by Deacon Peggy Hahn (she/her), Co-director at LEAD

A few years ago, I was invited into a group of “Wise Women” from across the country who meet every Friday at noon and travel to learn from each other once a year. This group has changed my life, so when I tell you that you need this, I am speaking from personal experience. I did not start this group, but I can tell you that it was an answer to my prayers because the loneliness of leadership was deeply felt.

It has been shocking to see the difference between the faith leaders I know that are trying to make things happen alone (even within a larger church body) and those who have strong peers they can trust to bounce new ideas off of, vent when things are harder than ever imagined, or to learn with when there is a shared curiosity. We can all Google anything, or get AI to write for us, but to truly transform yourself or a community, we need people to pray with us, learn with us, encourage us, and hold us accountable on a regular basis.

Who are your partners in transformation?

I hope you can name 2-3 people you can turn to when you wake up in the night with a panic over something new or something dreaded! A good reality check is a person who is willing to say, “Hmmm, maybe that is not as great of an idea as you think!” can really be helpful. I need this, since I have a new idea every day! Our LEAD team sees three huge differences in people who have a peer group:

1. They are more likely to be learners. These people share good books, movies, videos, newsletters, you name it! They curate ideas with each other and spark imagination.
2. They are more likely to take a risk. People with peer groups have each other’s back. They can help us gauge what is too fast or slow, too much or not enough… we all need this.
3. They are less likely to stay in an unhealthy environment where they are bullied or end up being the leader they never wanted to be. Peers name what they see with a trusted heart.

If you want support in connecting with peers across the country, LEAD offers The Journey and an occasional Leaders Retreat (online or in person) for faith leaders. We are also open to customizing a learning event for leaders in your conference or judicatory. Transformation never happens alone and most of us were not trained to build teams, much less peer support groups.

Email me for more information on customizing just what you need to make the new year remarkable.