Germinate Leadership 2021
We expect the 2021 programme to start as planned in October 2021 and the formal application process will begin in January 2021. To register your interest in the programme, please email leadership@arthurrankcentre.org.uk.
Helping lay and ordained leaders from all denominations to develop creative, entrepreneurial skills for rural church leadership.
Every part of the Germinate Leadership programme is rooted in the opportunities and challenges of mission and ministry in rural contexts. It fosters a collaborative, ecumenical approach and a culture of continuing personal and professional development. It is expected that all participants end the programme as creative, entrepreneurial, collaborative and strategic leaders, better equipped to engage effectively with local communities and encourage churches to be an effective Christian presence.
The programme develops Christian leadership through engagement with leadership theory, theological reflection and practical leadership issues including conflict resolution, team building and group dynamics, collaboration between lay and ordained leaders, and the importance of deepening emotional intelligence.
The 18-month programme includes four residentials, a 360° leadership appraisal, mentoring and work-shadowing. A variety of learning styles are used, and teaching incorporates wisdom and experience drawn from secular and church leadership spheres. The programme draws on lay and ordained leadership experience from across the denominations.
Over the course of the programme, participants create a portfolio and leadership development plan which encourage reflection on the programme and the setting of ongoing leadership development goals. These form the starting point for a professional dialogue with two senior Christian leaders at the programme’s conclusion.
Germinate Leadership is delivered by the Arthur Rank Centre, the national organisation for the rural church. Founded in 1972, we have almost 50 years’ experience of equipping people for rural mission and ministry. The programme is overseen by an ecumenical steering group.
Who is it for?
Germinate Leadership is for lay and ordained leaders in rural churches who have already displayed some creative and entrepreneurial flair in rural mission and ministry and are keen to develop themselves and their leadership skills.
The programme is generally not suitable for those completely new to life and ministry in a rural context, or those as the very beginning of a new leadership role. Participants need to start the programme with an existing network of key relationships and a basic understanding of the church and local context in which they are leading, as well as a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges of rural church leadership.
The focus of the programme is personal leadership development and is not an introduction to rural ministry.
Because of the key role relationships play in the programme, each Germinate Leadership cohort is limited to 15-20 participants.
When is it?
The four residentials take place over the course of a year. Dates for the 2021 programme are…
- Wed 6 – Thurs 7 October 2021
- Tues 18 – Thurs 20 January 2022
- Wed 11 – Thurs 12 May 2022
- Wed 26 – Thurs 27 October 2022
Where is it?
All four residentials will take place at King’s Park Conference Centre in Northampton which has plenty of parking and good public transport links. Mentor meetings and the professional dialogue are generally arranged more locally.
Cost
Fees for the 2021 Germinate Leadership programme are £1500 per participant.
Bursaries are available where hardship would otherwise prevent participation. Bursary applications from lay church leaders are encouraged, particularly where there is no access to other sources of financial support. Email leadership@arthurrankcentre.org.uk for more information.
Germinate Leadership costs more than £2000 per participant to deliver but grant funding currently covers a significant proportion of the cost.
Next steps
Applications for the 2021 Germinate Leadership programme will open in January 2021. To register your interest, email leadership@arthurrankcentre.org.uk.
What is it?
Want to find out more about Germinate Leadership and the impact it’s had on the lives and ministries of real rural churches leaders? Watch our introductory video…
Participant stories
Alice
Matthew
Rachel
‘The programme has been inspirational. The combination of theology, leadership training, peer and mentor consultancy, spiritual development, stories from rural experience, in theory and practice, has given me renewed enthusiasm and confidence in my ministry. It is has been a vital part of my continuing formation and learning.’
– Programme participant
‘Germinate Leadership really does germinate leadership development in the rural church. It has been a privilege to play a small part as a consultant in this learning journey and a joy to witness new learning in participants.’
– Rt Revd John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick
