Wellspring School Of Leadership

Apply Now for Fall 2012

mikemckinniss — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:54:36 +0000

We all have dreams of growing, becoming better versions of the people we already are. But you know, we too often put off the real actions that will contribute to our development. That pattern of procrastination ends today. Today is the day you apply for the Wellspring School of Leadership and set it in your calendar that your process of positive transformation begins. Don’t wait for it to come to you, apply to join the Wellspring School of Leadership for fall 2012 and become the leader you want to follow!

Apply Now!

Ten Principles of Highly Ethical People

mikemckinniss — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 13:00:47 +0000

Do the right thing. It seems like good advice. But how do I know what the right thing is? And will the right thing in my personal life still be the right thing in business? Is there another bottom line aside from, well, the bottom line? The Wellspring School of Leadership welcomes Dr. David Gill, professor of workplace theology and business ethics at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, to sort out these and other questions of ethical practice in the 21st century. Register now!

Honoring and Respecting Family

mikemckinniss — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:00:53 +0000

Honor. It’s a lost art in our culture. Yet according to scripture, honor is a key to success and longevity. It’s a cultural component we desperately need to regain. The Wellspring School of Leadership is excited to welcome Karen Hinds, Founder/CEO of The Power of Distinction, to reintroduce us all to the concept of honor. What does it mean to honor those above us, both in the family and in the workplace? How do we honor those who may not seem worthy? And what is the benefit to us? Register now!

Lead with Your Words

mikemckinniss — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:00:52 +0000

The Wellspring School of Leadership is excited to host the second offering in the 2012 Saturday seminar series. Lead with Your Words: Biblical Principles for Effective Communication is led by Bill Harris, a master facilitator for The Institute of Professional Practice. Mr. Harris will concentrate on two key principles in interpersonal communication: soliciting and receiving feedback and setting expectations. The lessons learned with Mr. Harris will positively impact both our work and social environments. Register now!

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

mikemckinniss — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:04:56 +0000

The Wellspring School of Leadership is proud to welcome Rev. Dennis Reiter, certified Christian conciliator for Peacemaker Ministries, for a one-day seminar on the critical topic of conflict resolution. Conflict in life is inevitable. In fact, it is desirable. But one must be able to handle conflict in a way that is simultaneously affirming and constructive. Rev. Reiter’s decades of experience in this arena will benefit us all in work, family, and friendly relationships. Click the button at right to register.

Spiritual Formation

eklektos — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 14:10:04 +0000

Beginning August 30, 2011, this first course emphasizes the basic principles and tools for the healing and ongoing transformation of the whole person according to God’s Word. Students will identify bad fruit in their own lives and others’ lives, such as unforgiveness, bitterness, negative decisions and other strongholds that hinder them from living in wholeness. Students will also engage in the study and practice of time-tested spiritual disciplines. Your spiritual formation journey begins here.

It’s All About Perspective: A First Year Testimonial

mikemckinniss — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:33:14 +0000

The transcript below was written and delivered by Jody Davis at the Wellspring School of Leadership’s Seminar on Christian Leadership, featuring Governor John G. Rowland. Jody is a student at the Wellspring School of Leadership.

When Michael asked me to share my experience with the School of Leadership tonight, my first thought was that I was very honored. I am excited to be able to share the impact the school has had on me, both personally and professionally.

My second though was “I’m opening for John Rowland!”

It’s all about perspective. And if I had to boil down everything I have learned in the past year to just one statement, it might be just that: It’s all about perspective.

The Wellspring School of Leadership teaches perspective – God’s perspective, Kingdom perspective.

Who am I? Who does the world see me as? Who does God say I am?

How does God view the circumstances of my life versus how do I think God views the circumstances of my life? What can I do when those two things don’t come into alignment? How can I change the way I think and see things so that they line up with what God thinks and sees? It’s all about perspective.

Five years ago, my husband and I started Sarah’s House, a ministry to women who struggle with addiction and abuse. What started as a small dream very quickly exploded into what the Bible would refer to as “immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine.” From one house to four houses, from 14 beds to 38 beds, from me having enough time to do what needed to be done to not having nearly enough time to do it all alone, I have learned about ministry; I have learned about business; I have learned about people; and I have learned much of it on the fly.

