The February 2011 True Course Ministries Newsletter

1. February 2011: Change Can Be Like A Death In The Family https://ui.constantcontact.com/visualeditor/visual_editor_preview.jsp?age...
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February 8, 2011
Change Can Be Like A Death In The Family In This Issue (click)
- Change Can Be Like a Death
When it comes to leading and change in the Family
management in congregations, I have observed - Welcome Meredith!
that there is an issue often overlooked. As a
- National Conference
leader, when you propose change, it may be
threatening to some because it means loss of - Our New Blog!
the more familiar and possibly cherished. - It's Happening - Get On
People grieve as a result. In the drive toward Board
gaining results, leaders may forget that change,
for those affected by it, always involves a loss of - Spring 2011 Events
some kind and that loss generates grief in - Resources
various magnitudes.
Just as change is inevitable and necessary, the associated grief is
also inevitable and necessary. Grief is about learning to live life in a
new way, without something you once knew or had. The emotions
of the process are also necessary and appropriate, as long as no
one gets hurt and the individual doesn't get "stuck" in one of these
emotional places.
The grief associated with change may appear as shock and
numbness, with things being strangely quiet for a while. Anger may
surface. Depression may set in. Any of these may be perceived
as a hostile threat to the sensitive leader.
But, more likely, just as at the graveside, the emotions may be
saying, "Help me understand and come to terms with this
change/loss."
True Course Ministries -
Video Testimonials:
Hopefully, when visiting with those who have lost a loved one
through death, one has the good sense not to say things, though Glynn Stone
well-meant, such as "This just must be God's will" or "Don't cry
everything will be fine." But, as we lead change and encounter its Patrick McKeever
associated grief over loss, we often do brush off the grief in this
way.
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Just like those who voice those well-meant statements to those
grieving the loss of a loved one, we who are leading change employ
similar statements and attitudes in hope that everyone will settle
down and be happy because we will be uncomfortable if they don't.
Now in our 8th Year
We want the grieving to just "get over it." Such an approach is not
comforting for those experiencing crushing grief of loss associated Thanks in advance for your
with change and such may actually cause them to grieve longer. investment in the ongoing
development of this work.
People need an outlet for their grief and an environment in which
they can work through it. It takes time to get used to being without
it, if one ever does. When leading needed change, be sure to allow
time for people to work through and talk through their pain. Give
time for grieving and walk with those who are grieving to a new way True Course Ministries
of living in light of the change. 506 Dal Paso Drive
Robinson, TX 76706
254.722.4255
Welcome to Meredith!
Welcome to Meredith McAfee with whom True Course Ministries
has contracted to serve as my Executive Administrative Assistant.
She will be working with general administration, marketing, and
event production.
Susan and I have known Meredith since 1998 and I am delighted to
work with an individual who is so capable, of high moral character,
and so committed to her faith and to personal excellence. She is a
graduate of Texas A&M and her husband, Daniel is a student at
Truett Seminary. You will likely have opportunity to communicate
with and get to know Meredith as you access True Course
resources. So, the next voice you hear may be hers.
Meredith is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of
Science in Marketing. Meredith and her husband, Daniel, currently
reside in Waco while he attends Truett Theological Seminary at
Baylor University. Meredith is excited about and honored by the
opportunity to work with True Course Ministries and look forward to
seeing what God has in store!
Executive Director to Speak at National Conference of
Business Administrators
On March 22, I will be speaking at the spring meeting of the
Southern Baptist Church Business Administration Association in
Dallas which is held in conjunction with the annual Southern Baptist
Business Officers Conference.
I'll be speaking on the topic "When Staff Interactions Make You
Crazy: Helps for Realizing a Maximum Team Experience." This
seminar will offer a look "behind the curtain" to see what is
happening in church staff and employee interactions (helpful or not)
which can impact atmosphere, performance, productivity, and
relationships in general. Participants will receive helpful tips, skills,
and resources for achieving a maximum team performance,
productivity and, ultimately, making their organization a better place
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to work.
CompassPoints
CompassPoints is the name of my new blogging space which you
can access at www.truecourseblog.com. Or you can access it from
the True Course Ministries site www.truecourseministries.org and
click on the blog tab, or by clicking the blue Blog button above.
For Everyone
I will be posting weekly tips and/or reflections that relate to:
personal growth
self-management and self-awareness
emotional and social intelligence
Interpersonal relationships
work/life balance
leadership in congregations and businesses
coaching and mentoring
productivity for personal life and work
Christian life
st
21 century church so far
and more.
Go ahead and check out the items already on the site.
For Partners Only
If you are a partner, through prayer or financial gifts, in the ongoing
development True Course, you will enjoy a special section for
"Partners Only." In this section, I will provide monthly updates on
the ministry (with occasional special editions) which I believe you will
enjoy. Anyone can become a partner with True Course, just let us
know of your interest.
