Course Description: The Leadership in Ministry Workshop at Atlanta is a twice-a-year, peer-based clergy leadership development program. It is part of the Pastoral Excellence Programs of the Center for Lifelong Learning of Columbia Theological Seminary. Each annual workshop meets for two sessions (spring and fall). Some participants have attended for several years, with some participating for over a decade, reaping the benefits of long-term commitment to personal and professional growth. This program’s goals are to:
• Provide a peer-learning forum for clergy to explore the issues particular to their congregational contexts;
• Help participants develop a theoretical framework for interpreting practice and context using Bowen Systems Theory;
• Help clergy accurately identify and name the particular challenges of ministry in their context;
• Provide clergy with a safe and stimulating peer group experience for renewal and challenge.
The Leadership in Ministry workshops will apply Bowen Family Systems Theory as further developed by Edwin Friedman, author of Generation to Generation and A Failure of Nerve, to ministerial and organizational leadership. The majority of time is spent in peer group case studies led by experienced faculty coaches. As such, participants work to apply the theory to the “real world” realities of their ministry context.
Participants are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus. Masks are not mandatory but recommended. Decisions on safety protocol can change between registration and the event. Any changes will be made via email.
Location: Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Georgia
With: Joel Alvis, Michael Cook, Vanessa Ellison, Skip Johnson, Dan Koger, James Lamkin, and Israel Galindo
Dates: March 6-8, and November 13-15, 2023
Schedule: Program will start promptly at 10am on Monday and conclude the following Wednesday at 12PM. Plan to attend the entire program
Program Fee: $1000, includes 2 in person sessions (spring and fall), meals for both in person sessions, access to past and upcoming monthly webinars. $585 single session rate.
Housing: Housing is available on campus at the Harrington Center.
Meals: Meals are included in the program free starting with Monday dinner, Tuesday breakfast and lunch, and Wednesday breakfast. Tuesday dinner will be on your own at any of the local establishments in Decatur. There will also be beverages and snacks served throughout the day.
Limited scholarships are available. Submit your financial aid request
HERE. Aid is limited to 50% the program fee and is not applicable to travel or housing expenses. Payment plans can also be arranged.
Sample Schedule
MONDAY
10:00 Welcome and Introductions
10:30-12:00 Plenary Presentation
12:30 Lunch
1:30-3:30 Coaching Groups, Genograms
4:30-6:00 Coaching Groups, Genograms cont’d
.
TUESDAY
7:30 Breakfast
9:00-10:30 Plenary Presentation
11:00-12:30 Coaching Groups: Case studies: Church families/individuals
12:30 Lunch
1:30-3:30 Coaching Groups, cont’d
3:30 Plenary Presentation
6:00 Dinner on your own
WEDNESDAY
7:30 Breakfast
9:00-10:30 Coaching Groups: Case studies, congregational or work setting
11:00-12:30 Break
12:30 Closure