Leading Effectively,
Growing Spiritually

Foundations of Ministry Leadership provides formation that links ministry identity, Mission, and leadership competencies expected of associates serving in core leadership roles.

Prepared for the Future

Focused on the central theme of "right relationship," participants in the Foundations of Ministry Leadership program will grow in their understanding of healthy leadership through experiential learning, group interaction, reading, and reflection.

Foundations of Ministry Leadership links ministry identity, Mission, right relationships, essential behaviors and the competencies expected of leaders.

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Program Design

To equip a group of core leaders — managing and functional — who, through their leadership of teams and influence, serve as exemplars and catalysts for Mission-focused leadership that integrates the core principles of Catholic identity into effective practices of leading and managing.

Foundations is a one-year formation program focused on integrating personal spiritual growth with effective, healthy, and Mission-focused leadership skills. In diverse groups of leaders from across Ascension, this happens through four retreats, two in-person and two virtual, and ongoing practice of leadership skills between the retreats. Through experiential learning, small group interaction, and reflective practices, Foundations of Ministry Leadership provides:

  • Exploration of relevant principles from the Catholic theological tradition, especially human dignity and participation
  • An emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion aligned with the ABIDE framework and grounded in Ascension’s identity as a Ministry.
  • An environment that fosters personal reflection, integration, a sense of community and personal growth
  • Practical connections between Mission, Catholic Identity, and ministry leadership competencies (as described in Ascension leadership competencies) especially related to team building
  • Opportunities to practice skills and integrate concepts into one's life and leadership through reflective practice and asynchronous conversation.

Participants will demonstrate:

  • Enhanced emotional and spiritual maturity grounded in deepened self-awareness and ongoing practices of self-reflection
  • Resilient leadership presence shaped by deeper integration of “spiritually centered holistic care” of those they lead
  • Commitment to honor the dignity and participation of associates they lead and enhanced ability to have conversations that promote performance excellence
  • Ability to build community among teams and exhibiting the hallmarks of ABIDE
  • Ability to lead change with a spirit of willingness and joy inspired by the history and legacy of Ascension’s historic sponsors

Target Audience | Selection

  • Is this program right for me?

    Foundations of Ministry Leadership is for Supervisors, Managers, Directors, and Senior Directors. However, it is appropriate for and open to leaders at all levels/roles.

  • Are there prerequisites?

    Recommended nominees should be leaders among their peers and respected by those they lead; employed by Ascension for at least two years and express the intent to continue service within Ascension; and demonstrate a commitment to fully engage and participate in all aspects of the program.

  • What is the selection process?

    Selection occurs between January and February for the six annual cohorts. Participants are chosen from across all Ascension entities and their names are submitted by the aligned Chief Mission Integration Officer (CMIO) in collaboration with the senior leadership team. Associates may contact their supervisor and the CMIO to express interest in the program. Please direct questions to [email protected].

Cohort Size | Duration | Delivery

  • How long does this program last?

    One year program

  • What will my time commitment be?

    Two in-person retreats and two virtual retreats over the course of the year along with online interaction time

  • How is the program delivered?

    Two 3-day in-person and two 2-day virtual formation retreats with online interaction in between

  • What is the group size?

    Six cohorts of approximately 30 participants each year

Impact

  • How many leaders have participated?

    Since the program began in 2009, there have been 65 cohorts, and approximately 1,677 leaders have completed the program.

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