Spiritual Strength for Bold LivingWorkshop 1: Impact

Patricia Hall InfanteCongregational Life ConsultantCentral East Region of the UUA

Workshop #1: Impact

• Explore in more depth the “characteristics of a spiritually strong congregation.”

• Consider the ways in which faith development is a key factor in bold living at all ages and stages.

• Reflect on the value of healthy leadership and a strong mission in living out a bold vision.

Characteristics of a spiritually strong congregation

Commitment to learning…together.

Willingness to be vulnerable and a covenant to hold that tender space.

Trust in leaders.

Curiosity.

Openness to what is unseen and not known.

Engagement with difference.

Resilience.

Draw a star map of your congregation

• Take about 4 minutes to draw your star map.

• Share in groups of 3.

• What observations or insights emerged?

Rev Phil Lund: Six Core Premises About Congregational Spirituality

• Spiritual nurture is the heart of pastoral care.• A minister’s own spiritual journey is the source of their pastoral

authority.• Religious traditions still have something to offer spiritual seekers.• Group spiritual direction is preferable to individual spiritual

direction.

• Congregations are particularly well-suited to offer group spiritual direction.

• Attending to one’s spiritual growth leads to action in the world.

UU Faith Development

• Everything we do is faith development.

• All we teach is Unitarian Universalism.

• The congregation is the curriculum.

» Connie Goodbread and Rev. Susan Smith

Faith Development Theory

Faith Universal

Faith Expansive

Faith Self-Constructed

Faith by Assent

Faith Learned

Faith Imitated

Faith Development Reality

Faith Universal

Faith Expansive

Faith Self-Constructed

Faith Learned

Faith by Assent

Faith Learned

Where do we cultivate spiritual strength?

On Your Own

In the Home

In a Small Group

In a Large Group

In the Congregation

In the Community

What has your journey been?

Identity Re-formation

• The majority of adult Unitarian Universalist’s are “come-inners,” that is, they come to the faith from another faith tradition or an unchurched background.

• Unlearning or re-formation is often a necessary part of claiming a Unitarian Universalist identity.

Core Values Reflection

• Bring to mind two or three core values that you recall from your childhood. If you come from a churched background, draw on those experiences as well as the values passed on within your family.

• Now think about the present. What are the core values that guide your living in the present? How are those core values lived out in your congregation?

• What has changed? Has your life experience affirmed or transformed your understanding of your core values?

Assumptions

We live in a world of difference

• Every head is a world. (Cuban proverb)

“The presence of mature, self-aware and faithful leaders means health is possible in the community.”

~ Peter Steinke

Spiritual maturity begins with emotional maturity.

How do we grow spiritually strong Unitarian Universalists Leaders?

• Create an intentional process that is mission based and focused on building UU identity.

• Provide direction – spiritual plan, pastoral ministry.

• Provide opportunity – worship, small group ministry, multigenerational experiences

• Equip with new skills - learning, faith in action, reflection.

• Encourage group and individual spiritual practice.

Resources