Why Leadership Matters

Leadership development isn’t optional. It’s the engine of transformation—and we intend to rebuild it at the heart of community and congregational life. It is where hope resides.

Across the country, we are experiencing disconnection, distrust, and disengagement. And yet: the longing for meaning, connection, and purpose has never been greater. We face a sacred opportunity. To answer the call, we must invest in leadership formation—as a craft, a calling, and a spiritual practice

A different way: What if leadership formation were as ritualized as budgeting—anchored in annual rhythms, spiritual reflection, and measurable growth? In the fall, leaders would set goals for the year. In the winter, they would pause to reflect and adjust. In the late spring, they'd evaluate the year, assess their capacity and commitment, and either recommit or step aside.

Leadership is not innate; it is cultivated. And the experience of being truly seen, supported, and invited to grow—especially through mentorship—is transformative. Leaders are not simply trained; they are formed through acknowledgment, invitation, reflection, and accompaniment.