just the rev

William Wallace is supposed to have said "Men don't follow titles they follow courage." As people are looking to be confident in church leaders I think there is a big shift away from titles and position to guts and courage - this is what counts.

Off to Hucclecote at the invitation of Mike Burke, the vicar, this evening to give a little talk on "Shift Happens" (looking at the changing values in society and church.) Should be fun!

oh how the church likes everything neat and tidy.....not much sign of a mess in our diocese although that is apparently what our bish is up for. Sometimes I think the church wants the fresh stuff so long as it is within our control. Going to see this very nice Bish who has a potential job up his sleeve a week today.....involves pioneering a youth church! Good curates training event on Sunday....did nayone else there find the worship a bit more refreshing than usual?!Late for a lunch date with a church warden. more laters. Mike how was the return to Viney?!!

Had a phone call from a bishop yesterday. I was out but he left a really nice message and told me of a possible job. There appears to be an element of crazy, creative and cool to it. Maybe this one will fit.....

well we're back! Turkey was great. Loads of time to relax and enjoy being a family.

A bit of time to to mull over a few ideas too about what I am terming "a new kind of leader." Mark thanks for the book 'postmission' has really helped feed my thinking and has stirred me up no end! I suppose its too easy to be negative about existing church leadership models and styles without singing the praises of what is good in them. For now I am going to try and not comment on what I perceive to the current norm. I think a new kind of leader will have a focus on personal integrity, living in the margins, getting a work/life balance, the pursuit of flexibility and freedom, godly character, seeking the messy blessing of community (and not just affinity - surrounding ourselves with ourselves) and vulnerability/integrity.
William Wallace said "Men don't follow titles they follow courage." A new kind of leader will not lean on their title or even their past experiences - not so much what they have achieved but what is shaping them now.

Anyway enough ramblings....

Mike Capener where are you?

Mark B. are you okay? Long time no talk.