KINDLE For Recent Grads

This initiative addresses the life and ministry of church workers who are in their first three years of professional service. Even well-trained new graduates can face a myriad of perplexing challenges. Thus, the need for an event that will provide a “pause point” designed to strengthen healthy servant leader practices.

In its second year of existence, KINDLE for Recent Graduates met at the University of St. Mary’s in Mundelein, IL, September 19-22. Sixteen professional church workers (15 DCEs and one Deaconess) attended. They were put into learning clusters of 4 facilitated by Scott Brown, Michael Harvey, David Meier, and Krista Young. The learning clusters helped them process information shared by the instructors who led eight learning modules over the 4-day event. Instructors were Jack Giles, Jim Haack, Jill Hasstedt, and Jason Schleicher. The topics they covered were centered around the KINDLE Strand of “Stewardship of Self.” Chaplain Joel Symmank, who led all of the worship experiences, centered each one around the KINDLE Strand of “Stewardship of Faith.” In KINDLE tradition, the Tuesday evening worship was “Holden Evening Prayer,” and on Wednesday, a Communion service featured a local pastor, in this case, Rev. Ben Squires from Bethel Lutheran in Gurnee, IL.

KINDLE for Recent Graduates takes a sabbatical in 2012, but returns in September of 2013 under the direction of a new Dean, who will work with a Design Team and a Training Team to ensure that a high quality events meets the needs of Commissioned Ministers (not only DCEs) in their first three years of ministry are adequately addressed.

Download a list of recent participants and the training team (PDF, DOCx)

Here are some frequently asked questions about KINDLE for Recent Grads:

What is the purpose of KINDLE for Recent Graduates?

The purpose of this learning event is to equip recent graduates (having 3 years or less experience in ministry) with resources and processes that will help them grow as servant leaders, with an emphasis on Stewardship of Faith, Stewardship of Self, Leadership of Groups, and Leadership of Leaders.

What are the goals for a new DCE who participates in this learning event?

Goals will vary somewhat for each individual, as he/she is given opportunities to develop his/her knowledge, attitudes, and skills within the four “strands” listed in the first question. Please note that KINDLE is not a program of leadership training, but a life-long process of leadership development. In an atmosphere of trust, accountability, and encouragement, each participant will learn to work to develop him/her self “from the inside out,” building on God-given strengths and shoring up areas needing attention.

Is this learning event only for recent DCE graduates?

No, it is not. Any new graduate who is a commissioned minister of the LCMS (i.e. director of parish music, family life minister, director of Christian outreach, deaconess, or lay minister) may attend.

What are the benefits of this learning event for recent graduates?

Career path research suggests that the first several years of service for a church worker are critical to their longevity in public ministry. Significant practices and attitudes are shaped during these initial years. More specifically, this four-day learning event will provide a recent graduate with:

  1. A deepened understanding of how to navigate the challenges and issues of the early ministry years;
  2. A broader appreciation of how to be a servant leader in congregational ministry;
  3. An exposure to rich, lively worship that can be replicated back in one’s own congregation;
  4. Some awareness of how to support and equip other servant leaders in one’s own congregation;
  5. An enlarged network of ministry support from peers from around the country;
  6. A chance to meet veteran church workers who may serve as friends and mentors in the years to come.
How will the four day event be structured?

This learning event will feature eight modules that focus on timely issues, challenges and concerns of recent graduates. It will also engage participants in worship three times a day. Ample time will also be set aside for physical exercise, fellowship, networking, meals, and quiet time.

What does it cost?

The registration fee for KINDLE for Recent Graduates is $400, which covers program, lodging, and meals during the 4-day event in Mundelein, IL. Transportation to and from Mundelein is not covered.

What kind of time commitment will it involve for the DCE?

The DCE must be able to attend the entire learning event. Check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2011and the learning event ends at noon on Thursday, September 22, 2011. Beyond this event, KINDLE is to be understood as a life process. KINDLE provides the resources and processes for recent graduates to continually develop the “inner” and “outer” person, always striving toward greater stewardship of self and faith, so that he/she can grow as a leader of groups and leader of leaders.

By when do I need to apply?

The deadline for applying to “KINDLE for Recent Graduates” is May 2, 2011. If this deadline is problematic for you, please contact Bill.Karpenko@gmail.com. When you apply, please remember to include your $100 deposit. The remaining amount will be due on August 15, 2011.

Check out some pictures from past events: