Adrian Pyle and John Emmett, mission catalysts from the Uniting Church in Australia, attended the Discover Your Call — Dependable Strengthsی for Congregations course through KAIROS in May. Pyle’s and Emmett’s work involves encouraging faith communities to be more creative in their participation in God’s mission. Part of the process of engaging that creativity is getting people to know themselves and their peers at deeper levels.
“We chose this event and training because we are interested in helping people and communities know and develop their strengths in respect to their callings to be Christ’s disciples,” said Pyle and Emmett, both from the city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. “When we work from our strengths we are most likely to be innovative. As we (collaborate), we will contribute positively to development of thriving communities. We will see the differences we desire eventuate. But most of all, we will be at our most whole.”
Pyle and Emmett said Discover Your Call spoke to their desires to encourage faith as a way of life. “There are plenty of instances of Christian faith portrayed as a ‘Sunday’ thing,” they said. “We were asking how to turn that around and Dependable Strengths offers one way into that discussion.”
Pyle discovered the course while listening to a podcast, and after sharing its themes with Emmett, the two decided they had to take part when they next visited the U.S.
“The event was facilitated very carefully, yet was a safe and enjoyable experience. Our learning and contributions were valued. Initially entering a room of strangers, personal encounters were skillfully handled so that by the end of the event we had made several new friends,” they said. “We are now ready to introduce others to Dependable Strengths as a way to know themselves. Our hope is that when we do, they will be able to see more clearly where and how God is calling them to be disciples in their neighborhoods.”
The next Discover Your Call–Dependable Strengths for Congregations workshop will be held Jan. 19-21 at Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, Carefree, Ariz. To register, visit www.Spiritinthedesert.org and click on the programs button, or call 480-488-5218.