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Leadership Academy

What is it?

A year-long leadership development program for 8 to 10 selected staff members aimed at improving their leadership skills and helping to discern their life-long calling to live out their Christian faith through service to others. The Academy is a collaboration between SSP and Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

What does it entail?

Participant (“fellows”) will spend three weekends in discernment and study at Wesley in Washington. Fellows will also be assigned a mentor who they will work with throughout the year.

Who will lead this?

The weekend retreats will be led by Wesley two dynamic faculty members. One leader will be Kim Bloom, whose area of expertise is “helping others discover insights about their life, work, and relationships.  Through conversations and activities, a person’s theology and world-view are explored and integrated into these insights about everyday life.”

The other leader will be Michael Koppel. Michael Koppel is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Wesley Theological Seminary. An ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), he has served as pastor, campus minister, hospital clinical care supervisor, hospice chaplain, and youth minister in California, Ohio, and New York. He teaches and researches in the field of pastoral theology and care ministries. Michael is the author and editor of several books, numerous professional journal articles, and church publications. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, and received the M.Div. from Yale University Divinity School, and the Ph.D. from Claremont School of Theology. Michael enjoys swimming, bicycling, and hiking.

What else will happen while we are in DC?

Each weekend will include time for relaxation, some site seeing and some engagement with people and issues in the context of being in the nation’s capital.

How similar will this be to the Leadership Academy that happened two years ago?

There will definitely be similarities. It will be different, however, because the leadership team is different, the location is in Washington rather than Southern California, and it will consist of three weekends instead of two.

Dates & Who can apply?

Any current staff member may apply. We will start accepting applications at Debrief in August. The requirements are:

  • You commit to attending all three weekend sessions. The weekends will be: November 11-13, February 9-11, and April 6-8.
  • You are serious about grappling with how your faith and your commitment to serving others will be played out in your future.

Priority will be given to people who intend to work for SSP again, but everyone will be considered.

What does it cost?

All of this is free-of-cost to the Fellows. Transportation, lodging and meals are covered.

Questions? Ask Rick.

Ready to apply? Apply here!