XIII Diocesan Leadership Conference

XIII Diocesan Leadership Conference

Introduction
By God’s grace, the XIII Diocesan Leadership Conference convened in Texas from January 7-10, 2010. It was hosted by The Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Carrollton, Texas under the guidance of the vicar and conference president Rev. Johnson George. The Diocesan Bishop of North America & Europe, His Grace Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius Episcopa presided over the conference. Rev. Tonya Burton, the director at the Perkins Youth School of Theology, SMU in Dallas was the keynote speaker. We are very grateful for all those who helped out behind the scenes.This year 115 delegates participated in the conference representing 27 parishes and congregations from all over the United States and Canada. Accommodations were provided by the families of the hosting parish who housed the delegates. The food and travel arrangements were all carried out with promptness and care despite the hectic environment. The conference offered various programs centered on the theme “Who am I? – Leadership after God’s own mind” based on Exodus 3:11-12: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said ‘I will be with you.’ ”

Rev. Johnson George and conference convener Mr. Aju Thomas warmly welcomed everyone to a very cold winter in Dallas during the inauguration program. The Diocese also welcomed Rev. Alex Peter and Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese as this was their first youth event on a diocesan level.

Theme Presentation

The theme presentation based on God’s chosen servant Moses depicted the story of the one drawn from the Nile through various contemporary depictions. It was a powerfully effective multimedia presentation that allowed all the delegates to truly reflect on their personal calling as it relates to the commission of Moses.

Main Talks

The delegates came in hopes to bring something back to their respective Youth Fellowships, as well as, to provide insight into the direction of our diocesan youth fellowship. The 115 servant-leaders had exposure to worship sessions as well as work session discussions based on the main talks by Rev. Tonya Burton who challenged us to mature spiritually in the call of servant leadership. Her “passion” for the body of Christ was seen in the delivery of her messages. She conveyed God’s compassion to all those gathered. She emphasized the need to center ourselves before entering the presence of God through prayer and meditation. This is a helpful practice to focus on our Lord despite the distractions of the world. She also made sure that as youth, we would live out the apostle Paul’s exhortation to servant-leader Timothy in his first letter “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Application Work Session

Each of the main talks were followed by a small work session in which the delegates reflected on Rev. Burton’s message. These “application and planning” sessions allowed everyone to practically discuss how the themes affected them personally in the daily walks with our Father in heaven. The praise and worship team helped everyone to center themselves between changes in the program. They did a great job of keeping everyone engaged.

Study Presentations

This year we also had two study presentations on the Liturgy led by Rev. Biju P. Simon and on Mission led by Mr. Ashley George. The relevance and spiritual significance for the growth of the faith community was highlighted. Afterwards, an open forum for questions and answers was provided.

Small Group Meetings

At this year’s conference, the morning and evening small groups were led by different delegates as they assumed the leadership in Bible Study devotion and prayer. This allowed them to spiritually encourage one another in faith as they asserted their task of leadership.

WorkshopsThe workshop (track) sessions were uniquely designed this year to concentrate on the practical levels of servant leadership through the Church, Diocese, Parish and Youth Fellowship organization. All delegates were given the opportunity to participate in any of the two following workshops: A Brief Study of Denominations, Ecclesiastical polity, Youth Fellowship: Growth, Development and Retention, Vision and Mission of the Diocese & Bridging the Generation Gap. The Denominations track, led by Rev. Biju Simon and Ms. Sherry Joshy helped in studying the background of many of the churches in existence today.

The Polity track, led by Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese and council member Mr. Ashley George provided a good foundation for the structure of our church and the ways in which we as youth could prayerfully participate in its procedures.

The YF Growth track, led by Rev. Jaisen Thomas & Mr. Jorge Wilson examined our “health” as an organization from the local parish level and beyond. In addition, it provided practical methods for qualitative growth, development and retention in our youth fellowships.

The Vision track, led by Rev. Shibi Abraham & Mrs. Betty Vattakunnel delved deeper into the history and growth of the Diocese as well as its direction; the feedback from this track will be sent to the Bishop for further analysis.

Finally the Generation Gap track, led by Rev. Alex Peter & Mr. Justin Sadhu discussed practical and innovative approaches towards bridging the older generation with the newer one to bring about more harmony in communion.

Knowledge Share Session

On Saturday evening, there was a special knowledge share session in which all the youth fellowships shared what God was doing in their respective youth fellowship families. That is, presentations of various youth activities, events and projects throughout the Diocese provided a pool for exchange and spiritual encouragement.

Town Hall Meeting

This was followed by a Q&A session with our Bishop, Mar Theodosius. The youth received a first-hand view of the concern which Thirumeni has for our organization’s growth and development in this diocese.

Commissioning ServiceOn Saturday evening, there was a special commissioning service organized. Rev. Vinoy Daniel, Diocesan Secretary, delivered the message and called the community to discern and act upon the call to servant leadership in the Church and community.

Afterwards, there was an open session where several came to the front and shared their call towards ministry with everyone gathered. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Dr. Philip Varghese, asked all the delegates who are firm in their calling towards leadership to stand and repeat a prayer of commissioning. Philip Achen then prayed and blessed all those who had gathered towards work in His vineyard.

Conclusion

The conference proved to be a great blessing and a time of unifying fellowship for the delegates and all involved.

The closing ceremony took place on Sunday, January 10, 2010 after the Holy Communion service with chief celebrant Mar Theodosius.

During the ceremony, the responsibility to host the leadership conference in 2011 was handed over to the Youth Fellowship members of the Mar Thoma Church of Los Angeles. There was also a very special commemoration of our Theodosius Thirumeni’s 20th year of service as an Episcopa of the Mar Thoma Church. All Glory goes to our Father in heaven for giving us an opportunity to gather as one body to worship, study, share and grow in Him.

Adarsh Abraham

Secretary