I will finally get back to my discussion on Identity shortly, but I need to comment briefly on a meeting I was at least week in Colorado Springs. The Regional Directors for SHAPE met both to share our experiences and plan for the future. This was a significant meeting on several fronts, especially since it takes place during a time that we transition away from the significant funding that has been provided through the Lilly Endowment. SHAPE (which stands for "Sustaining Health and Pastoral Excellence") has been a tremendous success in the areas in which it has been operating and is expanding rapidly to new regions.
This particular meeting was also important as we had extensive discussions on the future of this ministry. It was recognized that we have to expand SHAPE from just a three-year intensive to a more comprehensive experience that runs throughout a ministers' life-cycle. There are also some perception issues regarding SHAPE that need to be overcome, as it is still not widely understood. In addition, there is work being done on a counterpart ministry, SHARE, that takes the principles of SHAPE to the leadership in a local congregation.
SHAPE is making a difference across the Church of God and is slowly beginning to change our internal culture. It is a vital ministry that has a bright future, especially with the strong national and regional leadership behind it.
This particular meeting was also important as we had extensive discussions on the future of this ministry. It was recognized that we have to expand SHAPE from just a three-year intensive to a more comprehensive experience that runs throughout a ministers' life-cycle. There are also some perception issues regarding SHAPE that need to be overcome, as it is still not widely understood. In addition, there is work being done on a counterpart ministry, SHARE, that takes the principles of SHAPE to the leadership in a local congregation.
SHAPE is making a difference across the Church of God and is slowly beginning to change our internal culture. It is a vital ministry that has a bright future, especially with the strong national and regional leadership behind it.
1 comment:
I must admit that I haven't taken part in SHAPE. When I first heard about it I though "that might be something that I want to part in." Alas, here I am having not moved an inch closer.
I think some more education would help. In the years since SHAPE's birth I've heard some really ignorant and frankly immature comments about it. But since I haven't been involved I haven't been able to bring any of its value to the conversation. I have reminded my collegues that it's more like cohort than a pryamid scheme.
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