, group culture gets at something deeper. In this article, I’m going to share with you 3 powerful impacts of group culture on congregations. And how you can leverage it to maximize your influence on the communities you serve.

 

DiSC® Model of Human Behavior

In Creating a Culture of Renewal®, we use the DiSC® model of human behavior. This model provides an easy-to-understand framework for human behavior. It names four primary behavior styles: Dominance (D), Influence (i), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). It also acknowledges that each person is a blend of all four styles. Although, one or two styles predominate in each person.

Individuals who align with the Dominance (D) style prioritize results and take a direct approach. Those in the Influence (i) category prioritize relationships and social interaction, often displaying enthusiasm and optimism. Steadiness (S) style individuals are cooperative, reliable, and value group harmony. Lastly, Conscientiousness (C) style individuals prioritize accuracy and tend to be analytical, detail-oriented, and careful in their approach. Think about your leaders and your congregation.  Do you see a healthy mix of styles, or one style that’s predominant?

By categorizing behavioral tendencies, the DiSC® model allows a deeper understanding of how individuals interact and communicate within different contexts.

Now let’s look at the 3 powerful impacts of group culture on congregations.

 

  1. Group Culture is Self-Perpetuating

The first impact is a potential pitfall of group culture. The culture of a group tends to perpetuate itself. For example, a confident and energetic community naturally empowers and supports individuals who thrive in that environment. A careful and conscientious environment (C) naturally rewards others who are aligned with those values.

The opposite is also true. A confident and energetic community may frown upon harmony-seekers (S), or those who prioritize careful analysis (C). Likewise, a careful and conscientious environment (C) can shut down those who display too much enthusiasm (i), or those who are risk takers (D).

Tip: Even leaders fall prey to this. We in leadership often surround ourselves with people who are similar to us and share our values. When you leave out the voices at the margin, you’re missing out on differing perspectives that are necessary for a well-rounded approach.

 

  1. Leaders Matter in Shaping Group Culture

The second powerful impact of group culture on congregations is that leaders greatly influence the culture of the congregation. This is true of ordained, appointed, an elected leader—whether clergy or laity. That’s because leaders attract or repel others to their ideas and initiatives through their innate qualities. Their priorities naturally shape the agenda, while their pace sets the tone for how and when tasks are accomplished. Moreover, leaders have the power to determine which conversations receive attention and provide an interpretive lens for them. They may even select other leaders who align with their values and approach.

Tip: By leveraging your unique position of authority, you can shape the group culture and foster a more inclusive and positive environment for other DiSC® styles. This requires understanding the value of different behavioral styles, as well as navigating the challenges that might arise from working with all four styles. It’s important to remain to vigilant in recognizing attempts to exclude certain styles so that you can foster a supportive atmosphere that benefits everyone.

 

  1. Identify Your Group Culture

The third powerful impact on group culture is the pace and preference of your group culture. Some leaders tend to be fast-paced; they are comfortable taking action without having to know every detail. Others are more moderate-paced, preferring to think things through thoroughly before making decisions. Consider the preferences of each leader. Are they more people-oriented or project-oriented? Pace and preference shape group culture.

Tip: Take a moment to think about the leaders within your congregation. This includes both official and unofficial leaders, paid and volunteer staff, committee chairpersons, experienced members, and even those who may not always agree with the majority. Make a list of each leader and their pace and preference. See if you can match that to DiSC styles.

 

Maximize Congregational Influence on the Community

The more open the group culture—welcoming all four behavioral styles—the more likely the community will feel welcomed as they interact with you.  Remember that each community member also has a DiSC® style that influences how they approach life. Remain open to all the kinds of people God is sending your way.

By understanding and embracing behavioral diversity, leaders can create a balanced environment: one that is adventurous, curious, open, harmonious, and caring atmosphere where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Want to learn more? Join Creating a Culture of Renewal® to continue to learn, grow, and champion a culture grounded in love, understanding, and mutual respect.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

3 Strategies for Practicing Generational Intelligence

3 Strategies for Practicing Generational Intelligence

Generational intelligence is a vital skill for church leaders. Generational intelligence is the ability to connect with each generation in a way that honors their unique experiences and perspectives while maintaining a unified mission and identity. When you practice generational intelligence, you effectively bridge the generational gap within a church. You also expand your capacity to lead a multi-generational congregation. In this blog I will explain 3 strategies for practicing generational intelligence.

Before I delve into these practical strategies for meeting the diverse needs and experiences of different generations within a congregation, let me dispel a myth. We like to say that “children are the future of the church”. This is a myth on two levels. One, children or lack thereof are part of the present reality of the church. Two, if adults are not present to provide children support and guidance, then the church will not survive. That’s why understanding how to effectively lead a multi-generational congregation is vital to a growing church.

