Leadership Development in the Minnesota Conference

What Does Leadership Development look like in the Minnesota Conference?

Rev. Vicki Wunsch, Director of Leadership Development

At Annual Meeting, Conference Minister Shari Prestemon announced eight strategic objectives that will guide the work of the Minnesota Conference over the next 4 years. These strategic objectives represent new initiatives that we believe will enrich our ministry overall and strengthen the entire Body of Christ.

Some of the new initiatives address the need for leadership and development of lay leaders.  On a broad view, my position as the new Director of Leadership Development includes the following areas that will help achieve these goals.

Lay Leadership and Development Academy (in collaboration with the Wisconsin Conference) –   Currently, 52% of our congregations can only afford a part-time minister; that number is likely to increase.  This initiative will create strong lay leadership, provide for multiple paths to ministry, and invigorate and equip the church for the future.

Young Adults Service Communities (YASC) – This is a national program that places three or more young adult interns recruited from across the country to live in intentional community and do meaningful work with local host congregations and local non-profit organizations.  We envision a pilot project here in the Minnesota Conference that would engage 3-4 congregations in a collaborative involvement in YASC. The hope would be to replicate this model in succeeding years.

Providing Support and Practical Resources for Local Congregations  – Our goal is to serve as a clearinghouse for practical resources while at the same time fostering deeper connections with local church leaders.

It’s a big job, but an exciting new adventure.  I can’t do it alone so, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me.  I would love to hear your thoughts about these new initiatives.  I can be reached at vickiw@uccmn.org.