The School of Leadership
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The School of Leadership is composed of two main programs, the Pastors' Leadership Academy for Stewardship formation and the Empowered Church Project.
Pastors' Leadership Academy for Stewardship Formation
This multi-year Academy is designed to provide a small group of clergy with the opportunity to complete an in-depth exploration of the meaning of stewardship. Upon completion of this program, clergy will:
- Be equipped to share understanding of the theological basis of stewardship and how it fits in to an individual's relationship with God.
- Understand patterns of stewardship among congregations and the role of the pastor in creating these patterns.
- Identify opportunities for pastoral leadership in the area of financial stewardship.
- Recognize the status of the church as a non-profit organization and what this means to the future of ministry.
- Demonstrate new leadership skills with application inside and outside of the sanctuary.
- Enjoy a strengthened relationship with colleagues and new opportunities for professional collaboration.
The Pastors' Leadership Academy includes six sessions held at a variety of locations throughout our service region to make it possible for clergy from different regions to come together for this opportunity. In the past participants have traveled to Olmsted Manor Retreat Center, Jumonville Christian Camp, the United Methodist Center, the Foundation office, and Mount Asbury. Lodging and meals are provided.Gatherings will include two overnight sessions, three two day sessions, and one three day gathering. In addition to these sessions, we ask that each participant engage in independent study and reflection on various related topics.
The majority of the costs associated with this program are covered by the Foundation. This program qualifies for continuing education funds and a limited number of scholarships are available through the Foundation.
The Empowered Church Project
This training opportunity is designed to empower laity to lead the churches of our Connection in the ever-changing landscape of congregational life.
Each cohort of the Empowered Church Project is structured around two modules:
The first module is one year long and is composed of several weekend retreats. During these retreats, topics relevant to congregational leadership in the current culture will be covered. Participants will read some of the greatest books currently available on the topic, experience seminars led by the finest leaders in our conferences, engage with one another in dialogue, and build relationships that provide support for the journey.
During this module, participants will experience several spiritual gift and strength assessments, gain knowledge about their communities through Mission InSite, and learn about the unique needs of their congregation by experiencing a new tool being developed by the Foundation called the Organizational Health Assessment.
The second module is a custom designed project, created in consultation with the pastor, and with attention to everything experienced in the first module. The goal of this project is to bring about some kind of systemic change. A coach will be assigned to the team and will be available for six sessions during the year.
The Empowered Church Project can be deeply beneficial to churches who want to “ramp up” their ministry to the next level or those who are experiencing challenge due to cultural shifting, the effects of the pandemic, or the dynamics within our Connection. It will provide the opportunity for church leaders to “dream dreams and see visions” anew as we face the future.
All the costs related to The Empowered Church Project, except for participant travel to meeting sites during Module I, are covered by the Foundation.
For more information regarding either of these programs, please contact the Dean of the School of Leadership, the Rev. Dr. Joseph Patterson. He can be reached at jpatterson@umfoundation.org or by calling 412-232-0650 x104.
