Pastor Carson’s story shows how transformation is not a straight line. Turbulent economic times forced many commuters at Carson’s congregation to stop coming to church in an effort to save money on gas. This difficult loss led the church to continue and increase their engagement with their local neighborhood. New friends became key leaders, ultimately creating a more hospitable multicultural worship environment. Carson speaks to the value of these new friendships as well as the value of learning from the diversity of a multiethnic congregation. → On p 210, Branson suggests that leading change is among a leader’s most imperative tasks. Leaders and churches learn how to pay attention to seemingly disconnected elements in their lives and neighborhoods – and they discern God’s presence and guidance. The table on p 225 summarizes elements of adaptive leadership. Discuss how Pastor Carson exhibits these practices. Use this video along with pp 215-226 to reflect on a time you witnessed change in a church community. Practice “getting on the balcony” in an attempt to see God’s bigger picture. This is the second video with Pastor Carson.
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Mark Lau Branson, Ed.D.
Mark is the Homer L. Goddard Associate Professor of the Ministry of the Laity at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he teaches courses in congregational leadership and community engagement.
Juan F. Martínez, Ph.D.
Juan is Associate Dean in charge of the Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community and Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies and Pastoral Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
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That is the purpose of our writing: to help men and women in our churches to see differently and to gain the skills and competencies needed for multicultural contexts. We want to encourage church leaders to create environments that make God’s reconciling initiatives apparent in church life and in our missional engagement with neighborhoods and cities.
Mark Lau Branson, Ed.D. &
Juan F. Martínez, Ph.D.