Mindful Leader

Episode 5: Our Three Co-Lay Leaders of Mountain Sky Conference

Our conversation today is with the three Co-Leaders of the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church.  They are:  Nancy Flint, Gayla Jo Slauson and Barry Welliver.  

The signal was not always strong.  I apologize.  Edited some.  

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Here are some thoughts on listening I humbly offer -- HERE.  I do see what I am doing with the podcast and my blog as related and to some extent in conversation.  

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This podcast is still maturing.  It is in effect a re-branding of an earlier podcast I used to share my sermons.  It has been re-purposed.  Once you scroll earlier than Episode Zero you are into old territory.  

I really expect my next podcast to either be a conversation with you about the first five (a monologue if you will) or a chat with leaders about Annual Conference.  Or a little bit of both.  TBD.  

 

Episode 1 -- A Mindful Interview with Angela Thomas

Angela Thomas is the Chief Financial Officer for the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church.  Steeped in the local church, conferences and the private sector, Angela brings wisdom and experience to her financial leadership.  

Don't hesitate to send me a note at dennis at mantuan dog org if you have any comments you wish to share with me, or just need help getting a regular feed on this brand new podcast.  

Episode Zero -- Introduction

I am (or was) a musician, marathoner (Boston in 1988), military officer, math modeler, and (United) Methodist Pastor.  At times, I am a muse.  That is an eclectic background and it leads me, humbly I hope, to think of myself as a Renaissance Person:  Mantua Italy claims the Renaissance started there.  It works.  

I have degrees in Music, Business (Quantitative Methods -- don't ask!), Divinity and Church Leadership.  

I have been a leader in various venues and activities since 1968 while still in college.  Growing in leadership is something that I have taken, and still take, very seriously.  

This re-branding, re-purposing of my podcast will initially focus on financial leadership within the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist and, hopefully, her local churches.  It will not stay there.  

In the beginning, for the first couple of months or so, I will not have a schedule for release.  Once I get my sea legs, I expect to produce a new podcast either weekly or every other week.  We'll see.  

When ChatGPT was asked "what is a mindful leader", this was the response (Italics and font modifications are mine, not ChatGPT):  

1. A mindful leader is someone who practices mindfulness in their leadership style. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. Mindful leaders cultivate a deep awareness of themselves and their surroundings, which enables them to make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and create a positive work environment.
2. Mindful leadership involves being fully present in interactions with employees, listening actively, and paying attention to nonverbal cues. It also involves being aware of one's own emotions and managing them in a constructive manner, as well as being attuned to the emotions of others and responding appropriately.
3. A mindful leader is also open to learning and growth, and encourages their employees to do the same. They prioritize the well-being of their employees and foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration.
4. Overall, a mindful leader is someone who leads with authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness, and who prioritizes the well-being and growth of their team.

I frankly think that forms a superb intellectual framework for how I might proceed. Authenticity, empathy, and self-awareness are excellent values for any leader.  

My overall purpose is sharing.  

Epiphany -- Listening Generously

Ephesians 3: 1-13

Liturgical material for the service developed by Kerry Greenhill, Sacred Stones.  

1 Kings -- God Speaks in a Small Still Voice, and Galatians 5 -- fruits of the Spirit.  Today the fruit is generosity.  

November 11, 2018 -- Serving Means Letting Go

Scripture Readings: Luke 15: 11-12 (yes, short). 

 Big idea:  God calls on people to serve.  I am mindful that the son had a different agenda than serving but what I want to focus on is letting go.  The father let go.  In today’s world, we are served by many and parents, grandparents, friends, have to let go. 

 “In the process of letting go, you will lose many things from the past, but you will find yourself.”  Deepak Chopra

 Part of our task is know when to let go, and when to hang on. 

Season of Pentecost - Job 39 -- God Speaks

 

God answers Job out of the Whirlwind.  This is Job 39, two passages.  We play with the idea of being full of awe or awe-full.  

Season of Pentecost - Ephesians -- New Creation

Ephesians 4: 25-5:2

We are a new creation. 

Through a clear understanding of being that new creation, are now part of the body of Christ. 

Being part of that body calls on us to grow in love, not staying static but instead growing, growing, growing. 

The key is we are a new creation, putting away what we were, and embracing what is new

Season of Pentecost -- Ephesians 2 and a Second Rule of Church Leadership

 

Ephesians 2: 13-22.  The second rule is to be grateful and remember those who came before us.  We are going to have seven weeks of Ephesians when done.  

This was preached on July 1, 2018 right before the July 4th midweek break.  I obviously felt we could do both -- secular and sacred.  

Season of Pentecost: Ephesians First Rule of Church Leadership

Ephesians 1: 3-14 

Sermon one of seven from Ephesians.  Will introduce a "rule" per week.  

This week:  "Love your congregation where they are."  

 

Season of Pentecost -- You Are the Light of the World!

 

Elder Mary Kavila preached on my behalf this June 10th last.  Her scripture was Matthew 5: 14-16.  As is usual when Mary preaches she brings both gentle understanding and a challenge to the application of the scripture.