What is a leader? We asked the participants in our newest Youth Leadership Symposium cohort this question and got a lot of great answers. Before you read further, pause and ask yourself, “What is a leader?”  How do you answer that seemingly simple question?

Now that you have done your homework, here are some answers from our high school students:

• Works with others.
• Believes in what they are doing, inspires others, and builds trust.
• Cares about and advocates for others.
• Guides others to their greatest potential.
• Listens and understands what is needed.
• Recognizes and nurtures their own gifts and the gifts of others.
• Inspires and empowers.
• Shows others how to take action
• Gives courage when it’s lacking and encourages everyone to do their best.
• Takes the initiative and shows others the way.
• Turns their vision into reality through communication and partnership. 
• Lives and steps up through God to show other people faith.

If you put all this together, you have an in-depth image of leadership, why it is so exhausting, and why it is so important. If you put all this together you also have a definition of leadership that someone will say is still lacking. 

Each call to lead is unique and each person who takes on the mantle of responsibility – by choice or circumstance – has their own distinct set of gifts and style of leading. Throughout the history of God’s people, we have seen some powerful examples of leaders. From Esther organizing a prayerful fast to Dr. King and the Freedom Rides, we have seen the power of leaders who rise to meet a moment. Some may have seemed made for the role, with the right voice and a pedigree to go with it. Others may have been a surprise to the world and even to themselves.  There is no formula for a “perfect leader”.

Through the Youth Leadership Symposium, we have witnessed the power of young leaders sharing their gifts and honing their skills. We have prepared them with information on how local church polity works, even having them read and reflect on their congregation’s bylaws. We have helped them name and claim their own gifts and style. We have introduced them to leaders from across the life of our church. Yes, we are equipping them. Still, there are moments when we see the gifts of young leaders rise to meet moments we could not have planned or foreseen. 

In 2024, Sam Dolan was one of our quieter YLS participants. He had a vision for a “pollinator garden” at his church. The catch was, they rented the building from another congregation. Sam had to go through two church boards and watch his vision of a “meadow” style garden get whittled down to using landscaping space. Undeterred, Sam planted. He also noticed some issues in the brick work of the building and added that to the scope of his project. When Sam finished, two churches were in closer communication, the physical building was strengthened, and Sam helped address an environmental issue with the decline of the bee population. Even more amazing, the two churches were not done. They started talking to Sam about what more they might all do together. 

What is a leader?  Sam.  

Nolan McDonald was one of more social participants last year and had lots of creativity. He put those gifts to work by designing graphic art images to represent organizations his Church had supported over the years. Part of the YLS curriculum is the importance of intergenerational ministry. Nolan reflected this in his project as he invited all generations of his church to come together and help complete the art. He made space for each person to add their own flare while maintaining the look and style of the set. In the end, Nolan presented three organizations with large banners from the church, celebrating their shared history. Along the way, he found the path from creativity to community and helped the church build new relationships for the future. 

What is a leader?  Nolan. 

This year’s YLS cohort has seventeen students from all across the life of our church. They are bringing project ideas that inspire and an energy that is infectious. They are coming in with curiosity and a willingness to learn. In our February gathering on Zoom, each student got to interview two adult leaders from the wider life of our church. From local pastors to General Church staff, to business leaders, theologians, and writers, our students got to ask questions of some great leaders. When they reconvened, it was the adults, as much as the students, who were grateful for the opportunity. We can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the next year, and to see how they grow as leaders.

In every church, in every community, there are leaders waiting to be found. 

In every time and place, there are leaders who don’t even know their potential. 

There are Miriams, protecting younger siblings.
There are Josephs, ruffling feathers while learning to lead.
There are Samuels, wondering why they spend more time at church than everyone else.
There are unnamed youth offering their gifts in the face of insurmountable need. 

And these are just a few examples from scripture.

In your own life, and in your community, you are making a difference.
In this time and in this world, you have potential to make a profound difference.

What is a leader?   (Insert your name here)

This month, I was asked to write a newsletter article about income taxes and charitable giving. As tax season quickly approaches, we are starting to receive our donor letters and statements along with our other tax documents. With today’s tax laws and high standard deductions though, more and more donors are finding that charitable donations don’t help to itemize deductions. Luckily, reducing income taxes is not a primary motive for giving.

