Spring Leadership Workshops will feature the Benedictine Way

by The Reverend Canon Lou Blanchard, Canon Missioner

Leadership Workshops for Clergy, Vestry, Bishop’s Committees, and other leaders are offered every year in each Region. Our Anglican identity is rooted in and shaped by the Benedictine rhythm of work and prayer, which is seen most clearly in the Daily Office of Morning, Noon, and Evening Prayer, and Compline.

The Benedictine Way is more than wrapping our lives in prayer; it centers on promises of stability, obedience, and conversion of life. Stability here means to be grounded in God, making a commitment to one’s faith community as a crucible of conversion and being open to ways in which God is present both in the moment and in the everyday community life. Obedience springs from deep listening, discernment, and “heart knowledge” of one another, of God, and of the larger community. Deep listening leads to action that bears fruit. Conversion is exemplified in the transformed life to which God calls each of us. It involves a revelation of God’s will that sets us in new directions that leave us changed.

In the workshops, we will explore ways to apply the Benedictine Way of stability, obedience, and conversion in three areas of congregational life: Hospitality, Generosity, and Engagement in the Local Community. Participants will choose one area of interest and work with others to explore ways the Benedictine Way can enhance these areas of ministry for your congregation.

Workshops will be in each Region:
March 5, Northwest Region, 10:00 am — 2:00 pm
March 12, High Plains Region, 9:00 am — 1:00 pm
April 2, Front Range Region, 9:00 am — 1:00 pm
April 23, Sangre de Cristo Region, 9:00 am — 1:00 pm
May 7, Southwest Region, 10:00 am — 2:00 pm

For more details, please visit dioco.org.