Salt, Light, and Conscious Leadership
BY REBEKAH SIMON-PETER
Have you ever wondered what Jesus really meant when he called us to be “salt of the earth” or “the light of the world?” How do you “be” those things, anyway?
A cohort of leaders from across Oklahoma have been gathering since April to explore and apply what the Scriptures mean when they talk about salt and light. These leader have discovered that being salt and light impacts their mindset, their spirituality, and their ability to be visionary.
In fact, over the course of three in-person retreats, and follow up exploration sessions, these adventurous leaders have delved deeply into a new way of practicing leadership, through the Conscious Leadership program, the first of its kind.
What is Conscious Leadership? Conscious Leadership is the capacity to master your mindset, tap into your soul’s spiritual intelligence, and employ the courage of imagination to envision and bring new realities to life. A set of skills very important in our postdisaffiliation, post-election world, when unity seems elusive and leadership is harder than ever.
At our first retreat in April, we learned the principles of mastering our mindset. We started by taking the Everything DiSC® Agile profile and learning the eight mindsets. We went on to explore Carol Dweck’s concepts of fixed and growth mindsets. Finally, we looked at how to master our own mindset to avoid self-sabotage. In the experience of Ashley Green-Young, “As a conscious leader, I can now be responsible for my own emotions. And be aware of the mindsets of others. I have grown spiritually and emotionally, and I am better equipped to lead my congregation.”
the unseen realm.” Angela Fleming wrote, “I learned new ways of processing information, mindsets, and how they work. I found that my Agile emotional intelligence style is a part of who I am and the way I think.”
Carmen Stafford said, “I loved exploring my mindset—a vital part of ministry that we aren’t often given space to discuss. Plus we had rich discussions that take us into the consciousness of the mystery of
At the second retreat in May, in conjunction with School of Congregational Development, we entered into an intentional time of awakening and deepening our spirituality. We learned the surprisingly effective practice of “2 Way Prayer.” We explored the differences between personal spirituality, communal spirituality, and visionary spirituality. We took
Canyon Camp is a perfect location for a retreat. Submitted photos.
on spiritual practices for each. As a result, Cindy Robertson Reidel found that “Conscious Leadership increased my awareness of God around me and in me.” Ashley Green Young said, “I loved the connection between DiSC and spirituality.”
Our third retreat in October focused on Visionary Intelligence. We studied the roadmap to visioning, then used aspirational language to elevate facts into visions. Sandy Shepherd reported: “In Conscious Leadership I have learned how to be intentional about my spirituality and to be conscious of my leadership – what comes easy, and not so easy – and how to use both of those in my church to move towards visionary spirituality.” Carol Txipama found that “Conscious Leadership gave me encouragement to expand visions, dream dreams, and be all God created me to be for His glory.”
What’s it like to participate in Conscious Leadership? Worship grounded our time together. We engaged in Bible study, journaling, and deep sharing. Each leader designed a personal Salt and Light Project. Friendships formed
and true community bloomed. Connections were strengthened with online exploration sessions and “Reports from the Field.”
This is how participants summed it up: Carmen Stafford said, “I love the pacing of Conscious Leadership: it is contemplative, active, and fun! Rachel Parrott wrote “Conscious Leadership brings a theology that speaks to so much of my explorations and experiences in a coherent whole with endless possibilities and joy!” Carol Txipama stated, “It’s been a great way to open my heart and mind to new possibilities for church renewal.”
Cindy Robertson Reidel spoke for all when she wrote: “The new connections with my peers brought healing after disaffiliations.”
If you’d like to participate,
please reach out to Derrek Belase (dbelase@okumc.org; 405-7141554) to participate in the next cohort.
I look forward to seeing you the next time I am in Oklahoma! I can’t wait to continue the explorations of Salt, Light, and Conscious Leadership.
The cohort enjoyed retreats as part of Conscious Leadership.
Northeast District Mission Trip Witnesses
God’s Love at Lydia Patterson Institute
BY TIM MCHUGH
In a powerful testament to unity and service, ten members from five churches in the Oklahoma United Methodist Northeast District, led by Pastor Tim McHugh of Grace UMC in Claremore, embarked on a life-changing mission trip to the Lydia Patterson Institute (LPI) in El Paso. Known for its mission of empowering students from the U.S.-Mexico border region through faith and education, LPI served as the perfect backdrop for transformation and ministry.
Over five unforgettable days, the team poured their talents, faith, and energy into a variety of activities that reflected their deep commitment to Christ’s mission. From teaching and mentoring to repairing and creating, every moment offered opportunities for connection, growth, and transformation. Each team member brought their unique gifts, and each returned home with profound stories of transformation.
