08/29/2011

Reminder! Apply Now for the 2012-2013 Southern Ohio Synod Leadership Institute

The Southern Ohio Synod Leadership Institute is now taking applications for its 2012-2013 Session. Please download the application and brochure to review with your congregational council. The Leadership Institute is an excellent opportunity to build and strengthen rostered and lay leadership in your congregation.

2012-2013 SOS Leadership Institute Brochure

2012-2013 SOS Leadership Institute Application PDF

2012-2013 SOS Leadership Institute Application Word Version

The Leadership Institute is based on a Community College model. Community colleges offer both degree programs and continuing education for the community at large. The Leadership Institute has both a specialized course of study called the Core Curriculum and continuing education called Lifelong Learning. The Core Curriculum is designed to train pastors and lay leaders to grow their congregations spiritually, as nurturing communities, in mission to the world, and numerically.

The Core Curriculum emphasizes organizational administrative systems that encourage or inhibit growth in ministry. Congregations participating in the Core Curriculum commit to having a pastor and lay leader attend eight courses offered on weekends over a two year period. Following each course, they are to apply the learnings in their congregation and report the results to the Institute’s leaders.

The Institute also offers a continuing education component. In the spring and fall of each year, specialized presentations are held in each of the synod’s six conferences. These presentations include programs for youth ministry, worship and music, communications, financial record keeping and reporting, and the latest trends in America that challenge the church’s values.

Planning for the Leadership Institute began in the fall of 2008. In the Spring of 2009, the faculty and then the Board of Directors of Trinity Lutheran Seminary voted to endorse the concept of an open, collaborative relationship between the Southern Ohio Synod and the Seminary in the development and presentation of programs of the Leadership Institute. At the 2009 Southern Ohio Synod Assembly, The Advancing God’s Mission Foundation presented a $150,000 gift to fund the Institute’s first three years.

The second session of the Leadership Institute begins January 14, 2012.

Interested individuals or congregations may contact Pr. Pete Rudowski at prudowski@fuse.net or 513.791.8920 for more information. Deadline for application is November 18, 2011.