You can know when I blog by activating the RSS (real simple
syndication) feed on the blog site. When you do this, an email
notice will be sent to you when the blog is updated. For instructions
on how to do this, see: Subscribe to an RSS Feed
You can also interact with me in relation to a blog post by using the
comment feature and feel free to do so. Appearance of any
comment will be subject to administrative approval.
I'm looking forward to interacting with you.
It's Happening - Get On Board
Group coaching is an economical way to access coaching and the
power of group dynamics for personal and professional growth.
Coaching sessions are conducted monthly via teleconference with a
group of 3-5 for 6-10 months. Fee: $75 monthly
Generally the groups are built around common growth
interests/issues. Get a group together and let us know of your
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interest. Or, contact us and we will help you access an existing
group.
Spring 2011 Event Calendar
Staying Fired Up without Burning Out: 30 Days to More
Energy and Less Stress
February 17 & 24, 2011 | 3:00 pm CST
This two part webinar is designed specifically for individuals in
Christian ministry who are ready to develop and practice a
strategy for extreme self-care.
Serving by Standing Your Ground: Assertiveness in Ministry
April 12th & 19th, 2011 | 3:00 pm CST
This webinar is designed specifically for individuals who are ready
to develop necessary skills and practice assertiveness in
establishing boundaries.
Resources
Excellent read on what can enhance fulfillment in life.
Kashdan, Todd (2009). Curious?: Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life. New York:
William Morrow.
True Course Is Expanding
I am expanding my coaching practice, through True Course Living, Learning,
Leading, to include life and career coaching for professionals, some of whom have
been inquiring into my work for a while now.
See the announcement letter for ways I assist these clients and the types of clients
with whom I can do a great job.
Feel free to save a copy of the letter and attach it to an email you send to those you believe may be
interested.
Websites for both True Course Ministries or True Course Living, Learning, Leading site are
accessible through our splash portal
www.DiscoverYourTrueCourse.com
New, Fuller-featured Web Site with Resources for You
We have just gone live with a new, fuller-featured web site with
resources for you. Don't miss it!!
Visit us at www.truecourseministries.org. While you are there . . .
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Sign up for a Test the Water free coaching session
Sign in to our Resources section and watch it develop over
the next weeks and months.
Plan to contribute to the Resources section (facilitated and approved by site admin)
Register for Learning events
Find all the Information you need to get started with True Course Ministries
Enjoy Testimonials from those we serve
Follow Michael on Twitter
Explore FAQs to help you get clarity about the work of True Course Ministries
. . . and more!
Test the Water with a Free Session
If you've wondered what it is like to experience coaching, I would like to offer you a no-risk
opportunity to test the water. See the Free Coaching Session offer below.
People engage in coaching experiences because they believe
it will benefit them. To help the client realize benefit, a coach assists and
supports the client in:
Making significant changes
Improving relationships
Becoming better leaders
Making better decisions
Reducing stress
Transitioning to a career they really want and love
Getting ahead professionally
Setting bigger, better, and more rewarding goals
Reaching goals faster
Dealing better with
The complexities of life
The influence of technology
Uncertainty
Simplifying their lives
. . . to name just a few.
Coaches don't tell. Coaches are not oracles or advisers. Coaches lead the client in a process. In
the process, clients make huge discoveries about self and the situation. Sometimes the client makes
big shifts in their ways of being and doing. The coach may have a similar experience.
Some fear that they will somehow be demeaned, embarrassed, or appear inadequate when working
with a coach. A coach is unequivocally non-judgmental, demonstrating unconditional positive regard
for the client. All coaching interactions are confidential.
Jump in! The water's fine.
Need a Speaker?
Do you have a civic club or organization that needs a speaker for a meeting or event? I am available
to speak to groups about
Issues we are finding in the field (church and business coaching; life and career coaching;
social intelligence coaching),
Tips on life, career, and relationships
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The resources we offer to address the issues above
If we are allowed to make product offers in a back table setting, there is no fee for the speaking
engagement. If you are interested, please contact us or call me personally at the number below.
J. Michael Godfrey, D.Min., Ph.D. | Executive Director
True Course Ministries, Inc. | 506 Dal Paso Drive | Robinson, TX 76706
Cell: 254.722.4255 | FAX: 254.946.0172 | email: mgodfrey@discoveryourtruecourse.com
Web: www.truecourseministries.org
True Course Mentoring recipient of the Malcolm S. Knowles Award for Outstanding Adult
Education Program from the American Association of Adult and Continuing Education.
Click the link below to view an article about True Course Ministries from the Texas Baptist paper,
The Baptist Standard.
Mentoring Program Helps Ministers Chart True Course
**Clergy are mentored directly through True Course Ministries, Inc.
**Business Professionals are referred to True Course Living, Learning, Leading, LLC
For a complimentary, no obligation, 45-minute coaching session,
please
Email True Course
or
Call 254.722.4255
Offer is valid for clergy, educators, and business professionals.
Not valid if you have already taken advantage of one of our other
Free Session offers.
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