CJ Shell, a retired math teacher from Bartlesville FUMC, witnessed the joy of seeing a struggling student succeed after improving his grade on a test. For CJ, the pinnacle of the trip was Friday’s chapel service, where missioners, students, and staff swayed together in worship, arms around one another, united by faith.
Rev. Pam Cottrill from Inola UMC played her clarinet and mentored budding violinists, embracing the chance to inspire young musicians.
Thomas Trollinger, also from Inola and a first-time missioner, took the lead on maintenance projects, including plumbing, painting, and landscaping. Transformed by the
experience, he declared he would “definitely do it again.”
Sandy Singleton from Bartlesville FUMC, a seasoned servant in UMCOR and other missions, was moved by the compassion of a fellow missioner who bought socks for a refugee sleeping on the sidewalk.
Rev. Tasha Holopeter, serving Ochelata and Oak Park UMCs, led the team in a prayer walk through the halls of LPI, laying hands on walls and doors, and leaving a spiritual imprint on the campus.
Prayers are written on the walls of the Bishop Jimmy Nunn STEM Lab. Here, Joy Reinhart signs the wall.
The team stops for a quick photo in Juarez. Submitted photos.
Laura Gomez, a first-time missioner from Grace UMC in Claremore, found confidence in her newfound faith, affirming she is on the right path. She was transformed so much that she stopped at Family Dollar to get socks for a sockless migrant.
Audrey Braucher, Grace UMC’s worship leader and a mission newcomer, was invited to sing with the LPI praise band during chapel. She witnessed God through the team’s evening devotionals and wrote a heartfelt poem on the flight home, which deeply touched another
missioner.
Joy Reinhart from Grace UMC was transformed by hearing students’ stories, realizing the media’s portrayal of the border often misrepresents the reality. She was inspired by the students’ resilience, including their determination to walk for hours each day to attend school.
Judy Tener from Bartlesville FUMC offered vital behind-the-scenes support, embodying quiet strength and humor that lifted the team’s spirits.
Pastor Tim McHugh summed up the heart of the trip: “One of my
Rev. Tasha Hollopeter leads a prayer walk through the halls of Lydia Patterson Institute.
greatest moments on any mission is when someone realizes why they are there—the ‘Aha’ moment of just being, not doing.” He also summed up the trip by saying, “From the classrooms to the basketball court, from a simple pair of socks to the worship service, we saw the love of God in action, it was a privilege to be part of His work”
The trip’s highlights extended beyond service projects. The mariachi band practice impressed missioners with its celebration of cultural
The team poses with plates they made during Bible study at LPI.
Rev. Tim McHugh offers a message at chapel at Lydia Patterson Institute.
heritage, and the newly formed dance team’s performance brought joy and energy. Evenings were spent cheering at a home basketball game and bonding over shared meals and stories. Wednesday evening the team went to Trinity UMC in El Paso and made Passing Plates with the LPI students bible study.
The spiritual apex came during the student-led worship service on Friday. With heartfelt songs, Scripture, and testimonies, God’s presence was undeniable. Missioners left the service feeling renewed, inspired by the students’ faith and leadership. This mission trip demonstrated the transformative power of collaborative, Christ-centered service. It reminded participants that missions are not only about giving but also about receiving—through lessons in humility, love, and faith.
The team returned home as witnesses to God’s work in El Paso, carrying with them stories of transformation, gratitude, and hope. This mission to Lydia Patterson Institute stands as a powerful example of what happens when God’s people unite to serve in His name. If you are interested in Lydia Patterson Institute or missions feel free to talk to your pastor, contact OKVIM at okvim@ okumc.org or email Pastor Tim at pastortimmchugh@ gmail.com.
Audrey Braucher got super involved during her time at Lydia Patterson Institute. She helped lead worship, taught cheer, and posed with Laura Gomes.
The district mission group delivered school supply items on LPI’s wish list.
VIM leaders had hoodies made to match senior hoodies worn here by LPI students.
Stay Safe and Healthy This Cold and Flu Season
BY MADISON AMBER
As we head into the colder months, we want to prioritize everyone’s health and safety. Cold, flu, and Covid-19 are more common this time of year, so let’s work together to minimize their impact on our workplaces.
Key Reminders for Staying Safe:
Stay Home if You’re Feeling Sick
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, please stay home and rest. Coming to work while sick puts both you and your coworkers at risk.
Covid-19 Testing & Return-toWork
Policy
If you test positive for Covid-19, please notify your manager and follow the recommended isolation guidelines.
You can not return to the office until you receive a negative test result.
Practice Good Hygiene
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
Get Vaccinated
Flu and Covid-19 vaccines
are highly effective in reducing the severity of illness. Consider scheduling your vaccinations if you haven’t already.
Disinfect Common Areas
Regularly clean shared surfaces and items to help reduce the spread of germs.
