“Working God’s Plan!”
Zion’s Piedmont Episcopal District leaders gathered in Greensboro, NC, to experience the 2023 Piedmont Leadership Training Institute. We reignited our passion for God’s plan in our lives and left refreshed for serving in our respective faith communities. This year’s institute informed, encouraged, inspired, and empowered attendees through a wide range of information and revelation from a variety of unique perspectives. The theme: “God Has A Plan For You!” from Jeremiah 29:11.
It was intriguing to hear Bishop Starnes’ interpretation of 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 through the lens of 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 and then to experience Zion leaders applying that revelation before the institute’s conclusion. I found myself working side-by-side with a pastor, discussing our preferences for using our teaching gifts in various ministries while utilizing different operations (i.e., Teaching Church School to Youth). I witnessed pastors yielding their musical gifts – following directions given by leaders who were comfortable and competent in giving or receiving direction. I watched as seasoned leaders, who regularly walk in great authority, openly embraced change after learning what they did not know before.
Dr. Sondra Coleman humbly and humorously shared with us about the struggles of leadership in ministry. Her intimate conversation spoke to the heart of our humanness as she encouraged us to be transparent with God and truthful with ourselves. She reminded us that God will give us unusual assignments that sometimes make no sense to us, but “God will do the impossible when we just do our assignments.” Our trusting obedience to God proves we’ve fully embraced His plan for us.
Dr. Frances Jackson offered us a crash course on parliamentary procedure, and every leader had the opportunity to correct minutes according to Robert’s Rules of Order. This interactive session, with several engaging activities, reinforced Paul’s directives regarding God’s plan for peace (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40) and empowered us to operate efficiently in proper order.
Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr. closed the institute, reminding us of God’s mandate: “Making disciples is the business of everyone who has become a disciple.” God’s plan embraced us despite us. Kingdom growth is directly dependent on our growth. God wants to lead, qualify, and equip us – THAT is His plan! Are we ready to fully engage in His plan and prove our validity as a dynamic movement by what we are becoming? Are we obediently working God’s plan?