Shapeshop I: Community & Trend Analysis

How do we go about the task of understanding the mission field right out our front door?  Who are the people of our neighborhood?

What are their needs, their hopes?  How are things changing within our community? 

Our presenter, Mr. Jonathon Edmonds, is executive director of the Foundation for Community Empowerment in south Dallas, focusing on comprehensive community building through community-based initiatives.  Formerly the president of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership, he brings twenty years of experience in community development, finance, and organizational planning. 

Shapeshop II:  Leadership Development

What can our leaders do to lead?  How can they motivate others?  And most importantly, how can the leadership found among all the People of God be unleashed for God’s mission? 

Our presenter, Mr. Robert Slocum, is Chairman and Chief Technical Officer for Polatomic, Inc., a laser instrument company of Richardson, Texas.  He is author of Maximizing Your Ministry, a guide for congregations wanting to develop lay leadership.  An adjunct professor for Fuller Theological Seminary, Mr. Slocum is a strong advocate for the “entrepreneurial church” that uses a process of Strategic Ministry Management.

Shapeshop III: Change and Transformation

How does a congregation change as it becomes more missional?  Does this change follow a pattern?  Can we be prepared for change so it becomes our friend and not our enemy? 

Our presenter, the Rev. Stephen Kanouse, works with the ELCA’s Transformational Ministry program and is the Mission Director for the three synods of Texas and Louisiana.  A graduate of Thiel College, the Lutheran School of Theology at Gettysburg, and East Texas State University, Pastor Kanouse has served three congregations.  His current ministry is focused on identifying and supporting new mission starts as well as revitalizing congregations that have plateaued.

Shapeshop IV: Corporate Spiritual Disciplines

How do we “center” ourselves for the work of mission?  Where do we go within our tradition and faith to discover our true purpose?  How do we gather together around a spiritual rooted-ness? 

Our presenter, the Rev. Ann Helmke, is director of the peace CENTER as well as La Casa de Maria y Marta retreat center – both in San Antonio.  Her ministry is one of interfaith-based community organizing which works out of a strong dynamic between prayer and action.  She has contributed to the church-wide conversations on spirituality, theological education, social ministry, restorative justice, and homosexuality.