Your health matters to us, and taking these precautions will help ensure we all stay as safe and healthy as possible this season. If you have any questions or need additional guidance, please reach out to Connie Gibson or myself. Thank you for helping to keep our workplace a safe and healthy environment.
A Wesleyan Theology of Giving
BY REV. DR. SAM POWERS
We are in the midst of our pledge campaign for our 2025 budget at Boston Avenue and I recognize there are many other churches moving through the same season. From our United Methodist tradition, I wanted to emphasize what a Wesleyan theology of giving looks like.
In the history of giving back to God, offerings were often made as a kind of restoration of relationship. Sacrificial offerings were given
to atone for sins (both known and unknown), ritual impurity, but also for thanksgiving. One might think of the majority of these as appeasement so that we might find ourselves on God’s good side once more.
Within Christianity, monetary offerings have sometimes fallen into this same theological rationale. The indulgences that Martin Luther wrote against seemed at their basest as a kind of sale on salvation. The Protestant Reformation stood against these, and the Roman
Catholic Church later reformed their stance on them as well. But in some Christian circles, our theology on giving reverts back to this same logic.
In Contrast, Wesleyans emphasize God’s Prevenient or Preceding Grace which starts with God’s love for human beings. The divide between God and person lies with the person’s ignorance or unwillingness to accept the love of God in their lives. They would be, instead of starting with a place where we need to somehow work
EXPERIENCE LIFE AT ITS FINEST, EVERY DAY.
Life at Epworth Villa is all about freedom. Freedom from home maintenance and chores. Freedom from having to drive all over town. Freedom from worrying about future needs. And when you’re free to live your best life, it’s amazing the joy that each day brings. Experience the freedom you deserve and check out our spacious cottages and beautiful apartments at EpworthVilla.org.
to get into right relationship with God. In this understanding, we believe that we start with a state of blessedness. Within our idea of giving to God, it begins with the stance that God has given to us first. As Christians, we see this gift coming through the incarnation (Christmas), the cross (Lent) and the resurrection (Easter). It also comes through all the teachings of Jesus (Ordinary Time).
All of these things preceded us before we were born.
So, as we give, we give in response to what we have received. As persons recognize and accept God’s great love for us in Jesus Christ, we come to an acceptance of the love, forgiveness and mercy we receive. We don’t bargain or pay for atonement but receive it as a gracious gift. We repent of our sins within this great Justifying Grace. As we think about our generosity through this grace, we would begin to count our many blessings (and name them one by one) as the song goes.
half-full view when partaking in this look back! We give out of thankfulness for all that has shaped us and allowed us to be in this state of blessedness.
Finally, as we accept this relationship in Christ, we seek
come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Giving to God through the church is literally putting our money where our mouth is!
Within United Methodist tradition, our mission is “To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” As we give, we trust that God is working through our offerings in order to bring good works to all the world. We are transforming the world! So, as we give, we don’t do so out of guilt or duty, but we do so because we believe that we are making our world a better place. It is out of our strong sense of mission that we give. We believe that God multiplies our gifts to share grace with every person.
The counting of our blessings may include a review of our lives. Where can we see God’s hand at work?
We may have to train ourselves to examine with faith as a glass-
to become more like Jesus in our identities. This is how God partners with us in Sanctifying Grace. In order for us to become more Christlike, we must engage in the various spiritual disciplines regularly. One of these would be to methodically give out of our resources to God through the Body of Christ where we are connected in the faith. We live out this connection through our local church.
It is through these gifts that we recognize that we are seeking to influence the world around us for the better. We pray each week in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom
Giving in this sense for me is joyous to do. It feels good to put my check in the offering plate (symbolically for me as I’m always near the pulpit) as I know these dollars are spent on things that abide.
As you make your pledge or gift, may you do so with a sense of gratitude and purpose!
This article is part of a series published on the blog of Rev. Dr. Sam Powers, Preceding Grace. To read more, click here
Photo by Money via Flikr.com. Used under the Creative Commons license.
7 Suggestions for Reaching More People This Christmas
1. Equip church members to invite their friends, families, and neighbors.
2. Make a plan to personally invite church members you haven’t seen in a while.
3. Enhance hospitality and follow-up efforts.
4. Plan community-facing events and services.
5. Up your game online.
6. Give your Christmas visitors a glimpse of what matters most to your church.
7. Give visitors a reason to return.
These bullet points are part of a larger story by Ann A. Michel, co-author and consultant at Lewis Center for Church Leadership. Read more here.
Call to Action
Do you have events or news you’d like to share with the conference? Send photos and stories to editor@okumc.org.
The Ministry Center will be closed for the following holidays: Nov. 27-28 - Thanksgiving Dec. 25-26 - Christmas
