Whatever the Problem, Community is the Answer

An elementary school on the way to my office, has this sign up now, and I just had to drive around the block, park and hop out to take a picture: “WHATEVER THE PROBLEM, COMMUNITY IS THE ANSWER.”

Because it’s true, isn’t it?
 
The big lie of western individualism is that we are humaning (it should be a word!) all on our own. That we ought to be independent and self-reliant, and that the only responsibilities we have to each other are to leave each other alone. And if we find that hard, or impossible, if we need help or support, then there is something wrong with us.
 
The gift of experiencing life in another place can reveal what a lie that really is. I was lucky enough to spend five months in East Africa on a global internship experience, and lived in Kenya and Tanzania. Among the Swahili phrases I learned was the proverb, “Mtu ni watu,” which means, “A person is people.”
 
I love that saying. “A person is people.” It is impossible to be a person without other people, either biologically or relationally. We are created to be interdependent, mutually responsible for, and accountable to, one another.
 
I sometimes stop and remind myself, as I’m going about my day, about all the ways that I am dependent on others. I did not build the wooden table that I am sitting at, or the laptop computer I am typing on. I did not grow the food in my refrigerator, nor did I generate the electricity or string the electrical wires to keep it running. I did not make a single item of clothing I am wearing, or the pottery mug I am drinking Earl Gray tea from.
 
This does not even take account of all the people who love me, laugh or cry with me, hug me when I’m stressed, send me funny memes on Instagram, and pray for me. I can only human the way I am doing that, because of innumerable other people.
 
Lots of research shows that it’s really true, that whatever the problem is, community is the answer: whether it’s political polarization or homelessness; food insecurity or gender inequality; climate crisis or mental illness. None of us lives, grows, loves, or heals alone, because we were not designed to – as God says in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for the human to be alone.” (New Revised Michelle Version)
 
Here at LeaderShift, we are designing a variety of ways for church leaders to be in community together: for learning, prayer, song, friendship, encouragement, accountability, and reminders of the presence and power of God, who can do so much more than we can ask or imagine. 

Have a look of our offerings, and discern which are calling to you, during Advent and into 2026!

Faithfully,

Michelle

Clergy Appreciation, Church Mental Health Summit and Advent Offerings →

You may have heard that October is Clergy Appreciation Month. I know that none of us serve Jesus and his church for the appreciation, accolades, or affirmations we might receive.

I also know, though, how meaningful it is when appreciation is offered, and how much encouragement and stamina we receive, with just a phone call or email of affirmation. It can give so much energy and gratification to know that our efforts to be vessels of God’s grace, challenge, and comfort are landing somewhere, somehow, with someone. So, I hope that you know that your leadership and ministry are appreciated and valued by your community of faith and the wider church, not just this month, but year-round.

And, I offer my own thanks to you, for your leadership in Christ’s church, in all the ways you offer it! My friend and colleague, the Rev. Karen Millard of Lynn Valley United Church, offered these words of gratitude in a group this week, and gave her permission for me to share it with you:

Thank you
for the early Sunday mornings & the late Wednesday nights
for the seeds you plant & disciples you nurture.

Thank you
for the sermons you preach & the prayers you lift up
for the wise counsel & the words of encouragement.

Thank you
for creating services even when you are tired
for inspiring hope and promise even when you doubt.

Thank you
for sitting at the bedside of the ill and dying
for celebrating baptisms and mourning deaths.

Thank you
for caring for others when you need care yourself
for offering light when it feels like the world is overwhelmingly dark.

Thank you
for folding bulletins and creating power points
for showing love to people you’d rather walk away from.

Thank you
for hours of emails and administration
for building projects.

Thank you
for setting up chairs and tables and doing dishes
for listening to your congregation even when you don’t feel heard.

Thank you
for the sacrifice and service
for all the love you give and show and offer.

I give thanks to God for you, for the ways you allow God to work in and through you, and bear witness to the gospel in your words, actions and living.

You may also know, that this Friday, October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Many of us in church leadership know that mental health is vital to human flourishing, but don’t always know how to help others who are struggling. This is late notice, but you may be interested in the Church Mental Health Summit, happening online on Friday (and free). How do we show up for others, when we’re running on empty? How do we equip our communities of faith, when we’re still learning too? How do we turn good intentions, into practical care that makes a difference? You can find more information here: Church Mental Health Summit | Free Online Event for Ministry Leaders

I’ll be taking part so I’ll let you know what speakers and resources I find most helpful!

We also have three ways to support and nurture you during Advent- free resources for small groups and worship by Prayer Bench, a special online Advent worship service with our new Moderator, and a weekly online clergy group with Janice MacLean. Find details for all of these offerings here.
 

Thanksgiving blessings,

Michelle

Leading in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous times →

I just learned a new term to me, to describe the state of the world, and the challenge of leadership within it, right now: VUCA: What VUCA Really Means for You.
 

VUCA stands for volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, and it might resonate with you as you consider the context of the community and world in which you lead. I know many of you who are ministry personnel were searching your hearts and the scriptures, looking for a good and faithful word to share last Sunday in response to the ongoing political violence in the United States, for example. I also know that some of you had worship attenders walk out, when they didn’t hear the message they wanted to, or thought they would hear.

Please know that you have been, and continue to be, in my prayers, as you seek to lead faithfully and courageously. It is not easy, and, you are not alone.

One thing that is essential for our survival and even thriving as church leaders, is supportive community. So LeaderShift has designed some learning and support groups and events for clergy, to help sustain you and encourage you right now. Details in full post here. 
 

Deep blessings to you, and with gratitude for your leadership,

Michelle