Leadership & Ethics in ministry
It has been my experience that the church has been struggling for a long time to be the best version of the body of Christ on earth it can be. We try our best, but too many things can get in our way. Over my years of ministry, and have struggled with the same issues and concerns that you do, and I think my experience can help you as you navigate this new era of the church. My approach is simple: help pastors and congregations to be their best selves by listening, offering options, and giving guidance. If you need coaching, give me a call, and we can talk. And may God's peace be present in you and your congregation's life together.
IIndividual Coaching & Mentoring
I always felt that my first year or two in a new faith community could have gone so much better if I had someone to bounce ideas off of and commisserate with. I will meet with a new pastor on Zoom or in person to do just that. My experience has taught me that we all need a coach to help us evolve into our best selves. Working with me will help you to navigate the church with all its complications and joys.
In addition to individual mentoring, I will meet with the leadership of the congregation to help them work through any concerns they might have about your ministry together. Pastors come and go, but congregations continue to do ministry for years to come. Each congregation has its own personality, unique history, as well as all the baggage that comes with it. This process can help the congregation grow in spiritual health that can inform its ministry for years to come.
stephen.ohnsman@leadershipministry.org
Working with Congregations
While Pastors come and go, it is our hope that congregations will continue to care for the community around it for many years to come. If a congregation has had difficulties in the past, it is almost certain that this will continue in the future; unless, that is, the members work towards wholeness and healing. Every faith family needs help once and awhile, and working with the lay leadership of the congregation can enable the community of faith to be healthier. This part of my process enables the work of the congregation to continue through pastoral change.
I have served a number of congregations that were hurting and have been able to help them regain their purpose and sense of self esteem. Congregations are organic, and they need care too.
Conferences, Events, and Retreats
I am available to speak at conferences, and have presented numerous papers at the Mid-Atlantic Regional meeting of the American Academy of Religion, as well as community forums like "Spirit on Tap", a monthly community gathering that focused on the intersection of community and faith, Phoebe Ministries, and other community organizations. I have found that my interest in Ethics & Leadership has helped me bring theory and practice together for the building up of the church.
stephen.ohnsman@leadershipministry.org
Community Engagement
An important part of what the church should be doing is focusing on the needs of the community around it. It has always been my practice to spend as much time working with groups in the larger community as I do in the congregation I serve. I can help you look at your community and figure out what the greatest needs are, so that you can partner with others to enhance where you work, live, and do God's work. This is how we reach others; by engaging as followers of Jesus, we offer a different perspective that brings about positive change and growth, enhancing the quality of life for all who live there.
stephen.ohnsman@leadershipministry.org
Preaching & Teaching
Although I am still serving as the pastor of Calvary UCC in Reading, PA, I am avaliable for special services and learning events. I have experience teaching at the college level as an adjunct at Albright College and Alvernia University, and have taught laypeople and seminary students the art of preaching, worship, and ministry for many years.
stephen.ohnsman@leadership ministry.org