Leader Health & Development
“The way of the Christian leader is not the way of upward mobility in which our world has invested so much, but the way of downward mobility ending on the cross.”
HENRI J.M. NOUWEN
Leader Health & Development
COUNSELING
We know that ministry can be stressful and can take a toll on our mental health. According to the World Health Organization, mental health is a state of wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Having access to mental health support is important!
Coverage for psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists or clinical counsellors is available through our Sun Life Benefits Plans for both part-time and full-time qualifying church staff members and their enrolled spouses and dependents. Log into your Account Portal on our website, to download the Sun Life Benefits booklet(s) for more information, or use your Sun Life app to check your benefit maximums and balances.
Please note that we have discontinued our arrangement with Shalem Mental Health as of December 31, 2024. Licensed workers who are not enrolled on either our full-time or part-time benefits plans (e.g., unassigned, emeritus, part-time employment under <20 hours) and who have been utilizing the Shalem counselling program, are encouraged to reach out to the District Ministry Centre to inquire as to what options for financial support may be available for continuing your counselling through Shalem.
COACHING
Coaching is helping people get from where they are to where they believe they need to be and where God wants them to be. It's a vehicle and a way of being. It’s not just a technique. The Central District can network you with ministry coaching to assist you in reaching your goals and to increase your ministry effectiveness.
GRIP+
GRIP+ is a suite of discernment tools and online assessments that assists you and your team on your journey from moving from ‘I to We’ together.
The Grip-Birkman Assessments:
The Grip portion of this assessment looks at your supernatural empowerment from the Holy Spirit, while the Birkman examines your interests and behaviors. Together, the Grip-Birkman can help you and your team gain a better understanding of how God has uniquely created each of us and how we each uniquely contribute to the body of Christ.
Emerging & Developing Leaders
The Alliance Canada has pathways for both emerging and developing leaders that can help to equip and empower you as you explore and discern your calling.
New Ventures Apprenticeships
New Venture Apprenticeships are for people with a heart for ministry who need time and space to discern their next steps. Whether you’re in a season of transition or finding a first fit in vocational ministry, an unhurried season of learning and development can be a helpful tool in your discernment journey.
At New Ventures, our heart is to provide this space through customized Apprenticeships that help individuals determine vocational clarity through three key questions: Who is God calling me to be? To whom and where is he calling me to? And, What is he calling me to do?
Envision Canada
Envision Canada is a catalyst for the next generation of Christ-centred, Spirit-empowered, Mission-focused emerging leaders. As a ministry of The Alliance, Envision helps to identify, equip, and launch future missional leaders who innovate, establish, and strengthen communities of faith in Canada and around the world. They do this by connecting young adults to unique experiences that prepare them for global careers, church leadership, and deeper life in Christ.