The SHAPE of Leadership
Deep, Experiential Leadership Development for Ministers
The Shape of Leadership is for ministers who want to make a significant impact on the future of the church through their own bold leadership. In this ecumenical program, participants gather for one year to develop their leadership—through experimenting with innovative practices; deepening self-awareness; developing a support system; and learning to navigate power, change, conflict, and the daily challenges of leadership. Participants integrate their personal theological and Biblical commitments with leadership concepts and practices from a variety of disciplines, especially the adaptive leadership framework. Core to the program is deepening self-awareness around leadership gifts and leading. The program is highly experiential and collaborative and offers the opportunity to develop long-lasting relationships among other exceptional leaders in the church.
Shape facilitators take seriously the adaptive challenge of creating a leadership development experience that sticks. We work hard. We ask you to work hard. You will be rewarded for your hard work through transforming your leadership—so you can help transform your corner of the world.
The adaptive leadership framework is an ever-present component of the year-long program. All gatherings also include spiritual practice/worship and reflection time. Additional topics are inserted along the way, depending on the needs of the group.
RETREAT FORMAT
Ready for the next step in your professional growth? Need connections with colleagues? Want to learn more about how your gifts and abilities SHAPE your leadership? Step back from the tyranny of the “to do” list and attend to the deeper issues of leadership. SHAPE provides opportunities for growth that are both rare and essential in these challenging times.
The large group gathers for 4 retreats (2 nights each) over the course of the year. Between retreats, learning communities meet to deepen the learning and support each other. Note that adjustments will be made if meeting in person is not advised due to pandemic concerns.
What Others Are Saying ...
"Shape is the best thing I’ve done since seminary (which was wonderful). Each retreat has renewed and enriched me. Thank you!"
–Beth"Shape has been a wonderful asset for me professionally and personally. The relationships and leadership skills I have gained are invaluable. I would encourage all . . . in church leadership to invest in this process."
–Annemarie"The learning and the presentations were great. The format of going through a year, rather than a short week conference, is really good. … one of the great gifts of Shape is the colleagues you get to know so well and learn to trust. There is a network of support beneath that I can call upon to work through challenges in ministry, and that is a really great thing."
–Jon"I was concerned that the leadership literature would be dry and lifeless, and instead experienced approaches that honor just what the church needs to be about in this time of change and challenge: self-knowledge, experimentation, relationship building, risk taking, creative conflict, and undergirding it all: purpose. To share this journey over time with brilliant colleagues has made for deep learning and courage for change."
–Jill
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Mary Kay DuChene - marykay@leaderwise.org