So why give? Numerous mental health studies say giving is good for the heart. More importantly, according to philanthropy researcher Dr. James Russell, people give to programs that match their interests and passions, and those where they can make an impact. Something where they can feel they’ve made a difference.

We want to provide for family and loved ones and if we are able, give them some financial security in their future. But dream with me a little. Imagine the impact of a scholarship on a student preparing for that first year of college. Imagine the life-changing impact a gift to the Leadership Fellows might make – merging a college scholarship with a chance to understand valuable traits in leadership and the encouragement from knowing other church leaders standing beside you. Imagine the seminary student preparing for graduation, but facing uncertainty in how to lead a congregation beyond sharing of the Gospel.

Perhaps you benefited from a scholarship. Perhaps you have mentors who help you navigate some of the ethical and moral dilemmas. You know the importance of these resources.

That’s what we do at HELM: Bring students and resources together. From late high school years through support for those seeking a PhD, students are awarded scholarships and special learning opportunities – all because of the gifts from current donors and the legions of saints who included HELM in their giving plans.

We invite you to have an impact on the lives of Disciples students. Consider a gift online at https://helmdisciples.org/donate/; increase its impact by making it a recurring gift. And to discuss more opportunities that will make you a hero to a student, give me a call at 317.695.8267 so I can hear where your passions lie and how we might make another dream become reality.

Written by Anna Whittle

For Sarah Harcourt Watts, serving as the Director of Religious Life at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, is the culmination of a long-held goal. As an alum of Transylvania, Sarah always felt a deep connection to the campus and hoped to one day return in a role that allowed her to give back to the university community.

Before attending Transylvania, Sarah was unfamiliar with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). During her time at Transylvania, she double-majored in education and religion and joined Central Christian Church in Lexington, engaging with a local Disciples congregation. This experience, combined with meaningful interactions with Disciples peers and professors on campus, deepened her faith and connection to the denomination. After graduating, she attended Harvard Divinity School, where she expanded her theological knowledge and prepared for a career rooted in service.

Following graduate school, Sarah worked for a nonprofit associated with the Episcopal Church before eventually returning to Transylvania in an educational role. She had always been interested in religious and spiritual life on college campuses, and when the opportunity arose to take on this work full time at Transylvania, she interviewed and was offered the position.

Sarah’s work at Transylvania is deeply shaped by the values of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), particularly its emphasis on radical inclusivity and open curiosity. She is excited about building more robust programming for Disciples students and others wanting to engage in community with Disciples. The new student group “Disciples and Friends on Campus” is kicking off with a pizza and arcade party, and will focus on relationships with Disciples congregations in Lexington and outreach to the community.

While the university currently has 57 Disciples students, her role extends far beyond serving members of the Disciples tradition. She strives to create a welcoming space for students of all faiths—or none at all—helping them explore life’s big questions and find meaning in a complex world. She takes pride in being a safe and supportive presence for students from diverse backgrounds and identities, recognizing the privilege of serving in a role that allows her to do so.

One particularly meaningful moment as the Director of Religious Life occurred when she helped student leaders plan a Hanukkah menorah lighting on campus. Although Jewish students at Transylvania had modest expectations for the event, Sarah went out of her way to make it special. She arranged a central location, provided traditional treats like chocolate coins, cookies, and dreidels, and created an environment that honored their traditions. She vividly recalls some students timidly approaching the table of treats and asking, “All of this is for us?” Their joy and gratitude left a lasting impression on her.

For Sarah, moments like these underscore the importance of her work. She feels honored to help students celebrate their traditions and find connection while away from home. She views her role as a bridge between students’ faith communities and their college experience, helping them discover meaningful ways to honor their beliefs during their time at Transylvania.

Sarah emphasizes that her work is a continuous process of learning and growing as she supports students from a wide range of religious and cultural backgrounds. Whether facilitating events, celebrating holidays, or simply offering a listening ear, she strives to ensure that every student feels valued and supported, no matter their beliefs or identities.

