Pathways to Mid Council Leadership

In 2025, the Synod introduces Pathways to Mid Council Leadership: Foundations for Emerging Leaders, a four-day training that prepares and inspires individuals discerning a call to serve in presbytery, synod, and agency leadership. This initiative responds to the increasing complexity of mid council ministry and the need to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills, and perspective required to navigate these systems faithfully and effectively.

The program immerses participants in the realities of mid council service through sessions on governance, administration, and organizational design. Participants explore the transition from congregational pastor to administrative leader, develop strategies for resourcing congregations, and examine emerging models of presbytery leadership. The training also engages practical challenges, including conflict management, equipping committees and commissions, and fostering collaborative alliances.

At its core, Pathways focuses on vocational discernment. Through leadership assessments, participants gain deeper insight into their strengths, growth areas, and leadership style. Guided reflection on pastoral identity, adaptive leadership, and missional narrative helps participants consider whether mid council service is part of their call.

By resourcing this program, the Synod invests in the future of its presbyteries and mid council leadership. Pathways not only provides practical preparation but also cultivates imaginative, collaborative, and resilient leaders who guide the church through change and toward vitality.

The program operates as largely self-funded. To support accessibility, participants from within the Synod of the Northeast receive a $100 registration subsidy, with the Synod allocating $3,000 in its budget for this initiative. The Synod of the Northeast is the second site in the denomination to offer structured mid council leadership training, underscoring its commitment to innovation and leadership development across the wider church