You may have heard about the transformative leadership initiative of the Pension Boards called the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI). NGLI has emerged as a leadership development initiative that equips, energizes, and empowers younger UCC local church pastors to build vibrant congregations that change lives and further God’s mission in the world. It seeks to honor and challenge younger clergy who have accepted the high calling to parish ministry, who demonstrate significant potential, and who view parish ministry as a career path and are willing to make a long-term commitment to service in congregational settings of the United Church of Christ.

NGLI is currently accepting applications for its 11th cohort and would appreciate your help in getting the word out. Notice to intent to apply is February 1—so please pass this information along quickly.

The ideal candidate as someone who is:

35 years of age or under by June 1, 2020,
Authorized for ministry in and on behalf of the UCC by an Association/Conference,
Served a total of five years or less as an authorized minister in a parish,
Hold a called position of 20 hours per week or more in a parish setting,
Committed to long-term ministry in local churches of the United Church of Christ.

Those selected to participate in NGLI receive…

Six years of advanced training, education, and field trips to hone pastoral leadership skills and gifts for service to the Church,
Cohort of colleagues that encourages, challenges, and reflects together on the life of a local church pastor in these rapidly changing times,
Financial incentive—a $6,000 seed contribution to the participant’s Annuity Plan account, which should have a value of approximately $46,000 at the end of a 35-year career.

Additional information about the application process and program components can be found HERE.

Please help the Church by getting these materials in the hands of any eligible clergy you may know-- spread the word and be a part of the transformation!