(April 2, 2014)

Centenary community members chosen for intensive UMC leadership class

SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College community members have been selected to begin a Leadership Excellence Advancement Program (LEAP) with the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. Dr. Ramonalynn Bethley '85, Dr. Daniel Gleason '87, and Karl Klaus, parent of Centenary alumna Kayla Klaus '12 and current student Kellan Klaus, will take part in six retreats over the two-year intensive training course.

According to the United Methodist Foundation, participants were chosen based on exhibited gifts in leading their church in professions of faith, worship attendance, membership, missional outreach ministries, and financial giving. Additionally, each applicant's qualifications were affirmed by Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey and the District Superintendent and lay leaders of the church they serve.

The group will learn from a variety of leadership pastors and community leaders, including Reverend Janice Virtue, who serve as a program guide. Session topics will cover a something of areas: discernment of leadership gifts, creation of development goals, current realities of the United Methodist Church, implementing change and managing resistance; preaching content and style; money sermons; and setting a personalized growth and development plan.

Located in Baton Rouge, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana was founded in 1975 and serves United Methodist churches, institutions and individuals within the Louisiana Annual Conference, providing financial guidance and education, loans and grants. It is one of the largest United Methodist Foundations in its denomination.