Greetings from the territory of the Lkwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, also known as Victoria, BC.

I’m thrilled, honoured, excited, and slightly nervous to be stepping into the LeaderShift chair for the time being!

After 24 years of ordained ministry in congregations, I’m looking forward to thinking about, exploring, and hearing from you, about what kinds of learning, growth and leadership formation you yearn for in this time, in your place and context of ministry.

I’ve served in part-time, small congregations (shout out to Chemainus United and Cedar United Churches!) and program size congregations (Dunbar Heights UC and Oak Bay UC!) And all along the way, I’ve treasured opportunities to continue learning and growing in my practice of ministry.

Not just because there’s always more to learn, and more ways to grow. But also because, as Parker J. Palmer writes, “Our lives as leaders both demand and deserve reflection. They demand reflection because we must know what is in our hearts, lest our leadership do more harm than good. They deserve reflection because it is often challenging to sustain the heart to lead.” (from the Introduction to
Leading from within: Poetry that Sustains the Courage to Lead, 2007, Center for Courage and Renewal)

These are challenging times to lead, to be sure. And, we are not alone in the work. I look forward to your good company, and the company of the Holy Spirit.

May we experience together, times of opening our hearts to know what is in them, and times of strengthening our courage and filling our souls, so that we may be sustained in our leadership, in the times and places that Jesus has called us to be.

Also, please note that I’ll be away from February 27 to March 26! Then I’ll really hit the ground running 😊

Blessings on your journey and in your practice of leadership,

Michelle Slater

Interim LeaderShift Director