Since 1999, the Reynolds Program in Church Leadership has equipped United Methodist pastors with the skills and confidence to mobilize their congregations around a shared vision. Over that time, however, our churches have experienced vast changes: Declining membership, the rise of social media, political polarization, disaffiliation, and lingering effects of COVID-19, among others.
“The program has been in place for 27 years,” said Rev. Annalee Allen, Director of Reynolds Ministries. “Now feels like the appropriate moment to pause and reassess the program content and the tools and methods we use.”
Planning for the ‘next thing’
The pause coincides with the retirement of Rev. Janice Virtue, an architect and co-facilitator from the beginning. Under Janice’s guidance, the program focused on timeless principles while tailoring content for the needs of each class. Janice (center) is pictured above with Annalee Allen and Tom Latimer.
“Every year, it’s a balancing act between the fundamentals of leadership education and the contemporary context of the church,” Janice said. “Somewhere in that balance is the place where each person can find what they need to grow.”
The generous gift of Royce and Jane Reynolds of Greensboro has influenced 675 pastors in seven conferences in the Southeastern Jurisdiction. Clergy spend a year doing a deep dive into strengths and vulnerabilities, vision and planning, navigating change and resolving conflict. The Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro serves as one of the gathering places.
“Royce would continue to challenge us and say, ‘what’s the next iteration going to look like?’” said Rev. Tom Latimer, a longtime Foundation board member. “Be planning for the next opportunity – the next thing the church may need.”
Continuing the good work
The assessment will include discussions with alumni and key stakeholders. At the heart of the inquiry: In a world that grows more complex by the day, how do pastors help congregations rise to the moment?
“We’re going to take our time and come back with a program that continues the good work we’ve always done,” said Foundation President David Snipes. “There are things that may not change. But to live into our core value of innovation, it’s important to consider all possibilities for what the program could look like.”
Janice believes that an emphasis on the fundamentals of leadership will always be vital.
“At its base, the Reynolds Program pushes pastors to be the best versions of their calling,” she said. “No matter what’s happening in the world, I hope we keep investing in helping pastors show up fully.”
Be planning for the next opportunity – the next thing the church may need.
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