Last call for the Bishop’s Road Show
Lay servants, leaders gear up for final two stops in bishop’s S.C. tour
By Jessica Brodie
S.C. lay leaders and lay servants are gearing up for the final two stops in the 12-district Bishop’s Road Show this month.
S.C. Resident Bishop Jonathan Holston will head to the Anderson District Feb. 7 and the Spartanburg District Feb. 28 to meet one-on-one with lay servants and lay leaders, sharing wisdom on how to build healthy teams and churches.
Conference Lay Leader Barbara Ware—whose team organized the road shows with Connectional Ministries Director the Rev. Kathy James and other conference and district leaders—said the shows have been well received and helpful to attendees.
Many attendees have bought books discussed during the road shows and are preparing to lead workshops on topics presented. Others have appreciated the goal-driven, specific accountability approach to the sessions, where Holston asked attendees to commit in writing what they were going to do in the next three to five months to make a difference in their local church—and then the next seven to 11 months.
Holston began touring the districts in September, visiting at least one district each month but often two or three, presenting with help from James, Ware and other leadership.
James said the road shows have been an energizing experience for all who have attended.
“Bishop Holston is teaching about things that we know instinctively but have not talked about much, such as the connection between healthy working relationships and actually getting things done,” James said. “I believe that the road shows are the beginning of a new way of thinking about how we work together in the local church and across the annual conference. The road show days have been fun, as well!”
Ware said she keeps hearing attendees say this was one of the best events as lay folks they have ever attended.
Final Bishop’s Road Shows
Morning refreshments and lunch will be served, and dress and setting are casual. United Methodist lay leaders and lay servants are invited. If your district’s date doesn’t fit your schedule, feel free to attend a road show in a neighboring district:
- Feb. 7, 2015—Anderson District, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Zion UMC, 5708 Hwy. 187 N., Anderson
- Feb. 28, 2015—Spartanburg District, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bethel UMC, 245 S. Church St., Spartanburg