Gary K Cowden

Program Director

In his book Pastors At Risk, H. B. London quotes statistics from a Fuller Institute study which found that, among other things, 70 percent of pastors surveyed do not have someone they consider to be a close friend, and an equal number report having a lower self-image than when they started in the ministry.  Can you identify?

The Strategic Leadership Institute recognizes some of the stresses pastors feel while leading their congregations and is doing something about it.  Four modules are featured in the pastor’s track. 

First, we wish to create a community environment of safety and trust.  Pastors will not be judged by the size of their churches or the “success” of their ministries.  Each will come as part of a mutually supportive group. 

Second, we will evaluate our lives - how we are doing spiritually, physically, emotionally, and intellectually, and how our marriages and families are coping with the strains of ministry.  We will develop a personal action plan to make improvements in each of those areas. 

Third, we will learn to appreciate our own leadership style, discover the roots of our stress, and design a ministry model that fits our uniqueness. 

Fourth, in conjunction with our church boards or leadership teams, each pastor will produce a strategic plan for his or her church or ministry.

The goal of an SLI experience is to enrich each leader while increasing the ability of the group to impact its community for Christ together.  Are you ready for an SLI experience?

Applications are being accepted now for new pastor groups.  For more information contact our website at www.StrategicLeadership.org, or one of us below.  Let’s get growing!

John Savage, EMBA

Executive Director

JohnS@StrategicLeadership.org

Rev. Gary K. Cowden

Program Director

GaryC@StrategicLeadership.org