Western North Carolina Conference Leadership Development

09/18/2026

Embodied Reconciliation: Congregational Healing as Pastoral Care

In this excerpt, a scholar asks, What are the tasks of pastoral care and leadership in the wake of conflict or tension within a community of faith?

Read the reflection by Leanna K. Fuller, Associate professor, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary:

In this excerpt, a scholar asks, What are the tasks of pastoral care and leadership in the wake of conflict or tension within a community of faith?

09/17/2026

https://www.wnccumc.org/resourcedetail/hr-in-the-local-church-webinar-series-19975681

09/17/2026

The Big Read with Weave

From Oct. 1 through Nov. 5, readers across the globe will read "How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply And Being Deeply Seen" by David Brooks, who is Weave's founder and chair.

During the month together, participants will read, reflect, and practice the skills presented in the book. A reading schedule will be provided, and you can participate in weekly reflection discussions, Community Circles, and practice challenges.

Then, on Nov. 5 at 6:30pm ET, join WEAVE for a celebration with David Brooks and Weave's Executive Director, Frederick J. Riley. Register for the BIG READ and the celebration at one time.

Register to join the celebration:

https://register.aspeninstitute.org/event/165ead54-7eb6-4acb-8abb-5c2a5955aae9/register?RefId=register&utm_campaign=test&utm_campaign=The+Aspen+Institute&utm_content=Weaver+Blast_9.16.26-255072&utm_medium=Social&utm_medium=email&utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_source=sfmc

09/16/2026

Leaders need to put themselves in situations where they can make mistakes, ask for help, and receive feedback without humiliation from those above them. Sure, they need to feel safe.

Read more from Inc.com about growing as a leader:

https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/ive-coached-hundreds-of-leaders-the-ones-who-grow-do-this-1-uncomfortable-thing-repeatedly/91395447

New research suggests leadership skills are built through productive struggle and exposure to real-world pressure.

09/14/2026

Ministry Works CPA with Steve and Lauren Anderson

Supporting nonprofits and churches through trusted fund management, bookkeeping, and tax services. We believe in financial stewardship, transparency, and giving back to the communities we serve.

Check out their page:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585613699230

09/12/2026

More inspiration - this time from Harvard University.

Over 100 free courses of varying length. Check them out and let colleagues know what you discover.

https://pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free?emc=edit_hh_20260904&nl=well&page=3&price%5B1%5D=1&segment_id=225996

09/11/2026

More inspiration of a different kind: Yale Open Courses

Free access to recorded lectures at Yale University. I see several that could be relevant, but others might provide insight or illustration. Share with colleagues what you watch and your impressions.

https://oyc.yale.edu/courses

09/10/2026

This course is a transformative learning experience that includes two in-person retreat weekends at Spring Forest, along with four online sessions exploring discipleship, justice, and healing in a land shaped by colonization and hidden histories.

09/09/2026

Deeply and faithfully loving and caring for oneself is enough -- it’s not just a pause between activities, writes a seminary professor and psychologist.

Deeply and faithfully loving and caring for oneself is enough -- it’s not just a pause between activities, writes a seminary professor and psychologist.

09/09/2026

Need inspiration? Listen to the summer preachers at Bay View Association in Michigan where WNC clergy Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee was the Director of Worship and Religious Life.

https://www.bayviewassociation.org/preachers-of-the-week/