It has been a privilege to host bishops and leaders from five ELCA synods (Indiana-Kentucky, North Carolina, Southwestern Washington, Upstate New York, and NT-NL Synod, ELCA) at Briarwood Leadership Center. We were led through conversations around congregational transition and how to engage the grief associated with that work in productive ways.

Monday-Wednesday Oct 28-30 NT-NL Synod, ELCA hostted bishops and staff from four other ELCA synods (ndiana-Kentucky, North Carolina, Southwestern Washington, Upstate New York) as part of the partnered synod project. This project is focused on bringing together leaders intentionally around leadership development and sharing best practices. The idea is to more fully live into the idea that we are #InMissionTogether as the ELCA.

It has been a good time of learning focusing on how grief can impact congregations and their decisions during times of transition. Bishop Mike Girlinghouse presented on his new book “Embracing God’s Future without Forgetting the Past.” He uses grief and leadership theory together to provide a path forward for leaders to work together to help congregations in transition.

It has been an excellent time of learning and fellowship. The hospitality of Briarwood Retreat Center/Briarwood Leadership Center is on full display and appreciated by all. Grateful for another opportunity to tell the story of Briarwood and expose this resource to our wider church.

Your synod staff in NT-NL is focused on walking with all our congregations into life and vitality across our territory. Please connect with our DEM Irma Banales if you are interested in learning more how our leadership development tools can impact your congregation and leaders. #NTNL #BWTX #InMissionTogether