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Leaders in Ministry Program

Question: What happens when you gather a group of talented, spiritually alive people and, over a period of nine months, bring them together and provide them with good theological and spiritual information, share with them different ways to reflect and pray, expose them to experts in healthcare ethics and social justice, and provide them with the opportunity to talk about leadership and what they are employed to do for Avera?

Answer: You get men and women who feel that they have been intellectually challenged, spiritually renewed, gifted with many deeper relationships, and overall, better prepared to lead our ministry into the future.

This is what happens through Avera’s new Leaders in Ministry Program, an endeavor launched in September 2005 by 15 Avera leader-participants and a team of five program directors. Once a month, these 20 people gathered on a Thursday at noon at the Broom Tree Retreat House and Conference Center near Irene, SD. They listened, discussed, reflected and prayed about questions, such as: how do each of us understand Church and Eucharist; why is it important to understand that the development of the Bible involved various literary forms; how human and like us was Jesus; what do our Sponsors expect of us as leaders; what are ways for me to stay connected with God, given the pressures of my life; what are current issues of social justice on which Avera should take a position; and how can we as leaders develop Avera in the spirit of Heroic Leadership’s four pillars?

Given a comfortable environment, the encouragement to dress casually, good food, acres and acres of farm- and woodland to trek, and the whole Center to ourselves for most of the time, we learned, over time, to relax, savor this once in a lifetime opportunity, and dig honestly and personally into the various topics presented. As one participant commented at the beginning of the second session in October, “I was surprised. As time passed since last month, more and more I found myself eager to get back here. This kind of experience is what I need as a really busy leader.”

During the last month of the program, the leader-participants expressed their thoughts and feelings about various aspects of the year. In completion of the phrase “The extent to which the program met or did not meet your expectations. . .” here is what several people had to say:

 

  • Exceeded my expectations. Wasn’t sure what to expect and somewhat apprehensive on arriving for the first session. Greatly looked forward to each session thereafter.
  • The program “totally blew me away.” It was terrific and far exceeded my expectations. It truly was a gift that I have never received anything like this Ever!
  • I learned so much. Made me think about things I thought I knew and things I did not know. Many areas were thought provoking – and others I wondered why I never knew any of it before.
  • I think it has been a wonderful experience for me and I would encourage Avera leaders to apply.  I think it was a time of learning, growing and building relationships with our selves and Christ. It was so enriching that I cannot thank all of you enough.
  • I realize the program was a large time commitment that I did not really expect. I was surprised to find myself face-to-face with subjects and concepts I hadn’t expected to reflect on. I was glad for the opportunity.
  • Went over, above and beyond.
  • The program fully met my expectations. I think I worked hard at it, so I ended up getting a lot out of it. I think that is what it takes. I am more spiritually aware of myself and have a more meaningful relationship with God. I also know I have a long way to go on my spiritual journey and that it will never end, nor do I want it to.
  • I think Clare vanBrandwijk quoted that “the whole world is God’s hiding place.” Throughout this experience the 15 of us have been coached and coaxed into finding God’s revelation in  places we have not thought to look – whether that be in a psalm, a parable, a leadership decision or a spruce sprig. God has been revealed to me through this experience and I am grateful for the opportunity.
  • It overwhelmingly exceeded my expectations.
  • Exceeded – Way Beyond – My sight has broadened! I am more in tune to listen/be patient and my prayer life is greatly – greatly improved.
  • This program did meet my expectations. I felt that I had a spiritual enriching, enlarged my perspective of the mission and values of the Sisters, and came to appreciate the Sisters health ministry as a lay person in the leadership of the Avera system.

The second year of the program begins September 14, 2006 at Broom Tree. Please keep this year’s participants and directors in your prayers!