Healthy Leadership

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On January 31 a group of almost 30 leaders met with me in Denver to explore how we can promote healthy leadership within the ELCA Rocky Mountain Synod. While much of the initial focus will be on rostered and professional leaders within the church, the work we have committed to doing together will impact congregational lay leaders and members as well. 

Who met?
In addition to some of our synod council and staff members, those who attending this meeting included the elected or appointed members of three existing committees:  Committee on Discipline, Consultation Committee, and the Congregation and Leadership Health Committee.  

What was discussed?
During the course of our day-long conference we discussed many aspects of healthy leadership, beginning with four small groups that responded to the following questions:
  • What are the components of healthy leadership?
  • What are the questions we need to be asking about healthy leadership?
  • What are the barriers to healthy leadership?

I then shared some of my own priority “tasks” for promoting healthy leadership including making sure our rostered leaders are aware of the benefits already available to them that promote and sustain wellness, working on resources and protocols for accompanying congregations and leaders experiencing stress, tension, and conflict, and rewriting our synodical sexual misconduct policies,

What were the outcomes?
After some great discussion in both large and small groups, we ended the day with the following three working teams

(note that the names of each team are still fluid – these are largely my descriptions!)

Team One:  Ministerial Health and Wellness team – will explore and implement specific actions and activities that create opportunities for rostered and professional church leaders in the RMS to grow in their awareness and use of healthy practices relating to the physical, spiritual, emotional, financial, and vocational aspects of life.

Team Two:  Congregational/Leader Resource team – will be committed to three specific areas:
1.     Provide and promote practical resources and tools (existing and new) that assist congregations and rostered/professional church leaders in establishing and maintaining a healthy convenantal relationship.
2.     Develop a system of support and “cross pollination” at the conference level by which congregations and their leaders are able to develop relationships, share information and enthusiasm, explore challenges, and imagine collaborative forms of ministry.
3.     Identify and train RMS members that can assist the Office of the Bishop at a conference level to accompany congregations and their leaders experiencing stress, tension or conflict.

Team Three:  Ministry Accountability team – will define and implement specific actions associated with creating a RMS policy on conduct for members of clergy and rostered laypersons that, at a minimum addresses sexual misconduct, boundary education, accountability, appropriate conduct that also incorporates the existing, relevant ELCA resources, i.e. Vision and Expectations and RMS Safe Haven program guidance.

As team leader for Healthy Leadership, I will also be exploring my specific role as bishop in creating an environment in which leaders feel encouraged and supported in creating rhythms of well-being for their lives and ministries.  I am grateful that we have over $20,000 in Portico funds from 2012 to help implement the team plans and to invest in healthy leadership.  These funds were earned when more than 65% of our rostered leaders participated in the Portico Wellness Survey by April 30.  A similar amount will be available to us in 2013 providing that we reach that percentage again.  There is absolutely no excuse for us to not be able to leverage those funds – I will be actively pursuing the attainment of these benefits for 2013! (Leaders: click here to take the health assessment now!)

What’s next?
The three teams will be meeting between now and synod assembly to identify concrete next steps.  They’ll be looking for others who wish to engage, so if you have interest or skills in any of these areas, please contact me and I’ll put you in touch with the appropriate team convener.

In the meantime, I will also be working on practical ways I can connect with, support, and encourage our rostered and professional leaders. As part of my own self-care, I will be attending the Bishops Journey of Renewal Retreat Feb 10-12 in Carefree, Arizona, after which I will be part of a monthly coaching/mentoring group.

I’m grateful for the commitment of so many already to our vision of healthy leaders and congregations within the Rocky Mountain Synod.  Feel free to share you own ideas and resources for how we can be engaged in this effort together.

Yours in Faith,
Bishop Jim Gonia

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