The Governance Ministry Leadership Program (GMLP)

New program offering for 2025 in Catholic mission and identity, designed and imagined specifically for leaders in Catholic ministries with executive and governance responsibilities.

The Governance Ministry Leadership Program (GMLP), grounded in contemporary research and insights, will equip aspiring, new, and experienced Trustees, Civil Directors, and Board Members with the theological, ethical, and strategic frameworks and language necessary for mission-centred governance in the Catholic sectors. This program is uniquely designed to grow leaders’ capabilities in theological questioning and resourcing within a governance and mission context. It will complement and further extend other directorship programs in the specific direction of Christian theological resources and awareness. Leaders will be supported to navigate ethical complexity, express their ministries’ charisms in inclusive and generative ways, and shape a future based in faith and purpose.

The following themes of concern in governance are explored through facilitated discussions stimulated by expert presenters include:

• leadership as a response to baptismal and spiritual calling
• faith and culture, including analyses of contemporary challenges
• Church and ecclesial ministries (ecclesiology)
• social ethics and Catholic Social Teaching in action
• group dynamics, discernment and decision-making
• theological and canonical perspectives on power, leadership and authority

To maximise learning and engagement, the GMLP will be offered as a pilot in 2025 and delivered over two immersive executive style retreats in June and November in a reflective practice learning model. The proposed dates are:

• Thursday 12th June – Sunday 15th June; and
• Thursday 6th November – Sunday 9th November

Further iterations will build on this experience. If you would like further information, register your interest, and/or provide feedback on the proposed dates please contact Michelle O’Brien: xaviercentre@acu.edu.au