Erin Foos, United Church Homes Central Office manager and executive assistant to the president, and Beth Montgomery, Fairhaven Community assisted living director, recently graduated from the yearlong Nollau Institute servant leadership program.The program is part of the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries of the United Church of Christ (CHHSM). Graduates become Diakonal ministers, a special vocation for leaders within CHHSM, of which United Church Homes is a member.
The Nollau Institute is built around three major themes over four retreats: Hearing God’s Call: The Theology of Leadership, Following the Energy: The Practice of Leadership and Forming Faithful Cultures: The Product of Leadership.
“The personal and professional growth I gained from building relationships with other purpose- and mission-driven leaders has been incredible. Between the studying and personal reflection, I have become not just a stronger leader but also a better person,” Beth said.
Erin said the leadership program was challenging and life-changing. The highlight for her was the CHHSM Annual Gathering. “I was in awe to be around so many faith-based leaders,” she said. “Just to be part of that was a blessed experience.”
“A servant leader takes seriously the commandments to love God and love neighbor. It is one who strives to see the world as God intended and joins in service to others to bring about that vision — a vision of hope, justice, love, joy and peace for all.”
– the Rev. Monica Wedlock Kilpatrick