10/05/2010
Leadership Institute--Making a Difference
They come from churches large and small, urban, suburban and rural, small town and large. They are brought together with a shared purpose, even in their diversity. Thirteen Southern Ohio Synod congregations are represented in the first Leadership Institute that began in January 2010.
The makeup of the participants in the Southern Ohio Synod's Leadership Institute reflects the diversity of the church serving God's people in the 21st century. Their purpose is clear—they are focused on growing their congregations in four specific ways: spiritually, as nurturing communities, in mission to the world, and numerically through effective parish administration. This common purpose comes to life in the courses they take and the fellowship they share.
The Leadership Institute is a two-year commitment of the pastor and a lay leader from each congregation. The group meets four times each year for concentrated study during each two-day class session. Topics of study for the first year's classes include the traits of a leader, the leadership of change, spiritual development, and ministry in context. During the second year participants will study purpose, vision and strategic planning, congregational governance and decision-making, communications and stewardship.
Following the first two class sessions the participants were asked to describe the difference that being in the Institute has made. The comments reflect encouragement, empowerment, confidence and expectations. By sharing the Leadership Institute class experiences with a lay leader the pastors see that they now have an ally who matches their enthusiasm for the possibilities. The shared learning experience becomes a powerful tool of change and growth in the congregation.
Here are excerpts of the comments:
- I am being prepared with tools to be more successful ... and most importantly taking better care of my fellow congregational family.
- The Leadership Institute has provided an objective set of information to use in beginning the conversation about change.
- The Council has expectations that we will share our learnings and they will also grow.
- ... it has helped me to be more confident in selecting leaders in the congregation.
- ... our Council reflects on the transformation process necessary to reverse the trend of decline.
- ... participating with other churches ... holds us accountable.
- It is empowering my pastoral leadership ... and I'm applying it to daily ministry in reshaping our purpose where Jesus is Lord of our church.
The Leadership Institute continues with the current group of leaders until December 2011. For more information about the classes or detailed comments from participants please contact Pastor Peter Rudowski, Director of the Leadership Institute, at 513-791-8920 or email prudowski@fuse.net.