What does it mean to be ambitious for the Gospel?  What counts for ‘success’ as a church leader?  Should we even use those terms?  How should we think about church growth and excellent leadership, as followers of a Lord whose path to triumphant resurrection came through self-emptying and crucifixion? 

 Especially as we confront what may well be diminished budgets and congregations and seek new energy for leadership in the season that lies ahead, these questions may well be on our minds and hearts.  If this sounds like you, please join us this month for a presentation on Christian ambition from Bishop Emma Ineson, based on her recent book Ambition: What Jesus Said About Power, Success, and Counting Stuff. 

 The Rt. Rev. Dr. Emma Ineson is Bishop of Penrith in the diocese of Carlisle of the Church of England, and previously served as Principal of Trinity College, Bristol.  She serves on the Lambeth Design Group as well as the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England.  Those of us who attended clergy conference a few years ago when then-Principal Ineson served as our guest preacher likely remember her warm, insightful presentation of the Gospel, as well as her skill on the ‘football’ field alongside her husband Mat!

Especially as we all look ahead to what we pray will be a season of renewal after COVID restrictions are lifted—yet also face this season with tightened budgets and perhaps smaller churches—join us this month to be re-energized for a new season of leadership in the church, as seen through a biblical lens.  We recommend that you read her short book Ambition prior to this session (only $9.49 on Kindle!), but please don’t hesitate to participate if you don’t have time for it. 

This session will be recorded and available for viewing later, for those who cannot make the scheduled time: To RSVP for this event or to view at a later time please contact Kim LaNore at  .  This is the tenth in a series of continuing education offerings by the Diocese during this season of physical but not social and ecclesial distancing.  Please join us!

 The Rev. Cn. Dr. Jordan Hylden, Canon Theologian and Vocations Director