Backyard to the Universe
Small Group Ministries
WHO OWNS RELIGIOUS EDUCATION?
Opening words:
The minister "owns" the worship service.
The music director "owns" the choir.
The sexton "owns" the building.
The administrator "owns" the office.
Who "owns" religious education?
Check in: How are you doing today? What is going well? How are you being challenged?
Topic/Activity:
When religious education is a vital part of the church community, who gets the credit?
When there are concerns, challenges - and even problems - who gets the blame?
Who is expected to "carry" the program?
What vision do you have for religious education?
How have you shared your vision? With whom? What happens when you share your vision?
How does this vision relate to your spiritual practice or spiritual journey?
What vision of religious education does the congregation hold?
How can you move together on areas of common vision?
What happens when there are different visions?
How do you see your role and the work you do within the context of the total congregation?
How do you interact within the congregation? With whom? When? How?
How impact does this have on you professionally?
Give a story about the impact that you have in your setting.
Closing words:
"Owning" is claiming possession of that which is due or owed
"Owning" is receiving recognition that or work has merit.
"Owning" is commitment to sustaining something of worth.
"Owning" and holding is spiritual practice.
"Owning" and holding with others is a spiritual endeavor.
"Owning" and holding as we move through time is engagement in the future.
Likes and wishes: How was the session for you?