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

South Carolina  UMC Annual Conference  Alumni Luncheon

South Carolina UMC Annual Conference Alumni Luncheon

Please join us for the SC AC Annual Alumni Luncheon!Read More »
North Carolina UMC AC Annual Alumni Luncheon

North Carolina UMC AC Annual Alumni Luncheon

Join us for our Annual Alumni and Prospective Student Luncheon!Read More »
WNCC UMC Annual Alumni Dinner

WNCC UMC Annual Alumni Dinner

Please join us for the Annual Alumni Luncheon!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