Very quickly we realized that this was going to be a lot bigger than we had anticipated. We formed a board of directors and became a 501(c)(3).

My testimony in those early days was this. When I said Yes to the Lord, this is what I brought to the table: three years of case management experience and faith that wavered on a good day. God brought all the rest. I basically hung myself out on a wing and a prayer. At least, that was my perspective.

This past year I have been in something of a turning point. Our classes at the Wellspring School of Leadership are raising questions I hadn’t asked myself before.

What do I really believe? Not just to give lip service to, but what beliefs do my actions reflect?

What is the truth? Who decides what is true and what itsn’t?

How would my life and ministry look different if I really believed all the promises of God were real and really for me?

It is no mistake that I have been in this school this past year. This, our fifth year of ministry, is pivotal for us. We just took another leap of faith and hired a full-time case manager and a full-time office assistant. Our budget now has a God factor in it – a rather large one.

God is opening many doors and inviting me through. Our vision for the next five years includes purchasing property (we currently lease our properties). It includes a home for women and children (we currently serve only women). And from the beginning of the next five years, which is essentially now, I am including God’s promise of “immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine.”

You see, He took me somewhat off guard with the first go round. At first I thought, One little house, 10-15 women at a time, love them and lead them to Jesus … Boom. It exploded.

This time I am asking for more than I can ask or imagine.

This time I am wearing my fatigues. This time my questions are different, my premise is different. I am no longer on a wing and a prayer. My faith doesn’t waver on a good day.

Instead of asking if there are resources, I am asking where the resources are and trusting that He is going to lead me to them. I know where He wants me to go and I am trusting Him to get me there. Instead of wondering if this is exactly right, I am trusting that God’s grace is sufficient to guide and correct me and that the whole thing isn’t going to fall apart. Because of all the things I have learned both in this school and in the last five years, I know that God loves his people. And I am privileged and honored to be taking care of His people.

When I started the Wellspring School of Leadership, I was a good leader. Today, I am a better leader. One day, I will be a great leader. That’s how God sees me.

I’m not sure where you are tonight – what dreams or visions you hold close to your heart – but if you’re looking for God’s perspective – if you know where you want to go, but are just not sure how to get there – this could be a great place for you to learn. Or if you don’t know, if you are not sure what God’s plan and purpose for your life is, this can be a platform for figuring that out. What I know is that my life and ministry have been changed by the things I have learned at the Wellspring School of Leadership.

The Art of Leadership

mikemckinniss — Fri, 06 May 2011 12:59:28 +0000

What makes a leader a leader? Are there certain qualitative differences between those who lead and those who follow? When someone succeeds in leadership, is it the result of who she is, or what she does, or both? And how would we know? The Art of Leadership seeks the answers to these and many more questions related to the formation of sound leadership. Our students engage weekly in hands-on leadership training in a rigorous yet safe environment with one goal in mind – becoming the leaders they want to follow.

To start your journey down this life-changing path, click here.

Dynamics of the Kingdom

mikemckinniss — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:54:56 +0000

One of Jesus’ primary topics of conversation was the “Kingdom of God/Heaven,” a kingdom which he was inaugurating on the earth and which he assured his followers was altogether different from the world they were used to. This was a place in which the last were first and the first were last (Mt 20:16); where the poor, hungry, and sad were to be envied (Lk 6:20-22). Indeed, this is a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). But how does one operate in this new world? How does one partner with God to accomplish what the Lord is seeking to accomplish? How does one reconcile the world to God (2 Cor 5:18-19) and take a lead in God’s Kingdom? Begin your quest to answer these questions here.

Christian Worldview

mikemckinniss — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:42:59 +0000

Put on a pair of 3D glasses at a 3D movie and you will see something substantially different than if you watched with your naked eyes. The lenses through which we see the world drastically alter both what we perceive about the world and how we interpret those perceptions. Ask yourself, do you see God as He really is? Do you view the creation as the Creator does? How do you look at people, the future, your past? If you are not seeing things clearly it may be time for a new prescription: join WSL 104 – Christian Worldview.