Why are we doing Leadership Institute (formerly "FEATS") this way?

1. God brings opportunities for spiritual growth; people can choose whether or not to actively cooperate with that process.

God brings experiences into our lives to teach us and grow us. The Holy Spirit urges us forward. We can choose the degree to which we cooperate with that process. Our part is opening ourselves up to what God is doing through paying attention, deepening our awareness, and growing in obedience. Leadership Institute provides a supportive, encouraging environment and resources to facilitate that development.

Key Idea: Spirit guided

2. To function effectively as leaders, people need to establish practices of lifelong learners.

We best prepare for leadership by developing habits that will serve us for years to come as people who continue to learn and grow. Although the Leadership Institute program is only three years long, with an optional fourth year, we recognize that learning and spiritual growth will always be in process as people continue to serve in leadership. Therefore, Leadership Institute prepares leaders by helping them develop practices now that will serve them well for years to come, resulting in the longevity and fruitfulness of future ministry.

Key Idea: Habit for lifelong learning

3. People learn best when learning is done in the context of life and ministry.

People learn best when they have an immediate need for information or skills. This type of learning has been called just-in-time learning or experiential learning; it means learning with a view toward immediate application. By combining ministry experience with content, Leadership Institute creates a just-in-time learning environment.

Key Idea: Just-in-time learning

4. People develop best within a consistent coaching relationship.

Coaching encourages people to reflect, refocus, and formulate next-steps in an environment that nurtures, encourages and empowers their listening to the Holy Spirit. Wisdom is then cultivated through a cycle of action > reflection > action > reflection that coaching fosters. By assessing outcomes and then making mid-course adjustments, coaching cultivates a pattern for continued development.

Key Idea: Coaching

5. People learn best in community rather than in isolation.

People play various roles in the body of Christ and none of us are complete alone. We need others alongside us. Coming together with others who are different from us, and yet journeying alongside us, propels the learning process forward. Through engagement with others, we also come to better understand our own role in the body of Christ. Leadership Institute learning sessions facilitate shared reflection, the processing of experiences,and deeper learning.

Key Idea: Community