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.
The weekends will take place on October 5 – 7, January 25 – 27, and April 5 – 7.
Who will lead this?
The weekend retreats will be led by two dynamic Wesley 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 is Professor of Pastoral Theology and Congregational Care 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. 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 has a B.A. from the University of California, Davis, an M.Div. from Yale University Divinity School, and a Ph.D. from Claremont School of Theology.
What else will happen while we are in DC?
The weekends will be full, but there will be time for some sightseeing and educational activities.
How similar will this be to last year’s Leadership Academy?
Logistically, it will be very similar. You will be flown to DC on Friday and return either Sunday afternoon or Monday morning. You will stay in student housing at Wesley, and your meals will be there as well. The curriculum will be similar to last year’s, but will tie in more closely with SSP training.
Who can apply?
Any current staff member may apply. Everyone is encouraged to apply, but priority will be given to staff who have worked one or two summers and are committed to working future summers at SSP. Other requirements are:
- You commit to attending all three weekend sessions.
- You are serious about grappling with how your faith and commitment to serving others will play out in your future.
What does it cost?
All of this is free-of-cost to the Fellows. Transportation, lodging and meals are covered.
Questions? Ask Rick or Veronica.
Apply here now!
Fellows will be selected and notified in early September.