3.1.1. Workshops

*You may want to read the bishop’s Introduction to the Workshops in Bishop’s Report, Part II in preparation for the workshops.

At this year’s Synod Assembly, two workshops will be held, each lasting about 90 minutes.

The general theme for the workshops is lay leadership. The first workshop will focus on lay leadership in worship, the teaching of the faith, and the care of souls. The second workshop will focus on ecclesiastical temporalities (i.e., the organizational and business aspects of church life).

The approach is not intended to be didactic (in other words, this is not supposed to be a lecture by an expert). Instead, attendees at the assembly will be asked to share their own experiences.

The general format of each workshop is as follows:

1. The sharing of select stories from around the synod (to get things started);
2. Small group conversations;
3. Plenary conversation.
   

In preparation, think about what is happening in your context. Ask these questions:

• In what ways are laity leading or serving with respect to the topic of the particular workshop?
• What sort of training was needed?
• What has gone well?
• What, if any, were the challenges?
• What might the next steps be?
• Is there an area where you might see new possibilities?
  

You might have your own questions. Feel free to bring them, especially to your small group.

In preparation, consider the following areas. Every person doesn’t have to tackle them all. Select the ones that most interest you, and maybe divide them up among the folks in your delegation.

In the first workshop, think about following:

• Under worship
  • Liturgical leadership
  • Preaching (or reading of the sermon)?
  • Type of service (e.g., antecommunion v. morning prayer/matins v. service of the Word)
• Under education
  • Catechetical instruction
  • Bible study (and other topics)
• Under visitation ministry
  • Regular shut-in calls
  • Hospital visitation
  • Other visitation
• Spiritual care in general
  

For the second workshop, think about the following:

• Council membership
• Chairing the council
• Keeping the minutes (and records)
• Keeping the books (finances)
• Committees
• Visioning