Raising up and Training Leaders in the Diocese Context:

In a recent meeting the Deans agreed to address the development of leadership in the diocese. We began by focusing on the deaneries, but then quickly moved to larger issues and concerns.

We are inviting the diocese as a whole to enter into the discussion and discernment about this issue, as it is critical to our future. We looked first at our deaneries as a focus for training leaders as that is where diocesan policies are discussed, where our various congregations’ programs and initiatives are shared, and the members of our deaneries constitute the membership of our Diocesan Convention. On reflection, we believe there are several concerns, which must be addressed before we can successfully recruit and train new leaders for diocesan work.

We believe we can begin leadership development in the diocese when:

 -- we have reestablished a climate of trust and collegiality in the diocese.

-- we have clearly defined tasks for which we need leadership (not rubber stamping or being involved in purposeless meetings)

-- we have a clearer understanding that leadership in the diocese is diffuse, that program initiatives and the aims of the diocese can arise on all levels of our life.

 -- we are ready to develop leaders who will bring their visioning and planning skills to the task, rather than functioning as servants of a predetermined outcome. Leadership development requires:

-- the work for which we are recruiting is meaningful and rewarding

-- we allow leaders to exercise real influence in their work.

-- the work be worth the expertise we are recruiting.

 -- that we ensure the work for which we are recruiting be honored rather than ignored, countermanded or attacked. We need from the bishop, as we go about leadership development:

-- that he (and others) be willing to make serious choices about asset allocation,

 -- that he be willing to be in serious relationship with the lay and clergy leadership of the diocese, doing more listening than talking.

-- that he no longer see himself as the central person of vision, but focus instead on enabling and supporting the vision of the clergy and lay leaders of the diocese.

-- that he give up control of process and outcome, welcoming the expertise of those in this diocese who are well trained in this area(otherwise he will be a leader w/o followers)