Stressing the Importance of Leadership Training Schools
A Message From the Dean
The Eighth Episcopal District Leadership Training Institute is held annually as of 2016. It had been our custom to not have Leadership School the year of the Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference (CYYAC) and General Conference (GC) (each event is held every four years). The vision for an annual training institute is about providing an opportunity to all persons, in particularly, our young people who otherwise would not be engaged in CYYAC as well as General Conference. While it may place additional time, funds, and energy upon persons who attend connectional events, the value of providing and increasing our ministry efforts is worth the sacrifice
The Leadership Training Institute, or Leadership School, is a valuable ministry that takes place across the CME Connection in various locations. We are blessed that each CME College—Paine College of Georgia, Miles College of Alabama, Lane College of Tennessee, and Texas College of Texas have all hosted leadership schools blessing collectively thousands of adults, young people, and guest. Leadership schools have also been held at retreat sites, hotels, and local churches from both rural and urban settings all across the connectional church. Leadership schools in the varied forms are one of the traditions that we have that is not a mandate but a custom and heritage maintained by its rich legacy and the willingness of leaders and congregations that understand its value.
Lastly, the Georgia Leadership School held at Paine College was a pivotal moment in my life. Before becoming a preacher, I was a young adult at Trinity CME Church, affectionately known as “Mother Trinity” located in Augusta, Georgia. That year (1991), I was a youth counselor making sure that our youth were where they were supposed to be regarding class, lunch, and returning to the dorms. In short, I answered my called to preach after hearing God’s voice as Bishop Joseph C. Coles prayed for young people during chapel time. It was also the week I meet a young preacher, at the time Rev. Lawrence Reddick III, our now senior and presiding prelate.
To those of you that question the validity of Leadership Training Institute and our need to come together, I challenge you to rethink your position. If all adults and young people were to share the tremendous impact that leadership schools have made over the decades, you will hear the testimonies of life changes that make it worth the sacrifice. I close by saying thank you to all clergy, laity, young people, presenters, and persons from Carter and the Eighth Episcopal District that make the Leadership Training Institute a reality. I say “thank you” to Bishop Reddick for his vision, support, and efforts. We will have information forthcoming regarding Leadership Training Institute scheduled between the dates of June 13th – 16th 2021, Thank You!
Clarence Kelby Heath,
Dean of the Eighth Leadership Training Institute
Text: 205-908-6730
Email: clarenceheath68@yahoo.com