 

Understanding Generational Differences

The first step to practicing generational intelligence is to understand subtle generational differences. Unique historical events and cultural shifts shape each generation. Let’s take a look at a few examples:

The Greatest Generation, born before 1928, endured the Great Depression and World War II which instilled values of resilience and patriotism.

Baby Boomers, born from 1946 to 1964, lived through the Kennedy assassination, the Vietnam War, and cultural movements like Civil Rights, Gay Pride, and the Jesus revolution. They now face the challenge of balancing current needs with saving for the future.

Generation Y, or Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, grew up with happily ever-after Disney movies while experiencing the impacts of 9/11, the invasion of Iraq, and the Great Recession. Social networking became a defining aspect of their lives.

Both Gen Z (born from 1997 to 2012) and Generation Alpha (born from 2010 to the present) encounter distinct challenges. They have come of age in the aftermath of events like 9/11, grappling with natural disasters and constant connection to the digital world. Their lives have been shaped by witnessing the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of social justice movements such as Black Lives Matter and March for Our Lives. Their worldview is influenced by extreme weather events, enforced isolation, and an uncertain future. Growing up in socially and politically divided environments, both generations are not inherently learning the value of compromise and cooperation.

By understanding the experiences and influences that shape each generation, you can better minister to the needs of different age groups.

 

3 Strategies for Generational Intelligence

To effectively lead a multi-generational congregation, church leaders must practice these 3 strategies for generational intelligence.

1) Embrace Diversity – Cultivate a church environment that embraces and celebrates a diverse range of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds. That means you’ll need to foster open dialogue, get to know the personal narratives of members, and acknowlede their distinctive contributions. This will go a long way toward valuing the different perspectives of each generation.

2) Seek Out Wisdom – Recognize the wisdom and knowledge that comes with diverse experiences. Seek input from individuals of different generations and actively listen to their perspectives to gain insight into how best to lead a diverse congregation.

3) Foster Intergenerational Relationships – Don’t just work with people similar to you in age. Connect with individuals of all ages and look for ways to build bridges between generations. This could include developing volunteer opportunities that span a range of ages or creating church activities that cater to both young and old alike. Older congregants can connect emotionally to youth by helping teach practical application activities like gardening and social belonging through civic involvement. Young adults can help less tech-savy elders by teaching them how to text, take videos, create avatars, and use new apps.

 

Applying Generational Intelligence

As you prioritize diverse generational perspectives, you are in a better position to reflect on your ministry. To meet the distinct needs of each generation, ask yourself the following questions:

How do the concerns of different generations impact a congregation and shape its culture?

How might each generation perceive God, church, and discipleship?

What perspectives can each generation contribute to the church?

Based on your answers, you now have insight into your next steps.

 

Next Steps

Leading across generations is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Understanding the perspectives of others can shed light on not just our differences, but our similarities.  This crucial realization can open the eyes of all generations and ease your path to successfully leading a flourishing and healthy congregation.

If you’re seeking more strategies for practicing generational intelligence, let me invite you to my upcoming seminar – How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success: An Introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal®. This seminar is a golden opportunity to delve deeper into the dynamics of thriving congregations and learn practical tools for fostering a culture of renewal within your ministry.

I look forward to seeing you there.

 

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com.  All Rights Reserved.

Why Churches Must Focus on Creating a Culture of Renewal

Why Churches Must Focus on Creating a Culture of Renewal

The church is a living, breathing institution. To remain relevant, it must focus on creating a culture of renewal; embracing renewal is integral to spiritual and missional growth. By focusing on creating a culture of renewal, churches can better serve their communities and make an impact that lasts.

 

What Does It Mean to Create a Culture of Renewal?

We are not talking about creating new one-time events, or even a new mission focus. These kinds of projects are good in and of themselves, but they do not necessarily impact the culture of the congregation.  Think of the culture of a congregation as “the way we do things.” While the individuals in the congregation may be caring, Christ-loving, and compassionate, the culture of the congregation has an even greater influence than the individuals in it.

Through my years of experience in teaching people how to create a culture of renewal, I have found that most congregations have cultures that are stability-seeking, harmony-oriented, and cautious about risk. This impacts the way they preach, pray, do mission, celebrate, organize themselves, envision the Kingdom, and relate to their neighbors. This church culture is prevalent in all kinds of congregations:  rural and urban, small and large, old and new, traditional and non-traditional.

To actively create a culture of renewal means to expand the way your church does things so that it allows for more spontaneity, more bold action, and more courage. It also means being willing to speed up the pace of decision-making and try things that aren’t necessarily guaranteed to work.

