Pastor Steve's Blog Posts

For some time, we have had a strong desire to invest ourselves as a couple in a specific ministry. Our desire finally came to fruition over the past several months. During the informational session for the Leadership Incubator, we posed this question: Will the time commitment detract from our involvement in this ministry, or will it help us nurture the ministry in real time? Participants in prior incubators were unanimous in encouraging us to participate. They assured us that it would be additive to our efforts during the year. We decided to participate this year, and we are grateful that we made this choice.

What is the Incubator? It is a combination of monthly book club, Bible Study, and small group study. It involves a broad cross section of ages and interests from our congregation. We study thought-provoking books written by a variety of authors, including leaders from both church and the business world. Meeting once per month as a large group provides accountability for reading and reflecting on a new book each month.  An additional small group meeting each month provides the opportunity to dig even deeper into topics from that month's book and large group discussion.

What have we gained from the Incubator so far? One of the unexpected and pleasant surprises was the opportunity to connect with some people whom we otherwise would not likely have known. We all share a common bond of developing a Personal Ministry Action Plan that furthers God's kingdom in each of our own lives, in our First UMC family, in our community and throughout the world. The reading and discussions have given us ideas that we have been able to use in both our ministry and in the workplace.

Pastor Steve has chosen a variety of styles of books, some appealing more to the head and others more to the heart.  He encourages us to share what we have learned and also what questions or disagreements we have regarding what we read. We have really enjoyed the safe learning environment, and would recommend the Incubator to anybody in our congregation seeking to enhance his or her personal ministry.

Patrice & Greg Alexander