Jonathan Page explores how the connectional nature of United Methodism provides a model for leadership rooted in shared purpose, intentional relationships, and collective growth. Through five practical practices, Page invites leaders to consider how gathering around what matters most can strengthen communities and deepen their impact.
I consider myself a Christian before any other identifier. My particular “brand” of Christianity is United Methodism, and one of the primary reasons I have discerned this connection is the connectional nature of the church.
In the United Methodist tradition, clergy work within an appointive system. Churches are yoked together for the purposes of mission. It is an imperfect model that I find, at its core, represents a Gospel vision for the function of the church.
Most United Methodists are in the post-Annual Conference season of their year. By the name, you might guess that Annual Conference is a yearly gathering of United Methodists within a particular geographic area for worship, learning, and decision-making. This practice of holy conferencing, though at times tedious, can become a vehicle for the movement of the Holy Spirit. My theory is that movement often emerges from groups of people with a common purpose who come together to grow in that purpose.
People with a common purpose coming together to grow in that purpose—this is not only a Wesleyan idea. I’d like to think this is the reason Christians worship, study, and serve together. Beyond the church, this idea is at the core of many advocacy efforts and civic changes. It’s even a core principle for organizational training and equipping practices.
Within this concept, there are five core practices that leaders can adopt to grow in their leadership:
1. Understand a core, specific purpose.
Do you know what really matters to you? This could easily be broad-based terminology like “faith” or “family,” but knowing something that is specific and central to your identity is more beneficial. Perhaps it is not just faith, but serving marginalized communities for the glory of God. Instead of family, maybe it is creating safe spaces for my children to discover their belovedness. Understanding what matters to you in specific ways can help to foster stronger connections.
2. Identify those who share that purpose.
Growing up, I remember we had a copy of the Yellow Pages near our home phone. We could look up a service provider quickly based on the service we needed. Today we have Google and other tools to meet those needs. But you might find it challenging to do an analog or digital search for people who care about the same things you do (and the results might be scary!). Instead, think about spaces where you can practice vulnerability and share what matters to you. When we are willing to offer our honesty and transparency, it is amazing what kind of connections can arise from people we are close with and those we are just getting to know.
3. Come together with consistency.
One of the beautiful things about Annual Conference for United Methodists is you can count on the frequency with which you will gather. While once a year may not feel like a frequent amount of time for meeting, it is consistent. When you can practice gathering with others on a consistent basis, it allows for prioritization and reasonable management of expectations. Additionally, this kind of frequency can give leaders something to look forward to, bringing forward a spirit of anticipation.
4. Establish patterns for growth.
Because you are meeting with consistency, you can begin to create a culture of understanding around how you are growing toward that which is at your core. So, for example, if you’re thinking about serving marginalized communities, you may initially gather to understand what a shared meaning might be around marginalization. Then, you could grow toward decentering power and privilege and prepare to go and be in relationship with people. Each gathering becomes a step towards a larger end. With the belief that the work is never finished, your growth can be continual.
5. Repeat.
Don’t practice this flow with just one principle. Discern the pieces that matter most to your life and leadership and continuously organize around those spaces. We are hardwired for community and connection. Whether you are an extrovert, introvert, ambivert, or something else entirely, the connectional dynamics of leadership have the power to grow your capacity and enhance your existence. Lean into what makes you “you,” and share that goodness with others as you allow their goodness to shape and form you.
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Related Resources
- The Calling of an Annual Conference by Lovett H. Weems Jr.
- Meet With a Purpose by Mike Bonem
- Keeping Your Meetings from Getting Stuck in the Weeds by Blake Bradford
- Connection is More Important than Content in Digital Gatherings by Zach Lambert
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