by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott, Associate Conference Minister for Authorization, Accountability, and Discernment
One of the greatest joys in my ministry and my new position with the SWC is witnessing someone discover their calling. Maybe it’s the young adult who unexpectedly leads a powerful prayer, the longtime church member who comes alive when organizing a church project, or the retiree who finds new purpose in teaching Bible study or group. (SWC Retired Clergy CoP-I’m looking at you guys!)These are the moments when we, as pastors, get to step into the role of mentor—encouraging, equipping, and walking alongside those whom God is calling into deeper service.
So often, leadership development in the church is reduced to filling empty positions: “Who can take over the finance team? Who will organize coffee hour? Who can step in to teach Sunday school?” But true mentorship isn’t about plugging people into roles—it’s about nurturing discipleship, helping individuals recognize their God-given gifts, and encouraging them to step forward in faith.
Read MoreThe Nollau Leadership Institute is CHHSM’s signature program with more than 250 attendees in its 20+ years. Enrollment is open and the short online application can be found here. We invite you to make plans to participate in next year's class by registering now. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to help offset the cost of the program.
Grounded in the health and human service organizations of the United Church of Christ, this program offers a unique space in which to experience leadership formation. Each year, Nollau brings together a community of leaders committed to creating a just, caring, and compassionate world. Such values deepen during the program, as participants grow in their leadership skills from a place of belonging. Cultivating this connection between others, the world, and within themselves is the heart of the Nollau experience.
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Read MoreThe Justice Leadership Program invites you to attend some great fall workshops to build leadership skills and knowledge for the work of social justice.
Read MoreGrounded in the health and human service organizations of the United Church of Christ, the Nollau Leadership Institute program offers a unique space in which to experience leadership formation. For more than 20 years, Nollau and its predecessor institutes has brought together a community of leaders committed to justice, collaboration, and possibility.
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