A special chance to grow
A further 12 young adults will next year have the chance to prepare to be future leaders in the LCA, thanks to the continuation of the Grow Leadership program. An 11-month program jointly run by the church’s Grow Ministries and LCA International Mission, Grow Leadership was first held in 2017.
Grow Leadership aims to ‘stretch and grow’ young people, while empowering and equipping them to become leaders with skills to contribute to the church and the wider community.
Renee Hein and Joel Grieger, two of the participants from GL17, share a snapshot of their experiences:
Renee: ‘During the Grow Leadership experience I learnt to think outside of the box, got pushed out of my comfort zone, learnt not to be afraid and how to be vulnerable.
‘I learnt that anyone can be a leader. This gave me so much more confidence. I had the opportunity to be involved in many ministry leadership positions throughout the year and I definitely learnt a lot through the overseas experience. I discovered many leadership qualities I never knew I had and then realised I’ve been using them all along. I am a new and improved version of the person I was at the start.’
Encouraged by her GL experience, Renee is currently serving an internship at Tandara Lutheran Camp, Victoria.
Joel: ‘I didn’t really know what to expect but I did like the GL schedule and what I could possibly learn about leadership within the Lutheran church. I was also expecting to meet some real young talented leaders of the church. The program met these expectations.
‘I learnt how to make a team run more effectively, growing and enhancing my skills. By delving deeper, I further enhanced my knowledge about leadership, along with also learning more about motivation within leadership circles.
‘I have also really enjoyed meeting other young talented leaders and hearing their journeys in leadership. Basically the information-sharing has been an absolute winner! I have learnt that I have more to offer the Lutheran church and other organisations than I give myself credit for.’
Joel began pastoral studies at Australian Lutheran College this year.
Are you aged 18-25 and passionate about leading the LCA into the future? Would you like an opportunity to go on a faith journey that grows, stretches and empowers you? Then come and be a part of Grow Leadership 2019!
What’s involved?
• A part-time commitment for 11 months
• Participation in a ‘Stretch and Grow’ experience to Myanmar 30 January–13 February 2019
• Two face-to-face intensives (held at Nunyara Conference Centre, Belair SA)
Intensive 1: 7–12 July 2019
Intensive 2: 2–7 December 2019
• Regular one-on-one mentoring
• Minimum of 18 hours of local congregational leadership
• Cost $2900 (inclusive). We encourage you to seek support via sponsorship and fundraising through your congregation and personal networks.
Applications close Sunday 30 September 2018. Spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 participants.
To find out more or to register your interest, please contact Grow Leadership Coordinator Vicki Rochow at vicki.rochow@lca.org.au
READ MORE STORIES ABOUT Grow Ministries, youth and young adults
