Leadership Development

Leadership Development


You’re called to build up the Church.
We want to help you do that work.

If you have a passion to serve the Church as a leader, we want you to have everything you need to proclaim the gospel and build up the church—clergy members and lay leaders alike.

As the Episcopal Church in Alabama, we create resources, programs, tools, and coaching designed to help you build up your parish and minister to our brothers and sisters throughout the state of Alabama.

Leadership Development

Feeling Called to Lead?
Start Here.

All baptized Christians are called to leadership in the Church. That leadership can take many forms, from teaching Sunday School, serving on the vestry, and becoming a lay preacher to following a call to ordained ministry.

When you’re ready to explore your particular calling, let’s start a conversation.

Supporting Your Leadership

Here’s how we support our parishes throughout Alabama:

 


A Team On Your Side

We’re dedicated to you and always available for coaching, consulting, and questions.

Email Kana Goldsmith, Interim Canon for Parish Vitality and Vocations

Tools and Resources

We’ve curated—and continue to curate—articles, books, and more so you can lead well in your own life and in the life of your parish.

Vestry Resources ECF Vital Practices >> Vestry Resource Guide >> Vestry Papers >> Manual for Church Business Affairs >>

Training for Your Unique Role

Beyond-seminary education to equip you to thrive in your current role and our changing world.

Mutual Support

Stay connected to other leaders to share resources, experiences, and ideas.

How We’re Investing in Our Leaders

To learn more about any of these programs and opportunities, schedule a call with Kana Goldsmith, Interim Canon for Parish Vitality and Vocations.

  • For Clergy
    Leading in Hope Program

    This program is for the newly ordained, those in a new cure, or those new to the Episcopal Church in Alabama. It will help prepare you for your role in the Church using the methods of training in adaptive leadership.

    Through peer learning and case-in-point teaching, participants will build a community of mutual support; explore and build adaptive leadership skills; and gain an understanding of the programs, ministries, and policies of the Diocese of Alabama. The program typically begins in August or September and runs for nine sessions with most sessions offered in person at Carpenter House.

    Formation Events

    The Diocese of Alabama provides regular opportunities for clergy to gather for continuing education, fellowship, and worship. Clergy Conference is a three-day gathering at Camp McDowell, typically held in the fall, that includes programming for clergy and clergy spouses. Additionally, one-day Clergy Formation Events are held throughout the year and offer time for continuing education or reflection.

    Thriving in Ministry Program

    In collaboration with Virginia Seminar, this mostly online program offers coaching and peer support in the effort to develop skills and invest in the well-being of our clergy.

  • For Lay Leaders
    Lay Ministry Pathways


    We are excited to announce the launch of three new lay ministry pathways that are designed to help you expand your knowledge and touch more lives as you connect Scripture, and The Common Book of Prayer in serving your church and beyond in various capacities. Each pathway is structured to empower you with the tools you need to go deeper in your faith and serve the church and mission with greater purpose and clarity. 

    Click on the button below to learn about each program, and if you have any questions, feel free to schedule a call with Kana Goldsmith, Interim Canon for Parish Vitality and Vocations.

                                                                               Learn about the Lay Ministry Pathways

     

    Vestry Resources

    Learn the basics about serving your parish as a Warden or vestry member:

    ECF Vital Practices >>

    Vestry Resource Guide >>

    Vestry Papers >>

    For Youth Ministers and leaders

    The adult youth workers and volunteers serving our parishes belong to a group we call DYM (Diocesan Youth Ministers).  We have the common goal of guiding young people in their faith journey, while we grow in our own faith along the path. To receive information about meeting times, locations, and topics, please email Jen Manning, Missioner for Formation at jmanning@dioala.org.

  • For All Leaders
    Convocation Gatherings

    Join one of our regional cohorts that offer support, accountability, and friendship for those who lead in our parishes. To learn more about our convocations, contact the Kana Goldsmith, Interim Canon for Parish Vitality and Vocations at kgoldsmith@dioala.org