In her role, Sarah Harcourt Watts embodies the values of radical hospitality, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to supporting students on their journeys of faith and self-discovery. Leaders like Sarah are essential in fostering meaningful connections and developing transformational programming on Disciples campuses.

The Higher Education & Leadership Ministries Board of Directors has voted to move the investment of its endowment and other holdings to the Christian Church Foundation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Spring 2025. 

“The time is right, and the ministry is right,” said Sarah Little of Springdale, Arkansas, chair of the Finance and Investment Committee that recommended the change. For many years, HELM used a private management firm that did a good job. 

The Christian Church Foundation (Foundation) provides investment management and services for most general ministries and institutions, regions, and hundreds of Disciples congregations. The Foundation provides HELM with a competitive, long-term history of returns at a lower and more transparent cost. HELM’s Investment Committee will continue to oversee all investments, but the Foundation will be responsible for the day-to-day decisions and oversight of investor managers. This also lets HELM’s Board and staff focus more on its core mission of connecting Disciples students and resources.

Chad Cline of Fort Worth, Texas, an Investment Committee member and incoming chair, also pointed out the Foundation is part of the church. HELM’s investment costs do not go to shareholders, but into Disciples ministries to support efforts to build up the church.

HELM President Tamara Rodenberg said HELM will continue to encourage and request direct gifts of all kinds. Knowing that these dollars are invested at the Foundation gives donors additional confidence that their gifts will be handled wisely.

“We are grateful to HELM’s Board for inviting us to discuss the Foundation’s investment services,” said Foundation President Matt Rosine. “Our partnership with HELM is more than investment returns, it is resourcing HELM’s leadership development initiatives for the benefit of Disciples ministries, congregations, and our communities.” 

This partnership with the Foundation will also enhance communications between ministries equipping the Foundation’s staff with increased knowledge of HELM’s programing and objectives that will resonate with Disciple donors. 

Disciples Ministries Unite to Launch Leadership Development Initiatives for Young Adults and Emerging Clergy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM), Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries (DOM/GM), and Week of Compassion (WOC) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to deepen their collaboration in leadership development programs for young adults and emerging clergy. This partnership aims to enhance global awareness, nurture theological reflection, and cultivate leaders with a profound understanding of global ministry.

The partnership focuses on two core initiatives: the Undergraduate Leadership Fellows Program (LFP) Global Awareness Cohort and the Theological Fellows Leadership Program (TFLP), each designed to address the pressing need for leaders who are globally conscious and equipped to engage in transformational ministry.

Key Objectives:

1. Multi-Ministry Leadership Development: Programs will be framed within a post-colonial, anti-racist perspective, fostering global engagement and awareness.
2. Leveraging Subject Matter Experts: Global Relations Ministers and Week of Compassion personnel will serve as essential resources for these programs.
3. Immersive Experiences: Co-designed trips and experiential learning opportunities will allow participants to gain firsthand insights into global communities.
4. Formation of Theological Fellows: A cohort model for emerging clergy will be developed to integrate theological learning with global perspectives.

Undergraduate Global Awareness Cohort
As part of HELM’s Leadership Fellows Program, third-year students will participate in a Global Awareness Trip, immersing themselves in diverse cultures and exploring global interconnectedness. HELM will handle cohort registrations and facilitate collaboration with DOM/GM and WOC to plan these transformative experiences.

 Global Theological Fellows Leadership Program (GTF)
The GTF will annually select 10-12 theological fellows to engage in quarterly learning sessions and a global immersion trip. This program, rooted in theology and designed collaboratively, will foster a global perspective and equip clergy to serve with a deep commitment to social justice and global ministry.

“This partnership represents a vital step forward in preparing the next generation of leaders for ministry in a globally interconnected world,” said Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg, President of HELM. “By working together, we can ensure that our young adults and emerging clergy are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and faith foundation needed to lead with compassion and engage meaningfully with diverse communities.”

Timeline and Next Steps
The programs will officially launch in Spring 2025 with applications for the first TFLP cohort opening in January. Quarterly sessions for the inaugural cohort will begin in Fall 2025, with the first global immersion trip scheduled for Summer 2026.

