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The Learning Congregation

Being a congregational leader can be challenging and confusing. The Learning Congregation program provides ongoing training in some of the most difficult and common challenges faced by church leaders.

While the challenges may be common, the approaches you'll find in our workshops are anything but. Some of our workshop leaders are internationally known for their innovative, effective work in their field. All our workshops will help you deal with problems at a deep, thoughtful level, leading to meaningful, positive change in your congregation.

To learn what past participants have said about Learning Congregation trainings, click here.

See REGISTRATION FORM for details on enrollment and fees.

Workshop Line Up

January 23, 2010
APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY
This training is for congregational leaders who:

• are tired of problem-based and deficit-model approaches to renewing and improving congregational life
• seek to enhance their ability to work constructively toward purposeful change
• want to know how the processes and practices of Appreciative Inquiry can open new conversations in their congregations
Appreciative Inquiry focuses on a congregation at its best. It helps leaders and members re-organize for change by extending what's already working into a dream of what's possible and a design for bringing about purposeful change. Come learn how to:
• apply the principles of Appreciative Inquiry
• utilize the practices of the Appreciative Inquiry cycle of inquiry
• design tools and conversational processes for specific challenges
• make creative applications of Appreciative Inquiry in one’s own leadership
(Presenter: Rev. Dr. Larry Peers, Senior Consultant, with the Alban Institute; former Director for Congregational Growth and Research with the UUA)

March 13, 2010
CLAIMING OUR JOY: SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Unitarian Universalists work hard against systems of domination and oppression. The needs created by these systems are enormous and the strategies for dealing with them perplexing. Those working for transformation can easily feel overwhelmed and spent.

How do we remember and nurture our connection to s/Spirit as we work for change? How can we tap into the power of Beloved Community even as we work to create it? These are the questions at the heart of this workshop.

Claiming Our Joy will help lay and professional leaders consider the practices they can use to enliven social change and social action efforts within their congregations and the wider world. The workshop will help leaders:
• identify current attitudes and behaviors that deplete our souls and divide us from s/Spirit and each other
• craft an understanding of what community is and how it can sustain us for the long haul
• recognize that community is both a catalyst for and a result of social change
• explore spiritual leadership practices that open our hearts and build Beloved Community
(Presenters: Hilary Allen, Community Engagement Manager at Boston Center for Community and Justice, and Meck Groot, MBD Social Justice Coordinator and former Co-Director of Women’s Theological Center)

March 27, 2010
CREATING SANCTUARY: BEST PRACTICES FOR SAFE CONGREGATIONS
What does it mean to feel safe in our congregations? How do we balance our desire to be a welcoming and nurturing environment for all people with our need to stand firm against threats to personal and institutional safety and well being? How do we create safety plans that affirm mutual respect and justice? Join us as we:
• Identify critical areas for policy and procedures
• Discover the value of covenants
• Learn skills for managing disruptive behaviors
• Consider compassionate systems for practicing right relations
(Presenter: Deb Levering, Program Consultant, Clara Barton District of the UUA)

April 10, 2010
THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: STRATEGIC PLANNING IN CONGREGATIONS
A dynamic planning process can help your congregation chart its course toward a mission-centered future. This workshop will explore congregational strategic planning processes that are inclusive, spiritually nourishing, effective, and fun. (Presenters: Rev. Dr. Terasa Cooley, MBD District Executive & Rev. Sue Phillips, MBD Director of Program Development)

The Value of Teams

We encourage each congregation to bring a team of at least four people. Experience has taught us that a group of trained leaders in a congregation can be far more effective than an individual in bringing new ideas back to the congregation. Who your congregation registers for a workshop depends on the interest in the topic and the position of the lay leader.

All workshops are interactive and provide plenty of opportunities for getting to know your fellow Unitarian Universalists.

Cost

The program fee includes continental breakfast, lunch, and materials.
Please compute your payment using the following fee structure:
• $90 for an individual or
• $350 for the first four members on a congregational team and $65 for each additional team member or
• $35 per ministerial student
• SAVE $250 - pay $800 and send team of 4 to any 3 workshops (pay now and sign up teams later)
Scholarships may be arranged for congregations in need. See registration form for details.

Location

This year, our Learning Congregation Workshops will be held at the First Parish Church in Weston. Directions

Schedule

The programs are held on Saturdays 9 AM to 2 PM including continental breakfast and lunch.

Questions?

Contact Rev. Sue Phillips, Director of Program Development, by phone at 617-803-1116 or by email.