Good Leadership: The Contemplative Leader

The first and most important aspect of becoming a more contemplative leader is learning to cultivate the ability to ask the right questions. Unfortunately, many of us never learn to ask the right questions. We have become so reactive in our responses and actions due to dealing with day to day struggles and problems that we never take the time to reflect on why it is that we are here leading in the first place. This leads to a variety of problems, the biggest of which is short-sighted leadership. When we are overly reactive, we are spontaneous and emotional. When we are overly reactive we lack strategic direction and we rarely reflect on our actions at all. When we are overly reactive, we have no goals and we have no effective way to measure the success of our goals. How do we move from reactive response to a more strategic and goal oriented way of leading? We must begin with ourselves. We need more contemplative leaders - leaders who are willing to begin with their own motives, fears, and desires. 

John Wesley's Women - #1

“Did John Wesley ever marry?” That is the most often asked question after my Thursday afternoon lectures at the Arthur J. Moore Museum at Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island. It is amazing how much interest there is in John Wesley’s relationships with women.  Well, I guess some things never change.  So, for the next several months in this column I will tell you about “John Wesley’s Women.” 

Summer camps offer fun, faith for elementary and middle-school students

Temperatures are rising in South Georgia, and with warmer weather come thoughts of vacations, beach trips and summer camps. With campers set to arrive less than two months, planning and preparation for the South Georgia Conference Summer Camps programs are well under way, says Camp Director Rev. C.J. Harp. 

South Georgia prepares for 2012 Annual Conference session

Plans are quickly taking shape for the 2012 South Georgia Annual Conference session, scheduled for June 3-5 in Macon at the Macon Centreplex. With a theme of “Let the Redeemed Say So,” based on Psalm 107:2, this year’s Annual Conference session will give attendees the opportunity to gather together in fellowship and worship. 

Events in the South Georgia Conference - 5/4/2012 edition

Changing the world, one community at a time

Poulan United Methodist Church wants to be a church that does something. They’ll do just that May 19-20, joining thousands of other United Methodist congregations around the world for “Change the World” weekend. “Too often we get stuck inside the box of a sanctuary and are not really thinking about what’s outside and what we can be doing for our community,” said Poulan UMC pastor Rev. Nate Lehman. “I really base it on loving our neighbors. We want to be a church that loves our neighbors and is doing something.”

Egg hunt helps Harvest Church spread Easter message, share God's love

More than 25,000 eggs were scooped up in less than five minutes at Harvest United Methodist Church’s annual Easter egg hunts. Nearly 5,000 people attended one of Harvest Church’s five egg hunts, which were held immediately following five of the church’s eight Easter worship services. What used to be held on the weekend preceding Easter is now an event held in conjunction with the Easter worship services. 

Valdosta District hosts UMW Teen Rally

The annual Hands on Mission Rally for Teens and Young Women was held on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Adel United Methodist Church.  The United Methodist Women ladies, girls’ unit, teen girls and other youth numbered 30 in attendance.  Adel UMW President Debbie Buckholtz led the meeting and rally.  Those in attendance participated in the Ministry through Meals project which Adel has just begun. 

Pastor's passion for music leads to Idol experience

Music and singing have long been passions of Moultrie First United Methodist Church pastor Rev. Mark Addington.  Growing up in Thomasville, he sang in church and in the youth choir. While in college at Florida State University, he played trumpet as a member of the Marching Chiefs. And at Candler School of Theology he sang in a men’s a cappella group.

Lesson 1: The Good Shepherd

Pet lovers know firsthand their close relationship with their pets. Many view their pets not only as animals but also as members of their family.  They treat them with great love and appreciation and they will do anything to protect them.  John’s Gospel describes the Good Shepherd as one who not only cares for his sheep but also has a relationship with them.  

Lesson 2: The Resurrection and the Life

We are privileged to live in a society where, when the help is needed, it arrives quickly.  In an emergency, we pick up the phone and within a short period of time, normally a few minutes, assistance arrives.  Perhaps you have had to make an urgent call because of a loved one’s illness, an accident or fire.