This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment of HELM, DOM/GM, and WOC to equip leaders who are ready to respond to the complex challenges of ministry with wisdom, compassion, and a global vision.

For More Information on the Ministries:

Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries
Week of Compassion

As we step into 2025, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) is excited to focus on growth and connection under the theme “Bringing Students and Resources Together.” Our mission is to be the premier landing place for students from high school through post-graduate studies, offering them the support and resources they need to succeed.

We are thrilled to announce several key initiatives that will propel our ministry forward among Disciples and ecumenical partners this year:

First and foremost, we are pleased to announce that all scholarships are now open and accessible online! This is an exceptional opportunity for students to secure financial support for their educational journeys. Additionally, our 2025 Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) cohort is in full swing, featuring 16 high school youth alongside dedicated adult leaders, speakers, and mentors. To learn more about the Youth Leadership Symposium, visit youthleadershipsymposium.org.

In an exciting development, we are proud to unveil a historic partnership between HELM, Disciples Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries, and Week of Compassion. This collaboration will enrich our undergraduate Leadership Fellows and new Emerging Clergy Theological Fellow cohorts with invaluable global leadership educational experiences throughout the year. We are launching an intentional training program for seminarians and alternative track emerging clergy, focused on global relations, theology, and ministry. This cohort will engage in online learning and travel experiences to build relationships with our partners abroad. Interested candidates can apply for this scholarship-based opportunity through the HELM website.

As we celebrate the arrival of a new year, we also welcome new members to our Board: Rev. Dr. Peter Goodwin Heltzel, Rev. Dr. Jose Francisco Morales, and Rev. Dr. Doug Searcy, who will serve as the Chair of the Council on Colleges & Universities. We extend our gratitude to those who completed their service on our Board at the end of 2024, including Sarah Little, Rev. Dr. Lester Newman, and Pam Sparks. Their significant contributions have profoundly impacted HELM and the life of the church, and we sincerely thank them for their dedication.

HELM remains committed to stewarding financial resources to develop and support student leadership, and in this spirit, we are pleased to share our strengthened partnership with the Christian Church Foundation (CCF). Moving forward, HELM’s investments will be collaboratively managed with CCF, and we express our appreciation for those who have faithfully stewarded these impactful resources thus far.

Looking ahead, HELM is dedicated to nurturing leadership for “a time such as this.” We celebrate students who possess a well-rounded background grounded in community and faith, equipping them to become thoughtful, socially just, and compassionate leaders. Together, let us embark on this exciting journey in 2025, as we continue to empower the next generation of church and community leaders!

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg
President
Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

I hope you take the time to read Anna Whittle’s reflection on her Leadership Fellows retreat to the Arizona-Mexico border. It is a poignant testimony of what she and the other 35 Leadership Fellows saw and experienced.

I was honored and grateful to join them. It was heart-wrenching to see firsthand the inhumanity. Yet it also was eye-opening and encouraging to see these college students wrestle with the issues before them, asking poignant questions, showing both empathy and compassion and seeking ways to make a difference.

Oh, if only I had this opportunity as a young person! Our Disciples congregations strive to nurture our children, youth and young adults, but exposure to something of this magnitude is outside the reach of most.

Fortunately, the Disciples of Christ has the Leadership Fellows program – providing nearly 40 college students with an annual scholarship and the opportunity to have life-changing experiences during their 4 years in the program. Perhaps 20 percent may pursue a vocation in ministry or theological education, yet all will carry what they see, what they felt, who they met and how they were changed forever as they become leaders in their congregations, communities and businesses.

It costs HELM about $16,000 for each Leadership Fellow for the 4-year program. This covers their scholarship for 4 years, as well as expenses related to their 4 fall retreats, the books they are required to read and the technology that allows each co-hort to virtually meet with a volunteer mentor. Another big chunk covers their global immersion trip in the spring of their 3rd year in the program. In partnership with Disciples Overseas Missions, a group this year went to Japan. In 2023, a group went to the Israel-Palestine border. These trip open their eyes to different cultures and a wide range of social justice and ecological issues – all framed within a theological context.

