The North Georgia Conference Center for Congregational Excellence kicked off its 4-part Leading Edge Learning Series in July with Tod Bolsinger, author of the books "Canoeing the Mountains"  and "Leadership For A Time of Pandemic and Tempered Resilience."

He met with North Georgia United Methodists at sessions in Gainesville and College Park for conversation and teaching around essentials for congregational leadership.

Bolsinger reminded attendees that they are leading in uncharted territory at a moment unlike any in modern history in which 1918, 1929, and 1968 are all occurring at the same time. No one has led in a time such as this and there are no prior experiences or "best practices" we can easily draw upon. Furthermore, recent COVID-19 trends are once again reminding us that uncertainty and disruptive change are our new normal.

As we step toward an unknown future a few thoughts Bolsinger shared:

1. People don't resist change they resist loss.
2. You are not going to out work our current circumstances.
3. The purpose/mission of the church is to be the answer to Jesus' prayer, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
4. We don't change for our members, but we invite our members to change for the mission of God.
5. There is no safety in going back, but in going forward together. 

All are invited to take part in the upcoming sessions of the Leading Edge Learning Series! Check back for details and registration on these events:

September 2021: Rev. Dr. Mark DeYmaz

The Rev. Dr. Mark DeYmaz is the founding pastor of the Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas. In this multi-ethnic and economically diverse church, significant percentages of Black and White Americans, together with men and women from more than 30 nations, walk, work, and worship God together as one. A recognized leader in the emerging Multi-ethnic Church Movement, his first book, "Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church," provides the biblical mandate for the multi-ethnic church and outlines seven core commitments required to bring it about. For churches to not only survive but thrive in the future, leaders must also learn to leverage assets, bless the community, empower entrepreneurs, and create multiple streams of income to fund their mission effectively. In his latest book, "The Coming Revolution in Church Economics," DeYmaz offers the Why and the How.

Event Details

• Meet & Greet: 6 p.m. on Friday, September 24 at Point First Mallalieu UMC, East Point
• Leading Edge Learning Event: Building Healthy Multi-Ethnic and Entrepreneurial Congregations: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 25 at The Nett Church Berkmar Campus, Lilburn

October 2021: Rev. Robert King

In his first book, "Hearts On Fire: Your Roadmap to an Exciting Love-Filled Life," the Rev. Robert King guides you through a roadmap leading toward an exciting life and love. The roadmap challenges key personal thoughts and attitudes that routinely keep us separated from living life to its fullest in our relationships and actions. By connecting anew to the love and power of Jesus, you are encouraged to seize the opportunity to develop a new focus, renewed energy, enduring passion, and sustained purpose. King currently serves as the lead pastor of Golden UMC in Douglasville, Ga.

Event Details

• Meet & Greet: To be announced
• Leading Edge Learning Event: Hearts on Fire: To be announced

August 2021: Rev. Elizabeth Hagan

Difficult conversations are … well, difficult. As the church, we’re in a position to lean INTO those conversations, not away from them. Through Brave Church, we'll discuss ...

• Navigating difficult topics like mental illness, domestic violence, racism, and sexuality
• Asking thought-provoking questions and initiating disarming conversations
• Moving beyond "agreeing to disagree"
• Launching a 6-week small group with the included Brave Church Group Guide

Event Details

• Meet & Greet: To be Announced
• Leading Edge Learning Event: Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together: To be Announed