The Go Forward Retreat
I've never been entirely comfortable with the description of the annual September Staff day as a "retreat".
Peter Baker | 16:41, 23 September 2012
Maybe we should rename it the "go forward". That’s much more in keeping with the primary purpose of our get-togethers.
Not that I‘m an opponent of such quieter reflective seasons of the soul. They are necessary and are required on a regular basis. For being, not doing, is the way of Christian faith.
But the start of a new ministry year cries out for a gathering of our staff. We're now 18 in number, when you include the MA’s and our caretaking and catering team. It's essential to connect with the values and vision of Highfields, build relationships and plant future flags at which to aim.
The setting this year was the idyllic Glan Afon Lodge - a Christian run guesthouse with a garden overlooking the river as it snakes through the village of Peterston-super-Ely.
The day began with a personal take on the values I would like to embed in my own heart and those of our Highfields staff:
- a spirituality of Word and Spirit
- a people-centred emphasis
- a culture of the extra mile
- a missional heart, and
- a team ethic.
Amid the prayer, departmental goal-setting and discussions, Lindsay Brown opened up two big subjects on The Church as a Missional Community and Principles of Leadership modelled by Nehemiah. It was great stuff, almost matched by wonderful food and an afternoon of team building. The fun started across a volleyball net and ended with a game in which Dave Fielder turned out to be Pontius Pilate, Pete Evans the Ayatollah Khomeini and Alison Taylor, Peter Baker!
We were joined by the Elders after our evening meal and explored how we might move forward in the coming year.
I left grateful to God for our leaders and all those who are going to be serving on staff this year. In some ways it’s most diverse group we have ever had – an Indian, a Canadian-German, a few English and Welsh and a Pope! (last time for that joke please! Ed)
I already sense that this could be one of the most exciting years in Highfields' life. One in which the call of the gospel - "Go forward!" - needs to be heard with fresh enthusiasm by us all.
