Transitions are emotionally complicated, holding within them the paradox of the “both and.” William Bridges provides a simple but powerful framework to understand transition as an emotional process. All people and organizations in transition go through the phases of this model. In this week's article, read Mary Kay DuChene's current experience of being in transition in preparation for her upcoming retirement.

A theme in much of our work is transitions and, more specifically, supporting leaders and organizations so that they can move through times of transition in healthy and adaptive ways. As we engage in this work, one thing we often discuss is the importance of transparent communication in the midst of change. In that spirit, we wanted to update you on some changes happening here at LeaderWise.

Feeling lonely? You're not alone. This article shares practical suggestions for breaking through cyclical feelings of loneliness and offers assurance that loneliness is a treatable situation.

Rev. Laura Beth Buchleiter outlines how boundaries work to give us much needed space to breathe, roam, and run as we freely engage our life and work in the church. [Photo by Gary Yost on Unsplash]

LeaderWise Reflective Supervision trainee Rev. Justin Johnson shares about the experience of being an Indigenous leader in today’s church. [Image provided by the author: All Our Relations Land Trust, Kingston, ON]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, LeaderWise Director of Operations invites readers to gather a group of colleagues or peers to reflect on what makes a nurturing work environment.

Guest writer and retired minister Linda Anderson shares Vietnamese Zen Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh’s “Beginning Anew” process for dealing with relational difficulties. This 4-step approach is meant to generate compassion and understanding leading to peace. [image by Nikola Johnny Mirkovic on Unsplash]

Research shows that chronic loneliness is detrimental to health. Mary Kay DuChene, co-author of A Path to Belonging, outlines here six actions communities can take to address loneliness. [Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash]

How are you being called to invest in your call and your leadership? New Shape groups are forming for 2026 in Minnesota/Wisconsin, Idaho, New Jersey, and North Carolina. The LeaderWise Shape of Leadership program was started by one of LeaderWise’s co-directors, Mary Kay DuChene, who studied adaptive leadership with Ron Heifetz out of Harvard University. Mary Kay channeled the lessons of embracing change through experimentation and innovation into experiences faith leaders could apply to their ministry contexts. Since the start of the Shape program (even in spite of the pandemic) more than 100 leaders—ministers, chaplains, directors—have graduated from the Shape program, continually using the tools they learned in Shape to elevate their ministries.

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, spiritual director Alicia Forde invites us to reach out and nurture micro-connections with people we encounter.

Science shows that loneliness is a serious public health threat. Loneliness can take a significant health toll and even be deadly. The good news is that loneliness is highly treatable. Research has demonstrated several effective treatments. [Photo by Kristina Tripkovic on Unsplash]

Because constructive conflict is necessary in order to activate the work of justice, we as faith leaders must create spiritual disciplines that will give us the courage to face the conflict that must be faced. When we embrace and lead from spiritual centeredness, we are able to embody a presence that is open and not defensive; calm and focused; grounded in the ability to move with agility toward promoting reconciliation and peace. Photo by Lua Valentia on Unsplash

Trauma doesn’t wait for convenient timing—it shows up at the coffee hour table, in a phone call, and in the pews. Such a moment calls for a deep breath! A trauma-informed response helps create safety and presence, rather than rushing to fix things. If you’d like to learn more about what trauma is, how to bring a trauma-informed lens into your ministry, and to care for yourself as you engage in this work, join us for two new upcoming opportunities from LeaderWise. [Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash]

In answer to the question, “Where did the summer go?", we at LeaderWise want to share some of our favorite pastimes from Summer 2025. Here are our adventures, books, outdoors, entertainment, and moments that composed our summer days. [Photo by Zach Camp on Unsplash.]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, spiritual director Mike Hotz considers how centering others can help enlarge the circle of belonging.

Despite having a rational understanding that we don’t have to go it alone, many of us share the notion that we “should have things figured out” by this time in our lives. LeaderWise is here to help untangle that myth and accompany you in your leadership journey. [Photo by Peyman Shojaei on Unsplash]

The process of preparing for professional ministry is a lot like pastry school: One learns how to bake apple pies, but one does not learn how to grow and nurture apple trees. In seminary, one learns how to preach and teach, but one does not learn about the day-to-day realities of ministry. LeaderWise is here to care for ministers and their congregations, providing the nourishment, training, accompaniment, and experiences that help them bear their best fruit. [Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash]

In this latest installment of our Culture of Connection series, emilie reflects on strategies for creating new circles of friends when a life transition means you are starting from scratch.