Earlham School of Religion sponsored its inaugural leadership conference, Leadership Fit for Friends. on the Earlham campus, May 20-22. This conference is one new initiative to result from the faculty’s recent decision to add a leadership emphasis to its Master of Divinity curriculum. The goal of such a conference is to provide continuing education opportunities for current and aspiring leaders who seek to integrate faith and vocation in their work and ministry.

Presenter Margaret Benefiel		Presenter Thom Jeavons

This year’s conference featured keynote presentations and workshops from Margaret Benefiel, Thom Jeavons, Alan Kolp, and Jay Marshall, each of whom gives attention to the question of leadership on a regular basis. Their combined presentations invited participants to assess Friends’ tendencies with regard to leadership, consider feasible foundations for spiritually based leadership, and learn practices for integrating faith in the workplace.

Conference attendees enjoy lively conversation

Dean Jay Marshall said, “In recent years, many Friends have expressed a concern for intentional thinking about leadership among Friends that goes beyond the traditional aversion to authority and power, and looks instead for ways to create a manner of leading that is appropriate to our context without ignoring our historic concerns. We are excited to that this project is developing at a brisk pace.” The combination of presentation, dialogue, and breakout groups provided opportunities for content delivery as well as reflection and integration among participants. ESR looks forward to offering more opportunities like Leadership Fit for Friends in the future.