How are you being called to invest in your call and your leadership? New Shape groups are forming for 2026 in Minnesota/Wisconsin, Idaho, New Jersey, and North Carolina. The LeaderWise Shape of Leadership program was started by one of LeaderWise’s co-directors, Mary Kay DuChene, who studied adaptive leadership with Ron Heifetz out of Harvard University. Mary Kay channeled the lessons of embracing change through experimentation and innovation into experiences faith leaders could apply to their ministry contexts. Since the start of the Shape program (even in spite of the pandemic) more than 100 leaders—ministers, chaplains, directors—have graduated from the Shape program, continually using the tools they learned in Shape to elevate their ministries.

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, spiritual director Alicia Forde invites us to reach out and nurture micro-connections with people we encounter.

Science shows that loneliness is a serious public health threat. Loneliness can take a significant health toll and even be deadly. The good news is that loneliness is highly treatable. Research has demonstrated several effective treatments. [Photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash]

Because constructive conflict is necessary in order to activate the work of justice, we as faith leaders must create spiritual disciplines that will give us the courage to face the conflict that must be faced. When we embrace and lead from spiritual centeredness, we are able to embody a presence that is open and not defensive; calm and focused; grounded in the ability to move with agility toward promoting reconciliation and peace. Photo by Lua Valentia on Unsplash

Trauma doesn’t wait for convenient timing—it shows up at the coffee hour table, in a phone call, and in the pews. Such a moment calls for a deep breath! A trauma-informed response helps create safety and presence, rather than rushing to fix things. If you’d like to learn more about what trauma is, how to bring a trauma-informed lens into your ministry, and to care for yourself as you engage in this work, join us for two new upcoming opportunities from LeaderWise. [Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash]

In answer to the question, “Where did the summer go?", we at LeaderWise want to share some of our favorite pastimes from Summer 2025. Here are our adventures, books, outdoors, entertainment, and moments that composed our summer days. [Photo by Zach Camp on Unsplash.]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, spiritual director Mike Hotz considers how centering others can help enlarge the circle of belonging.

Despite having a rational understanding that we don’t have to go it alone, many of us share the notion that we “should have things figured out” by this time in our lives. LeaderWise is here to help untangle that myth and accompany you in your leadership journey. [Photo by Peyman Shojaei on Unsplash]

The process of preparing for professional ministry is a lot like pastry school: One learns how to bake apple pies, but one does not learn how to grow and nurture apple trees. In seminary, one learns how to preach and teach, but one does not learn about the day-to-day realities of ministry. LeaderWise is here to care for ministers and their congregations, providing the nourishment, training, accompaniment, and experiences that help them bear their best fruit. [Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, emilie reflects on strategies for creating new circles of friends when a life transition means you are starting from scratch.

What does practicing Sabbath look like for those of us living in open space with few commitments or obligations? How can I practice pause when most every day has ample room with seldom more than one or two entries on the calendar? Spiritual Director Tim Nelson reflects that practicing Sabbath in the open space is a simple and daily endeavor. [Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash]

Many leaders struggle with the practice of Sabbath. Sometimes it’s because in slowing down, we might have to face something we don’t want to confront. And yet Sabbath isn’t about solving or fixing—it’s about returning. What if the things we’re afraid to face are actually the very places God wants to meet us—with healing, not condemnation?

What if we intentionally value our unproductive time? [Photo by Unjay Markiewicz on Unsplash]

LeaderWise Co-Director Drew Benson shares his ponderings about going on sabbatical. "What is it," he asks, "that has made sabbath such an unnatural part of my life?" Does Drew's question resonate with you? Read more in this week's article.

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, Laura Beth suggests that it’s not what we know or who we know, but what we know about who we know. "The more we connect," writes Laura Beth, "the easier it becomes to see the passion and aliveness of others through the lens of our life and passion."

In honor of National Immigrant Heritage Month, LeaderWise's emilie boggis interviewed faith leaders who are first generation immigrants, whose 1.5 or 2nd generation immigrant identity informs their ministry, and/or who serve immigrant communities. Each offered unique perspectives, and there were consistent themes throughout our conversations (for instance, none of them had heard of Immigrant Heritage Month). The article also includes prompts to begin exploring your own heritage. [Photo by Amir Mortezaie on Unsplash]

Savoring is the act of enjoying and reveling in what is already there—of highlighting the positive experiences and tuning into the sensory experience of it all. A recent study found that savoring plays a role in enhancing overall psychological resilience. Savoring—tuning into what we enjoy in our lives—can help us to build our resilience over time. We are invited to build into our lives a practice of noticing what is in front of us—what we might savor. Perhaps there are opportunities for all of us to savor what is already there, already in front of us, instead of adding more to our to-do lists. By doing so, we strengthen our resilience. [Photo by Lesia and Serhii Artymovych on Unsplash]

Plug into community where you already are, and experience the benefits of slowing down, showing up, and enjoying yourself in community spaces where you are not “in charge.” [Photo by Bree Anne on Unsplash]