TLS 101 | The Thriving Leader | Spiritual Formation

The first course in The Thriving Leader series focuses on establishing foundations of spiritual formation and how these principles and practices influence our thinking, behavior, and development, as well as Christians called to serve. It begins with knowing God, understanding self, valuing relationships, embracing resiliency, and building a construct that leads to thriving.

Content provided by Christian Leadership Alliance Personal Leadership Chairs & CEO:

• Margaret Fitzwater, Executive Director, Navigators Train-Develop-Care 
• Tami Heim CCNL, President and CEO – Christian Leadership Alliance
• Vonna Laue CCNL, Executive Director of Global Services and CFO - TEAM 
• Tracey Matthews, Executive Director – Attune Leadership

Learning Objectives

This course is designed to provide students with the following outcomes:

• A fundamental understanding of biblical foundations related to knowing God.
• Discover biblical truth related to knowing self.
• Increase ability to value, honor, and respect others. 
• Learn practical techniques to cultivate personal awareness and resilience. 
• Develop a personal construct to guide life, learning, and purpose.   

Requirements for Receiving Credit

Credit for the course will be determined on the following criteria:

• At least three comments in each of the five-session discussions; one to respond to the prompt and at least two to the other’s contribution.
• Completion and submission of five Reflection assignments demonstrating that the student has read the required reading and reviewed the presentation

Required Resources

The following books are fundamental to the principles covered in this course and classics for a Christian leader’s library:

• Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It's Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature While Remaining Emotionally Immature By Peter Scazzero
• Tempered Resilience: How Leaders Are Formed in the Crucible of Change by Tod Bolsinger

Other readings for the course will be available through PDFs and links to articles, podcasts, and blog posts

Note: To maximize your experience, plan 1-2 hours per week.

Faculty: Tami Heim CCNL, President and CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance

Tami Heim has been the president and CEO of Christian Leadership Alliance, headquartered in San Clemente, CA, since January 2012. Her professional career includes executive leadership experience in technology, marketing, publishing, and retail. She has been a partner in The A Group—BrandDevelopment, executive vice president and chief publishing officer for Thomas Nelson Publishers, and president of Borders, Inc. 

Her board experience includes serving on the nonprofit boards of EQUIP, Lead Like Jesus, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Growing Leaders, Christianity Today, NAE, and Christian Leadership Alliance.

The Outcomes Conference Mainstage 2023

Mainstage Presentations

Conference Theme: ENTRUSTED

This experience is on-demand and features the general session presentations from the designated Outcomes Conference. Featured in the 2023 Pass are the following leaders:

• Dr. Mark Jobe, President, Moody Bible Institute
• Jon Lee, Principal, LERMA Agency
• Carmen LaBerge, Author, Speaker, Christian Radio Host
• Matt Markins, CEO, AWANA
• Mutua Mahianini, President, The Navigators International
• Season Bowers, Pastor, Speaker, and Podcast Host
• Ayanda Khumalo, Central Worship Pastor, Woodside Bible Church
• Jeremy Kluth, Founder, Scripture Alive
  • Note: Platinum and Gold members have complimentary access to all Mainstage Digital Pass Memberships. They must be in good standing and have their name on the organizational roster.

AIM: Fundraising and Your Board

Do you want tips for engaging your board in fundraising???

In “Fundraising and Your Board,” you will gain wisdom on ways to engage your board in its critical fundraising roles. This module will examine ways to “supercharge” your board, and key metrics you should be measuring for organizational success. It offers four keys to success in creating board leadership and engagement in organizational fundraising efforts. You will also learn ways to ensure board unity as it helps to grow finances for your organization. 

AIM: Create a Flourishing Workplace Culture

Do you want to create a thriving Christian workplace???

In “Create a Thriving Workplace Culture,” you will learn ways to build a culture of trust in your workplace. You will also gain insight into building a life-giving community of belonging that fosters a strong workplace culture. You will also learn why an organization’s culture comes before strategy and is its most important asset. Leaders of frontline organizations reflect on developing a flourishing workplace culture where team members thrive rather than survive.

AIM: Mastering Major Donor Development

Do you want to build lasting relationships with major donors??

In “Mastering Major Donor Development,” you will gain insights on building transformational relationships with major donors. This module explores how to find “elusive” major donors and how to engage and build lasting, transformational relationships with them. Learn from proven experts how to speak major donor’s language, and embrace your vital role in shepherding people of wealth. Also, gain insight into trends in major donor development.

AIM: Resilient, Adaptive, and Influential Leadership

Do you want to succeed as a leader in today’s world?

In “Resilient, Adaptive, and Influential Leadership,” you will gain practical wisdom for executive leaders in a rapidly changing world. You’ll learn how to embrace “adaptive leadership” as you chart your course into previously uncharted territory. You will learn some keys to becoming a leader of influence and examine ways to be resilient as a leader in today’s rapidly changing world. Also, learn why transformational leaders approach leadership as a sacred call.

AIM: Capitalizing on Capital Campaigns

Do you want to lead a successful Capital Campaign?

In “Capitalizing on Capital Campaigns,” you will learn the keys to visionary capital campaigns that offer transformational engagement for your organization’s donors. You will also gain insight into building a persuasive case for your campaign. You will examine your Board’s vital role. The CFO’s role is also explored. These frontline thought leaders share ideas that help you start a Capital Campaign well and offer a winning strategy for success.

AIM: Employee Development: Equipping Your Teams

Do you want to equip your teams for success?

In “Employee Development: Equipping Your Team,” you will gain insightful ideas for developing people to maximize their potential and help them fulfill their purpose. Explore ways to know your team well, and to equip team members for success. Consider what we can learn from Jesus’ model for developing potential. You will also discover why leadership coaching is an important part of a staff development program, and how to do it well.

AIM: Sustainer Giving Strategies

Do you want to build a strong monthly giving program?

In “Sustainer Giving Strategies,” you will learn innovative ways to create and grow a monthly sustainer-giving program. Learn how to launch a monthly giving program for your organization, and acquire five key strategies for success. This module offers innovative thinking on “sustainer giving in a subscription economy,” and shows how our current “age of experience” offers new ways to build successful sustainer giving programs. The vital role of gratitude is also highlighted.

AIM: Caring For Your Soul as a Leader

Do you prioritize stewarding your soul?

In “Caring for Your Soul as a Leader,” you’ll get timely insights on restoring your soul. It is designed to help you to thrive. We lead in hectic times, and need “Inside-Out Leadership” that moves us from surviving to thriving. This module explores the importance of resilience, and ways to recharge your soul. It will help you embrace being beloved by God. This module will encourage you to be deeply rooted in relationship with your heavenly Father.