Bishop L. Jonathan Holston is scheduled to visit with lay and clergy leaders in each of the 12 districts of the South Carolina Annual Conference over the next few months.
The gatherings will share the theme “Strengthening Your Soul to Lead” – centered on the book, “Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership: Seeking God in the Crucible of Ministry,” by Ruth Haley Barton.
“The journey toward becoming an effective leader does not begin by leading someone else anywhere,” Bishop Holston said. “It is learning how to move from striving to thriving, allowing ourselves to be transformed and guided by the Holy Spirit, and only then can we lead others toward deeper connection with God.
“Developing effective leaders – both clergy and laity – is one of ‘Our 4 Priorities,’ on which the South Carolina Conference has determined to center all of our efforts as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We began our conversation around ‘Strengthening Your Soul to Lead’ with key lay leaders from across the conference in October, and continued it in November with our clergy during the Fall Clergy Orders Gathering.
“Taking this important and timely discussion into the districts reinforces what we know to be true now more than ever – that strong congregations begin with strong lay leaders.”
- Nov. 18, 2023: Greenwood District (photos)
- Dec. 2, 2023: Florence District, Central UMC, 167 Irby Street, Florence (9:45 a.m.-noon)
- Dec. 9, 2023: Greenville District, Lee Road UMC, 1377 E. Lee Road, Taylors (9:30 a.m.-noon)
- Jan. 20, 2024: Charleston District (location and date to be determined)
- Feb. 3, 2024: Rock Hill District, St. John’s UMC, 321 S. Oakland Ave., Rock Hill (9:30 a.m.-noon)
- Feb. 10, 2024: Hartsville District, Lyttleton Street UMC, 1206 Lyttleton St., Camden (9:30 a.m.)
- March 2, 2024: Columbia District, Lexington UMC, 309 E. Main St., Lexington, (9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.)
- March 16, 2024: Anderson District St. John’s UMC, 515 S. McDuffie St., Anderson (9 a.m.-noon)
- March 23, 2024: Marion District (location and date to be determined)
- April 6, 2024: Spartanburg District (location and date to be determined)
- April 13, 2024: Orangeburg District (location and date to be determined)
- May 18, 2024: Walterboro District, Sand Hill UMC, 1961 Summers Drive, Ridgeville (9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Check back for updates on locations and dates.
