Since the New England Region staff team started developing the practices of Spiritual Leadership for congregations and designing workshops around them, I’ve been troubled by what feels like an inability to “teach” Spiritual Leadership. When we launched an online version of “Claiming Our Spiritual Leadership” I am realized anew that you can’t teach it — even though that’s what we’re attempting. It’s like teaching someone to ride a bike.

I was seven before I could ride a bike and by then my Dutch parents were ashamed. Really, a seven-year-old should know how to ride a bike! Never mind that I did not have a derring-do spirit or that back then there were no training wheels or — the new miracle — balance bikes. None of us got a used bike of our own until we proved we could ride one. So, my training consisted of me getting on my older sister’s oversized bike with Dad running alongside holding the back of the seat with one hand and the steering wheel with the other. He would let go when there was momentum and some hope I would keep going. The second his hands left the bike, I teetered to the ground. Every time.

The day I successfully found my balance on a bicycle, Dad was nowhere around. I had walked to the neighbors’ where kids from all around had gathered in the barn to play tag in the haymow. Their bicycles were scattered in the yard where I noticed that Michelle’s bicycle had fat tires. It occurred to me that fat tires would make riding a bike easier. So, without asking, I got on Michelle’s bike and wobbling along, I rode a circle. No one saw me. I did it again. And again. Then, I went home and tried my sister’s bike. No problem and fewer wobbles. I rode it around in circles for a long time. I could ride a bike!

Sustaining Practice!

Our community of practice will reconvene In September 2022. Specific dates, theme, and pre-work will be communicated in August. Potential themes from interest shared thus far include Board Practice/Governance & Spiritual Leadership, Culture Change through Centering in Gifts, and Liberating Covenant & Culture Change. We also expect during the next year to further explore themes of culture change through the interplay of Spiritual Leadership and action for social justice. 

Thank you to all who participated in our first three gatherings. Let us know how you are sustaining practices of Spiritual Leadership in your congregation.

If you have not already joined the community of practice, you can do so using this form. The community is open to all — religious professionals and laity. Once you join, you will automatically receive registration details and the pre-work assignment before each gathering.

To learn more, follow these links: 

• General description of this community of practice and a listing of scheduled gatherings
• Community Expectations and Covenant Practice
• The Spiritual Leadership for Culture Change Resources list, which includes links to pre-work assignments and follow up notes, if any, for each session:
• January 2022 Gathering – (Re)orientation to Practices of Spiritual Leadership in support of our response to and shaping of culture change
• March 2022 Gathering – Responding to Racism through the Practices of Spiritual Leadership
• May 2022 Gathering – Reactivity to Resilience: Inner Work in Congregations

A Note from JOY

Thank you so much for all the warm retirement wishes that have come my way over the past month. I want you all to know how much I have enjoyed being your Administrator for 20 years; first for the Northern New England District, then for the New England Region. Thank you for being my partners, and thank you for all you have done, and continue to do, for your congregations. Enjoy the summer!

With love and gratitude, Joy Blanchette

New England Region Administrator & Finance Manager