Welcome to The center for bold leadership

Early career clergy often report feeling “burnout,” isolationism, and/or routinism. They are often used to the community that seminary or their home-church has provided. Stepping out into that first appointment, charge or parish often has more challenges than clergy expect. Some clergy report wanting to challenge their congregations in certain ways but not having the correct tools to begin conversations around “hot topic” issues that confront Americans in aspects of our everyday life. In order to learn how to best minister within their communities and expand outreach beyond the four walls of the congregation, clergy need a space to bounce ideas off of one another, to learn from those trained in these fields how to manage differences within one congregation, and how to challenge persons to be open to various forms of ministry.

Who We Are

The Center For Bold Leadership (formerly Institute for Early Career Clergy Development) at Hood Theological Seminary promotes sustainable ministry for early career clergy persons in their second through ninth years of ministry.

What We Do

Our primary activities include the Leadership Cohort, Sermon Writing Retreat, Spiritual Director training, and continuing education for all. We offer additional courses and learning opportunities to equip BOLD leaders in ministry.

Get Involved

Support the Center for Bold Leadership by volunteering or apply to become a class,  course or workshop facilitator! Your talents, skills, and influence are an important part of the work we do. Let’s connect.

Upcoming Events

Individual Spiritual Direction Sessions

Individual Spiritual Direction Sessions

Receive individual Spiritual Directions sessions through the School for Spiritual Direction Beyond Borders.Read More »

There are no upcoming events at this time.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

There are no upcoming events at this time.

Hood Theological Seminary

We are grateful to the many Hood Seminary alumni, alumnae and friends who have helped to shape and guide the Seminary for over one hundred years and are certain to help shape its future in the next hundred. Your continued financial support is essential to the mission of this institution and its academic strength and vitality.

Lilly Endowment Inc

The Center for Bold Leadership is a Thriving in Ministry initiative funded by a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment