YouLEAD+ helping young leaders explore their story
At the end of February we will be running our YouLEAD+ retreat for young leaders. Those young people aged 18-35 who are exercising or wanting to exercise leadership in our Churches. It is 3 days to explore their story, gifts and skills, caring for others and the story of the Uniting Church.
This is the 3rd year we are running YOULEAD+ which is Pulse’s year long development programme for young leaders. Leaders can participate by doing the whole year of which we have 15 scholarships for, or jump in for key subject or interest areas. Over the past 2 years we have had about 15 young leaders participate, growing in their leadership, exploring their story and listening to the call of God together. They have made deep friendships and stepped up even more into leadership in the Uniting Church and across all aspects of their lives.
The leadership development component consists of 2 retreats and weekly online sessions, so no matter where people are in the Synod they can be part of it. There is also an opportunity to study at UTC, or complete the Living our Faith series as well as do volunteering or internships at a variety of places in our Synod. YouLEAD+ can be used as part of a period of discernment as well.
What we have discovered is vital to growing new leaders is people being invited into leadership by their church community. Sometimes young people cannot see their gifts or haven’t even considered how God is calling them to use their life to serve God. A key part of discernment for the church is the community around them calling them into leadership.
Young people can register themselves or be nominated by a congregation or a leader. Registrations open this week for more info check out the the YouLEAD+ page on our website.
So who are you going to encourage in their leadership journey this year?
Remember you can keep in touch with PULSE by signing up for our monthly newsletter, or for further information contact our team via email, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.
Karen Mitchell-Lambert is ordained in the ministry of Deacon and is the team leader of PULSE.
