Retreat Leader Guide
This Retreat Leader Guide is in a three-lesson format to be used in training ruling elders and deacons prior to ordination/installation.
Session Two
REVIEW—Use the Review sections found in the monthly leader guide for the lessons on:
d. Will you fulfill your ministry in obedience to Jesus Christ, under the authority of Scripture, and be continually guided by our confessions?
e. Will you be governed by our church’s polity, and will you abide by its discipline? Will you be a friend among your colleagues in ministry, working with them, subject to the ordering of God’s Word and Spirit?
f. Will you in your own life seek to follow the Lord Jesus Christ, love your neighbors, and work for the reconciliation of the world?
g. Do you promise to further the peace, unity, and purity of the church?
REFLECT
1. Invite participants to reflect on the context of the entire congregation by exploring the content and question provided in the resource material in the “Called to lead: But, where?! How?!” section of question (d) within the resource material.
- What experiences have you had as a congregation that have led you to look at ministry in a transformative, creative way?
Invite them to reflect on their history as a congregation and any challenges (economic, theological, staffing, facility, cultural) they have faced that have caused them to innovate and be transformed in their approach to ministry.
2. How do you see the Book of Order as beneficial to your personal spiritual growth? To your growth as a spiritual leader?
3. How will you work specifically for reconciliation as a spiritual leader in this congregation? As a Christian in the world?
RESPOND
In an effort to strengthen the relationships between church leaders, do one of the following:
- Divide into small groups of no more than four people. Share prayer requests with one another and pray for one another.
- Place the names of all the members of your group in a container and invite each person to draw the name of a colleague in ministry for whom they will pray, encouraging them to reach out in support to one another.
- Partner with another congregation in your presbytery and exchange names of ruling elders or deacons with them, covenanting to prayer for one another.