A Riddle:
Until I am measured I am not known, Yet you miss me so much When I have flown. Who am I? (For the answer, scroll down to the end of the article.)
It’s the week of transition. Christmas is past. The New Year is ahead. For many, this is a time of reflection and evaluation; a good time for asking a self-assessment question, such as, “Who am I?”
Some ask the “Who am I?” question out of despair. For example, Petula Clark’s 1966 rendition of “Who Am I?” said, “I'm chasing rainbows in the rain. All the dreams that I believe in let me down.” To hear the song, click
here. In contrast, others deal with “Who Am I?” from the perspective of hope and assurance. A group called “Casting Crowns” sings, “You’ve told me who I am, I am yours.” To catch this video, click
here.
For those who are followers of Jesus, the question is also asked and answered in a belief statement of faith known as the Heidelberg Catechism (Q&A 32). There the answer to “Who Am I?” is: “ …by faith I am a member of Christ and so I share in his anointing. I am anointed to confess his name, to present myself to him as a living sacrifice of thanks, to strive with a free conscience against sin and the devil in this life, and afterward to reign with Christ over all creation for eternity.”
Whether you are wrestling with the question of your own identity or wanting to be of help to others who are looking for support with self-assessment and direction, there are resources available. One such tool is a guided learning experience called “Purposeful Living” by Rev. Ken Eriks.
“Purposeful Living” helps participants answer questions about themselves like:
- Who has God created and shaped me to be?
- Why am I here?
- What is God preparing me to be and do?
- How do I understand my personal calling as a follower of Jesus Christ?
“Purposeful Living” comes in a Congregational Leaders Edition and also with a Facilitator’s Guide. This resource is available free and can be downloaded by clicking
here. The “Purposeful Living” experience takes about ten hours, making it perfect for a retreat or class that is be conducted over several sessions. It is one sure way to begin identifying emerging leaders.
For leaders in your congregation, Church Leadership Center provides training for lay leaders and lay pastors. Our approach to leadership development includes assessment, personalized training plans, classes, and mentoring so that participants are able to minister effectively in all areas of church life. Click
here for more information. To view videos about Commissioned Pastors and those who support them, click
here. To read previous blogs, click
here.
Please forward this email to a lay leader or church staff member who may benefit from information about leadership development and Church Leadership Center.
New courses begin in January in New Testament, Sacraments and Liturgy. Reply to this email for course information.
If you are able, please lend us a hand financially.
We are aware that you may already support a number of significant ministry organizations. It is because of this evidenced commitment that we ask you to also consider making a $100 contribution to Church Leadership Center. This year’s monetary gifts will be applied to improving our web sites, which are critical parts of CLC’s individualized approach. With your permission, we would love to list you on one of the web pages as a “Friend of Church Leadership Center.” Upon receiving your gift, we’ll send you a link to the page.
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