Excellence in Leadership
“It’s not easy to be the church these days”. This is a common sentiment in mainline Christian denominations. We know there is a need for hope and grace and the power of the gospel, but the ways of communicating that and the ways of being church in the world are shifting beneath our feet. How much more has this become true in the 2 years as we have attempted to negotiate the added challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic?
In response to this truth and the desire to raise up courageous, resilient, and faithful leaders, the Rocky Mountain Synod, ELCA has created a leadership initiative called Excellence in Leadership. It is an 18-month investment, with classes meeting 1-2 times per month, which will provide tools and resources to last a lifetime.
This initiative is grounded in authentically claiming our identities as individuals and as church. By engaging deeply in the studies of adaptive leadership, vulnerability, emotional intelligence, family systems, Theory U, and spiritual practices, we will be stepping forward to meet the future boldly. The Rocky Mountain Synod is inviting participants from all regions and walks of life – lay or rostered, young or old, Lutheran or Episcopalian or Methodist. That includes you!
During the time in the pandemic, Excellence in Leadership began offering online cohorts. This September they will begin two new online cohorts, one on Monday morning and one on Tuesday evening. Additionally, there will be an in-person option on Saturdays at All Saints Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Truly this initiative is helpful for not only congregations, but for all people who wish to improve their leadership skills and increase their capacity for emotional intelligence. Whether you would like to do it as an individual or would like to participate as a group, this initiative is for you.
Listen to this testimony from The Rev. Will Johnson, a participant and trainer in the program.
We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we do know that it begins with each personal journey toward emotional and spiritual wholeness. Let’s embark on this journey together.
Find out more information and register here: https://www.rmselca.org/excellence-in-leadership
As a first-time Priest-in-Charge, I have found the Excellence in Leadership program to be invaluable in developing my skills as a self-differentiated leader and understanding the development of St. Martin’s over the years. It has also given me helpful insights and tools to share with our vestry. Although congregational development and dynamics were part of my seminary studies, the opportunities for feedback as we apply concepts to real-life situations in which I play a role are a godsend. I highly recommend it to anyone in parish leadership. – The Rev. Anna Horen, St. Martin-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, Aurora, CO
The EiL class has been a true benefit for the church as a whole and especially for the five team members walking the journey together. With the common knowledge, language, and a better understanding of ourselves as well as our community, we are training leaders for the future of the church, as well as learnings they are able to take into their professional and personal lives. – The Rev. Brian Winter, Christ’s Church, Castle Rock, CO