I’m grateful the Disciples offers this type of scholarship and program. I’m thankful for past leaders of HELM who saw a need, and the donors who stepped up to start and undergird this program. 

And now it is our turn. In this season of Thanksgiving, please consider a gift to HELM at https://helmdisciples.org/donate/ to allow HELM to sustain and enhance this transformative program and show these students they are part of a Church that cares about them and their future. The Leadership Fellows stands alongside the Youth Leadership Symposium and the handful of scholarships we provide to seminarians and PhD students as HELM strives to support and resource students to become diverse leaders able to navigate an ever-evolving society with grace, wisdom and compassion. Every gift does make a difference!

Jim Cullumber

Director of Major Gifts & Gift Planning

P.S. We appreciate the support many congregations and their members provide to higher education through the Thanksgiving Special Day Offering collected this. These funds get shared by the 22 colleges, universities, seminaries and divinity houses that have a historical connection with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). While HELM supports this offering, none of the contributions are held and used by HELM.

Leadership is a word imbued with significance. The implications of who we choose or allow to lead us impact not only our freedoms but also our future opportunities. By the time this reflection reaches the public, we will have voted as a nation, selecting leadership that can affect our lives in ways that are largely beyond our comprehension. Voting is about showing up and exercising our right to have our voices heard.

As I write this reflection, on the eve of November 5th, we find ourselves in a moment of uncertainty, unaware of the outcomes stemming from our choices, our participation, and, in some cases, our silence. In good conscience, as an organization dedicated to education and leadership development, we too must life our voices. Therefore, I want to take a moment to explore the work of leadership.

There are myriad reasons we select leaders; yet two of the greatest motivators are often direct opposites: hope and fear. We hope for change that can bring about better lives for all of us. We hope for growth and development toward opportunities that sustain life and foster community. While I’ve often heard the phrase “hope is not a plan,” Romans 8:24-25 offers an alternative approach:

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”

This hope serves as a reminder that God is with us, waiting and endures alongside us. “The New Revised Standard Version translates the end of verse 25 as ‘we wait for it with patience,’ but the Greek term ‘hypomonēs’ conveys a deeper meaning of endurance— ‘we wait with endurance’.”¹ For what then does hope endure? Hope waits for God’s love, poured out by the Holy Spirit, to inform our deliberations, our voice and our actions. Some may argue that politics and theological perspectives should remain separate. Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that true hope is born from love—a love that encourages us to envision a better future together.

On the other hand, the alternative to hope is fear. Fear is often a significant, and sometimes more powerful, driver in our choices of leadership and in the formation of leaders. Fear carries an intrinsic paradox: unlike hope, fear can be perceived as “a plan.” In our current political climate, leadership requires a keen understanding of the complex and tumultuous landscape we navigate. In a context of fear, a leader’s ability to inspire, unite, and drive positive loving change is more vital than ever.

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) nurtures student leaders by sharing insights and experiences that illuminate the world they inhabit. This commitment is exemplified by recent initiatives like the Caminantes Board Immersion, led by Rev. Pedro Goycolea and HELM’s Rev. Lee Yates. Leadership Fellows immersive programs are designed to deepen emerging leaders’ understanding through theological reflection, cultivating the wisdom and care necessary to foster inclusive, loving and effective leadership practices.

In addition to the election of new leadership in this country, we are also approaching a season of Thanksgiving. In this season, we lift HELM’s community of higher education. We give thanks for the people who teach our students and the administrators who lead our partner institutions. We are particularly grateful for our donors whose generous support makes the development of future leaders possible. The commitment to giving ensures that initiatives like the Caminantes Board Immersion can continue, cultivating leaders who are not only aware of their surroundings but also equipped to anchor their communities in hope toward a brighter future.

Let me close by saying again, effective leadership is crucial in today’s political environment, where the stakes are high, and challenges are multifaceted. As we express our gratitude this Thanksgiving, let us remember the importance of nurturing leadership that is informed, empathetic, loving, hopeful, and grounded in service to others. Leadership transcends mere decision-making; it is about serving others with integrity, accountability and compassion – for this we endure!

Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg

President, Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

¹West, Audrey, https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/day-of-pentecost-2/commentary-on-romans-822-27