When a church can develop this kind of culture, it is more likely to embrace new people and to look outward, and not just inward. These changes allow a congregation to fulfill its mission.

Churches should also strive to create an atmosphere where people feel safe enough to open up about their struggles without fear or judgment. One that encourages deep conversations that lead to genuine transformation in people’s lives.

 

The Impact of Leadership on Renewing the Culture

Creating a culture of renewal in the church begins when its leadership, both clergy and laity, become willing to take risks and create space for others to grow. This means creating opportunities for people to ask questions, share thoughts, and explore new ideas. Your people won’t go farther than you can lead them. If the church’s leadership is unwilling to model the future, it will stay right where it is – in the past.

Recognizing failure as a necessary part of learning is also important when it comes to renewing the church culture. Create a safe space to talk through what worked and what didn’t, while being open to honest feedback.  Otherwise, failures will be remembered as “We tried that, and it didn’t work,” reinforcing the reluctance to try anything new.

 

The Benefits of Focusing on Renewal

Focusing on renewal offers numerous benefits for the church. It helps create more meaningful relationships by providing space for vulnerable conversations about faith and life. People going through difficult times will feel supported by the church if they know their struggles are being heard and addressed with compassion.

Additionally, when churches focus on creating a culture of renewal, they become more equipped to handle real-world issues in their communities because they have created an environment where different perspectives can be shared openly.

But most importantly, when you focus on renewal, you are able to be an agent of change for the whole community, and bring hope that is desperately needed.

 

How to Bring Renewal to Your Setting

Shifting a culture is much tougher than launching a new event or starting a new initiative. It requires a different skill set, and a different sense of focus. For that reason, I recommend three things when you are ready to bring renewal to your setting:  support, accountability, and mentoring.

Support means you are not in it by yourself. Accountability helps you keep your eye on the culture, and to evaluate what is needed next. Mentoring means you can learn from someone who has already been there. That person can help you navigate the stages of culture shifting.

If you’d like to know more about how we approach Creating a Culture of Renewal, come to a live seminar. We teach you how to move from ideas to implementation. Register here or reach out to me if you want more information.

 

Copyright © 2023 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.

My New Year’s Resolutions 2022

My New Year’s Resolutions 2022

As I look toward 2022, I have mixed feelings of excitement and trepidation. Will the pandemic finally be over, life returning to a semblance of normal? Will we, as a nation and as individuals, take on the big issues of gun violence, homophobia, and racism, and start treating one another more as a beloved community? Will the United Methodist church split? What will my own ministry look like?  Uncertainty aside and focusing on the positive, I sat down to write my New Year’s Resolutions for 2022.

I’ve been in ministry for 27 years. The first 12 years as a pastor, then 15 years as support for pastors and other church leaders. My ministry has been about empowering church leaders to create shifts in their congregations and move towards greater health and vitality, personally and corporately. It’s deeply satisfying work and my life’s passion.

When the pandemic hit, I was busy traveling around the country, leading retreats and workshops, delivering keynote addresses. Much as I loved my work, the pace of travel was hard to keep up.

When the coronavirus slowed travel to a halt, my commute shrunk to the one mile between my home and office. I was relieved. My ministry moved online, though I realized there were others whose lives and work couldn’t simply adapt. Those who worked with and fed the homeless, the immigrants who worked in our fields, the healthcare workers struggling to save lives with little sleep and full hospitals, police, firefighters, nursing home caregivers. So many people risking their lives to help others live.

My team and I stayed active in our various ways, practicing reconciliation by listening to people with views other than our own, donning masks and distancing for Black Lives Matter marches, walking in solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters, donating gift cards and clothing, sending funds where we thought they’d be put to the best use. Helping others, outside of my ministry, took more creativity, but we stayed as “active” as possible within our communities.

Through my ministry, we helped lead the wave of adaptation by hosting innovative online retreats, webinars, and classes. We added free workshop options to make the ministry accessible to others, isolated in their homes as we were. And our Creating a Culture of Renewal® participants told us that they fared far better than their colleagues who didn’t have the level of support that our groups offer.

happy people together

All that notwithstanding, I really missed BEING with people. There’s no substitute for the immediacy and energy that happens in a live setting. That kind of energy fuels my creativity and my spirit.

So this year, while recognizing the suffering and lives lost, I also want to embrace all the good that the pandemic has brought our way and the options it’s given me to reach out in faith to an even wider audience. Thus, I share my New Year’s resolutions for my life’s ministry.

Be it resolved that in the service of church leaders everywhere in 2022, in partnership with God I will be creative, daring myself to think outside the box, and taking on things that scare me.

Be it resolved that I will deepen my commitment to authentic Christian community by empowering my ministry team to lead powerfully.

