Leadership: A Pastoral Approach

The course begins with an examination of leadership within the Christian faith tradition and its evolution in secular scholarship. It encourages a reflection on the principles, attitudes and behaviours of leadership consonant with a pastoral approach. Through personal stories, group discussions, self-evaluation tools and creative exercises, participants examine their own conceptions of leadership as well as their past experiences of leading and following in various contexts. The importance of self-awareness is emphasized, along with practical ways of managing oneself especially in relations with others. The course also discusses issues of authority and power, and helps participants identify and channel their own sources of power in a positive and life-giving way. To personally integrate these challenges, participants learn how to take action and, with the help of others, develop a supportive environment for personal transformation and conversion.