THE LEAD PROGRAM
October 18-20, 2024
The LEAD Program is a 2 year program established by H.E. Metropolitan Youssef of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern U.S. for adults age 22 and older who are spiritually motivated and interested in learning Christian leadership principles that can be applied to all aspects of life. Those that enroll in this program will learn leadership basics from a Christian perspective, practical skills that support leadership roles and how to coach others. The program will include one annual conference hosted at the St. Stephen Retreat Center along with other assignments to be completed at home throughout the year.
A leadership program of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern U.S. with a mission of fostering spiritually minded Christian leaders.
“Let your light so shine before men that they may see the good works and glorify your Father who are in heaven.”
Matthew
5:16
Message from H.E. Metropolitan Youssef
Beloved Brethren, The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. In today’s society, the need for Christian leadership has become more important than ever. The complex world in which we live presents challenges in all areas of our lives. In order to meet these challenges, we must prepare ourselves and others using sound leadership principles based on Biblical teachings of servant leadership as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45) At some point in our lifetime, we will all be faced with an opportunity to influence others – to lead. This may manifest itself in our role at church, in our home or at work. In the epistle to the Corinthians, St. Paul commands, “whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) By developing our understanding of solid Christian leadership principles we will be better equipped to navigate as servants of our Lord and fulfill our calling as functioning members of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). In order to prepare the leaders of today and tomorrow, the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern U.S. has established The LEAD Program (Leadership Education And Development). The mission of this program is to equip leaders to face the challenges of the future at church, at home and at work using Christ and His disciples as examples with the ultimate goal of furthering the Kingdom of God. Just as Christ said to His disciples, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17), so we must also follow Him and make the leaders of tomorrow by learning practical leadership principles today. My vision is that through this program we can put these Biblical principles of leadership into action and light the way for a new generation of passionate Christian leaders that will impact our society and ultimately edify the Body of Christ.
God bless you,
H.E. Metropolitan Youssef, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern U.S.
