In answer to the question, “Where did the summer go?", we at LeaderWise want to share some of our favorite pastimes from Summer 2025. Here are our adventures, books, outdoors, entertainment, and moments that composed our summer days. [Photo by Zach Camp on Unsplash.]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, spiritual director Mike Hotz considers how centering others can help enlarge the circle of belonging.

Despite having a rational understanding that we don’t have to go it alone, many of us share the notion that we “should have things figured out” by this time in our lives. LeaderWise is here to help untangle that myth and accompany you in your leadership journey. [Photo by Peyman Shojaei on Unsplash]

The process of preparing for professional ministry is a lot like pastry school: One learns how to bake apple pies, but one does not learn how to grow and nurture apple trees. In seminary, one learns how to preach and teach, but one does not learn about the day-to-day realities of ministry. LeaderWise is here to care for ministers and their congregations, providing the nourishment, training, accompaniment, and experiences that help them bear their best fruit. [Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, emilie reflects on strategies for creating new circles of friends when a life transition means you are starting from scratch.

What does practicing Sabbath look like for those of us living in open space with few commitments or obligations? How can I practice pause when most every day has ample room with seldom more than one or two entries on the calendar? Spiritual Director Tim Nelson reflects that practicing Sabbath in the open space is a simple and daily endeavor. [Photo by Blake Wisz on Unsplash]

Many leaders struggle with the practice of Sabbath. Sometimes it’s because in slowing down, we might have to face something we don’t want to confront. And yet Sabbath isn’t about solving or fixing—it’s about returning. What if the things we’re afraid to face are actually the very places God wants to meet us—with healing, not condemnation?

What if we intentionally value our unproductive time? [Photo by Unjay Markiewicz on Unsplash]

LeaderWise Co-Director Drew Benson shares his ponderings about going on sabbatical. "What is it," he asks, "that has made sabbath such an unnatural part of my life?" Does Drew's question resonate with you? Read more in this week's article.

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, Laura Beth suggests that it’s not what we know or who we know, but what we know about who we know. "The more we connect," writes Laura Beth, "the easier it becomes to see the passion and aliveness of others through the lens of our life and passion."

In honor of National Immigrant Heritage Month, LeaderWise's emilie boggis interviewed faith leaders who are first generation immigrants, whose 1.5 or 2nd generation immigrant identity informs their ministry, and/or who serve immigrant communities. Each offered unique perspectives, and there were consistent themes throughout our conversations (for instance, none of them had heard of Immigrant Heritage Month). The article also includes prompts to begin exploring your own heritage. [Photo by Amir Mortezaie on Unsplash]

Savoring is the act of enjoying and reveling in what is already there—of highlighting the positive experiences and tuning into the sensory experience of it all. A recent study found that savoring plays a role in enhancing overall psychological resilience. Savoring—tuning into what we enjoy in our lives—can help us to build our resilience over time. We are invited to build into our lives a practice of noticing what is in front of us—what we might savor. Perhaps there are opportunities for all of us to savor what is already there, already in front of us, instead of adding more to our to-do lists. By doing so, we strengthen our resilience. [Photo by Lesia and Serhii Artymovych on Unsplash]

Plug into community where you already are, and experience the benefits of slowing down, showing up, and enjoying yourself in community spaces where you are not “in charge.” [Photo by Bree Anne on Unsplash]

A Task Force of the Presbytery of Long Island worked with LeaderWise to craft new values, mission, and vision for the Presbytery, uncovering obstacles and taking into consideration who is typically not at the decision-making table, who is even skeptical about the usefulness of the Presbytery over all. Read their story in this week's Good News article.

When it comes to AI such as ChatGPT, we are all navigating uncharted territory. Are there benefits to using AI to write sermons? What are the drawbacks from writing a sermon using AI? This article discusses a real-life scenario and offers 5 questions to consider in using AI as a spiritual leader. [Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash.]

Building a culture of connection is an admirable goal. It’s also a risk. Too much time isolated from one another during the pandemic has also made our social skills rusty. Does our desire for connection, belonging, and social change outweigh our anxiety? Many of our faith traditions have wisdom for the newbies among us. Consider what from your faith tradition and values helps you acknowledge discomfort and also lean into new connections. Then, anchor yourself in small movements towards your intention of community. Here are 4 ways to practice anchoring. [Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash]

Without promising easy answers, or giving a one-size-fits-all approach, CrossForm is designed to help congregational leaders face the challenges of being communities of faith today. Feedback from the 13 faith communities who have participated in CrossForm confirmed the value and impact CrossForm can have. If you and your congregation are trying to figure out what the questions are and discover new frameworks and tools to understand the world in which we live, CrossForm may be for you. [Photo by Tim Marshall on Unsplash ]