White Boards / 5th segment / small group discussion of our ministry mission

[segue: Again we will use the model of small group discussion feeding back to the whole group. We will expand from the morning's work, especially the Panel, to share our own stories as participant or leader in a Xavier ministry, then answer questions (to be reported back) about what makes volunteers, leaders and ministries effective (or ineffective) and issues having to do with 'work-style'. Again, 30 minutes in small group discussion, 15 for the table to address the questions to be answered, then 15 minutes for the tables to report to the whole group. (You have a handout on the table) Be sure to designate a spokesperson.

the reports to the full group are reflected on the White Boards:

• What qualities do successful leaders exercise as they seek to guide the activities of a ministry?
• What makes for an effective volunteer member of a ministry?
• How do ministries keep their volunteers motivated and involved?
• How should ministries evaluate their work – and make needed changes in purpose or working style?]

MINISTRY WORK STYLE

what do we do with our individual calls?
how do we make it work?
contemplation and/or action
parish community grounded in spirituality
how do we work it out?

individual call vs other call
center for contemplation + action
thought vs. frenzy
deep spirituality with action
___
Table 6

responsibility
sharing + cultivate ideas of participants
volunteering: how do we keep them involved?
evaluation of our work - self-examination
who are we serving?
learn to say NO!
prevent burnout by knowing your limits

______
Table 4

understanding personal development of individual volunteers
how can we see total picture?
flexibility
informal + formal evaluations to see how we are doing

_______
Table 2
3 qualities of leadership: calmness, confidence, live with consensus
volunteer has similar qualities
membership in community
[fresh?] participation is one we see has a community
must have mindfulness [for] what's going on
"we have always done it that way" syndrome -- good + not so good

_______
Table 1
qualities of leader: consensus builder, authoritative not authoritarian, flexible, admit wrongs
volunteer: acceptance [of responsibility]
attendance = dependable

motivate?
nurturing
feedback sought
define role of service

continuously challenged

sense of ownership

key roles: catechist + cantor - stipend y/n?

________
Table 3
Leaders:
fluid - changing - accepting
team player
accountable
openness
generous - kind - spirit
creative
good listener

Volunteer:
responsible
do any assignment
allow for others
gratitude - express thanks

keep volunteer motivated:
inform group
feel needed

evaluating work of ministry:
self-evaluation
set goal for evaluating success

________
[Table 5?]
importance of Awareness + Discernment
= life, vibrant, yeast
ministries may be at different stages: Forming, Storming or Norm-ing

leader: organized
art + science
function + form --> spirit

leaders hopeful
Ignatian wish list for successful leaders:
visionary - pioneers
open
welcoming
respectful
practical
discerning
stay connected
satisfied with discernment

how to motivate?
prayer essential - individual + community
fellowship - vibrant
intentional parish

how evaluate ministry work?
open communication essential
- to Pastoral Council
- to church at large
who to call?

[please see this first post about the White Boards: http://xavierministrydaymay162009.blogspot.com/2009/05/white-boards-are-raw-unexpurgated.html]