If you would like to speak with a graduate of the Leadership Fellows Program, contact the Center for Leadership Excellence at lwiebesmith@nccumc.org, and we will connect you with a colleague who can explain the experience.
Quotes from Fellows Graduates
“It was not just a class – it was building relationships, learning about other churches & situations, sharing our successes as well as failures.”
“I have a greater awareness of the inner workings of the Methodist Church but, more importantly, a better understanding of the spiritual responsibilities of church leadership. I especially remember the session when we went on a ‘field trip’ into the community to observe others around us. It hit home with me how important it is to stop and silently open our eyes and hearts rather than to listen to ourselves talk about and decide what those around us need.”
The lay and clergy partnership is “crucial so that the church can benefit from this type of program. So many times I go to classes/workshops and think that the laity should be hearing this too. My lay leader goes back to the church and shares what she learns more than I do! It’s awesome!!”
“The coaching was extremely beneficial to me. My coach helped me bridge the learning of the pastor’s role into my position. He would ask challenging questions that made me think outside the box on how I could share and encourage my pastor to use some of what I was learning.”
“The program…has made me a better and more strategic leader.”
The Fellows Program “takes the best of the business model and views it through the lens of faith.”
“My instincts are better, the committees I oversee are healthier and more fruitful, and the leaders I have sought out and appointed have been much better.”
“This program changed the way that I serve as a minister, and that change helped my entire life improve…The people in the church noticed the change. My wife and my children noticed the change. My preaching is much better. I am more joy filled.”
The Fellows Program “is the best thing the church has done for its ministers and lay leaders for as long as I can remember.”