Leadership Training Forum 2023 Recap

I am still reminiscing about the DCBC Leadership Training Forum held at Montgomery Hills Baptist Church where we were welcomed with a great and loving spirit of hospitality. This event was a refreshing and an amazing experience that brought together leaders from our congregations throughout the metropolitan DC area. We all came together to learn how to be better leaders as we serve the people of God and witnesses of God’s presence in this world.

I had the privilege and blessing of leading the session on “Excellence in Living — Continual Formation While Forming Others.” In our discussion, each of the leaders was very clear about the importance to our leadership of living Christ-like lives and being the model for excellent living, which is living a spiritual life. The sharing was rich and relevant for leading today’s church. As the session ended, one leader shared how much she appreciated this time and her gratitude for what she received. Other sessions dealt with topics such as how to have conversations with difficult people, being legally and morally responsible for the wellbeing of children and other vulnerable people, leading across cultures and traditions, and equipping people in addition to the pastor to sit with those in grief, to name a few.

It was a beautiful day that kicked off with singing and some exercises to help those around each table get to know each other. It was a wonderful time of sharing! On this beautiful day, we received physical and spiritual food for the soul, and I am so grateful for the DCBC Leadership Staff, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Trisha Miller Manarin, for the foresight and vision to convene our leadership as we face the challenges of today and of life in general.

I am convinced God has a plan for the District of Columbia Baptist Convention, and I believe, and I am hopeful, that we see that our challenge is to rise up and together work the plan of God to change lives and change our world!