The calling to Christ-shaped leadership isn’t solely for people whose paychecks come from tithes and offerings. In fact, those set aside by God for pastoral ministry are tasked with equipping lay Christians for ministry. This means both “professional Christians” and those who work in any other area of life (paid or unpaid!) need clear understandings of work and vocation. This week, we will learn about discerning our callings and consider ways our Christian communities can better encourage a sense of calling in every Christian.

Trauma impacts us as holistic beings in community. Because leadership is always relational, leaders need to understand how trauma shapes human interactions. Because God calls leaders to come alongside those who have experienced (or are still experiencing) traumatic circumstances, it’s vital for leaders to develop practical skills for helping people heal as individuals and communities.

As we wrap up this course, we’ll revisit the question of what Christ-shaped leadership looks like by taking a close look at Jesus’s teachings on the Great Commandment in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Along the way, we’ll examine how leading others into innovation for the sake of the church’s mission demands a Christ-shaped character that refuses to replace love with preference and demonstrates mercy in the face of reluctance and resistance.