In this conversation, Mary-Kate Morse discusses the significance of theological education and its role in preparing leaders for church and ministry. She emphasizes the importance of finding one's calling, the holiness associated with it, and the challenges faced by churches in post-Christian environments. Morris shares her experiences in church planting and the necessity of mentorship and grit in leadership. She advocates for a deep formation in Christ for ministry leaders and the need for tailored leadership training that adapts to unique contexts.

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Key points

• Theological education is crucial for effective church leadership.
• Finding one's calling involves understanding who you are called to love.
• Good seminary education prepares leaders for long-term ministry.
• The church has lost the sense of the holiness of calling.
• Creating something from scratch shapes leadership skills.
• Building relationships in post-Christian cities takes time and patience.
• Grit is essential for leaders to navigate challenges.
• Mentorship is vital for developing the next generation of leaders.
• Leadership training should be context-specific and adaptable.
• Investing time in young leaders fosters resilience and commitment.

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ABOUT OUR GUEST:

MaryKate Morse was the former Executive Dean of Portland Seminary at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon, and a professor of leadership and spiritual formation. Currently, she is the Lead Mentor in the Doctor of Ministry program in Leadership & Spiritual Formation.

Raised in the Air Force, MaryKate lived in various US states and overseas. She completed her BS in Secondary Education and English Literature at Longwood University in Virginia. With her husband, Randy, and small children, she lived in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia and Peru´ doing ministry and social projects partnering with the Aymará Indians.

Upon return she did a Masters in Biblical Studies and a Master of Divinity at Western Evangelical Seminary (now Portland Seminary). She began teaching, studied spiritual formation and spiritual direction, and was certified as a spiritual director and recorded as a pastor with the Evangelical Friends.

MaryKate completed her doctorate at Gonzaga University where she studied the characteristics of renewal leadership as modeled by Jesus. She continues to explore how the intersection of spiritual formation and effective leadership result in the transformation of individuals and communities especially for evangelists and front-line leaders in diverse cultural environments.

Upon completion of her doctorate she planted two churches and served in various administrative positions at the university including Seminary Associate Dean, Director of Hybrid programs, and University Director of Strategic Planning. She is a spiritual director and leadership mentor and coach, conference and retreat speaker, and author including Making Room for Leadership: Power, Space, and Influence, A Guidebook to Prayer: 24 Ways to Walk with God, and Lifelong Leadership: Woven Together through Mentoring Communities. She is passionate about companioning and resourcing people on the front lines of ministry.

MaryKate is married to Randy and has three adult children, six grandchildren, and a little Aussie, Tess. She enjoys being with family, hiking, reading, and exploring new places.

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This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.

Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour

Edited by Dave Conour