Mission Monthly: Building a Learning Culture
Earlier this month, approximately 60 participants from across LCANZ congregations joined together for another online collaboration and learning event titled: Cultivating Leadership for a Missional Future: Building a Learning Culture in Our Congregations. An initiative of the district mission directors, this time we drew on the gifts of Pastor Dan Mueller from Immanuel Buderim QLD.
Pastor Dan shared some extremely practical insights from his congregation, such as annual “Listening Circles” and the “Community Understanding Project,” which engage members across generations and strengthen ties with the broader community. A key takeaway was the importance of encouraging opportunities to prayerfully experiment, reflect and trust God to show us how to take ‘just the next step’ as we participate in his mission through our congregations.
Participants were also introduced to the devotional practice of Dwelling in the Word—a way to deeply engage with Scripture in community. This practice has been resonating with many as a tool for nurturing spiritual growth and discernment. For those interested, you can access a guide to this practice here: Dwelling in the Word
We’ve received a positive response to this event and plan to continue hosting these collaborative Zoom sessions regularly. If you missed this session, you can watch the full video or listen to the audio recording using the links provided here: audio and video
Additionally, examples of the tools shared, including instructions for a SWOT analysis and insights on integrating learning circles into your congregation, are available for download here:
Learning Circles have been used in worship
Thank you to everyone who participated, and to Pastor Dan for sharing local wisdom so generously. I give thanks to God for the many gifted mission-minded leaders across our church, women and men, and I’m looking forward to using their gifts in upcoming learning events.
Let’s keep learning, listening, and leading for God’s glory!
For more information on these LCANZ Collaborative Learning Zoom get-togethers (!), please reach out to me at brett.kennett@lca.org.au