Be it resolved that I will envision and give voice to new futures and not let the fear of failure or rejection hold me back. Like other leaders, I worry about what others think of me. To hell with that. With a high percentage of Protestant senior pastors getting burned out and , this work is more important than ever.

Out of these New Year’s resolutions, my ministry goals include hosting a live event: A Celebration of Renewal; publishing a book: Growing the Post-Pandemic Church (Market Square 2022); doubling the number of visions that come to life through Creating a Culture of Renewal®; laying the foundation for the Creating a Culture of Renewal® Fellowship for Clergy of Color; and creating new offerings.

In a previous blog, How My Faith Has Changed, I reported on a recent risky conversation with my bishop. Rather than being dismissive or uninterested in how my beliefs had changed, she leaned in. She wanted to hear more. I told her that I believe discipleship is the first step in the Christian journey, not the destination. That Jesus calls us to step into the faith and practices of apostleship. That apostleship requires a higher consciousness and a deeper faith. That we need apostleship pathway systems to follow up on discipleship pathway systems. She asked me if I had that sort of system mapped out yet. I told her no. “Let me know when you do,” she said. That is my dream project for 2022.

Will I fulfill all my New Year’s resolutions? Will I hit every goal? If last year and the year before are any indication, probably not. However, life will present unexpected opportunities and new goals will take the place of old ones. This coming year is a fresh opportunity to trust God, partner in faith, and set out on a vigorous course of action. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible. Even the Beloved Community in a nation rife with unrest.

Do you want support to set new resolutions and to envision new goals? To partner in faith with God in an unknown future? Then I invite you to join me in the new year to explore Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times.

 

Copyright © 2021 rebekahsimonpeter.com, All Rights Reserved.

Renew Your Advent Through Time-Honored Prayer

Renew Your Advent Through Time-Honored Prayer

Advent. Waiting. “Come, Lord Jesus, come.” Waiting.

The season of Advent is one of hope, as we, not only wait for the coming of the Christ child, but wait for Jesus’ second coming.

If I’m being honest, I’m tired of waiting. As a nation, as a world, we’ve been waiting since the start of the pandemic. When will it end? When can we visit friends and loved ones again? When can we return to work, restaurants, stores, events, etc.? We were, in essence, forced into a period of waiting.

What were we waiting for? You could sum it up in one word: normal. When can we go back to normal? Thankfully, it seems the veil covering normal has started to fall. Many traveled for the Thanksgiving holiday. Restaurants and businesses are open, just in time for the Christmas transformation of lights, wreaths, Christmas trees, and shopping frenzy.

We’ve arrived at Advent, again called to a time of waiting.

What are we waiting for? We all know Jesus has already come. While he was here, incarnate on earth, he already showed people how to do what he did. How to bring health to illness. How to bring light into darkness. How to bring truth to an empire of crushing power.

Maybe, instead of waiting on Jesus to work through some heavenly redemption, perhaps Jesus is waiting on us to work some earthly miracles.

During Jesus’ life, he was very clear about sharing his power with his disciples and apostles. He wanted them to be able to do the very things he did. To heal the sick. To cast out demons. To feed the hungry. To proclaim the Kingdom. To expand the ranks with new apostles of peace.

We wait with anticipation of the fulfilment of the Kingdom. In our waiting, we turn to prayer, often praying “Come, Lord Jesus, come,” which, truly, only Jesus can do. I wonder, though, are we praying for Jesus to do something he has already taught us how to do? If so, it’s time to shift our focus to one that will allow us to faithfully and actively celebrate this Advent season.

candles burning in darkness

I’d like to suggest the following three prayers this Advent:

Pray the Apostle’s Prayer. “Lord, increase our faith.” (Luke 17:5) When the apostles prayed this, they weren’t asking to have more faith in Jesus, but to have more of the faith of Jesus. Having that sort of faith is what it takes to do the things he did.  And to go beyond it.

Pray the Prayer of St. Francis. I love this prayer because it instructs me in exactly how to be an apostle of peace, a force for good in the world.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born to Eternal Life

Amen

Pray “I believe; help Thou my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) I pray this prayer when I find myself wavering in my ability to be courageous in the face of evil, or hopeful in the face of darkness.

Praying these prayers will align your life, thoughts, actions, and soul with Jesus’ call to us:  to be apostles of peace, healing, comfort, and Kingdom. These prayers can renew your journey through Advent, bringing new life to your time of waiting.

Interested in renewal after Advent? I invite you to join my upcoming workshop, Platinum Rule Leadership for Changing Times. This interactive workshop teaches self-awareness, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and your ability to lead and love challenging people.

Copyright © 2021 rebekahsimonpeter.com, All Rights Reserved.