Who Am I as a Leader?

Phase I invites participants to slow down and turn inward, grounding their leadership in self-awareness, prayerful reflection, and contemplative practice. This foundational phase focuses on understanding one’s identity, values, and leadership posture, recognizing that healthy congregational leadership begins with an integrated and centered leader.

Core Focus 
Contemplation • Self-awareness • Emotional intelligence • Servant leadership posture 

Sessions & Themes

• Thursday, May 28th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Welcome & Kickoff Meeting

• Thursday, June 25th & Friday, June 26th | 8:00am-4:00pm: Servant Leadership Conference 

• Tuesday, July 14th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Self-Reflection & Healing 

• Tuesday, August 11th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Contemplative Dialogue 

Sessions typically meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 10:00am-1:00pm unless noted otherwise. Lunch is provided.

Who Are We Called to Be Together?

Building upon the interior work of Phase I, Phase II shifts the focus to the shared life and mission of the congregation. Participants engage in communal discernment to clarify mission, vision, and values while developing the strategic focus needed to navigate complexity and change.

Core Focus 
Mission clarity • Compression planning • Culture • Navigating change 

Sessions & Themes

• Tuesday, September 8th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Defining Mission, Vision, and Values

• October 14-16: Compression Planning Retreat 

• Tuesday, November 10th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Fostering a Healthy Congregational Culture & Navigating Change

How do We Serve and Invite Others?

Phase III calls participants to extend their leadership into the life of the wider community. Participants explore practices of shared leadership, storytelling, and community engagement that invite others to use their gifts. The program concludes with celebration and renewed commitment to faithful, mission-centered leadership.

Core Focus 
Shared leadership • Storytelling • Missionary discipleship • Community engagement 

Sessions & Themes

• Tuesday, December 8th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Inviting Others Into Leadership 

• Tuesday, January 12th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Telling your Congregation’s Deep Story & Engaging the Community 

• Tuesday, February 9th | 10:00am-1:00pm: Final Celebration 

Thomas Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership
Thibodeau is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and an active community member who has inspired hundreds of students since coming to Viterbo over 40 years ago. Through the years, his infectious enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to leadership and service have also inspired countless colleagues and community members. He is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership at Viterbo, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and a founding member of Place of Grace, a Catholic Worker Community in La Crosse. Thibodeau speaks and consults regionally and nationally on the power of servant leadership.

Emily Dykman, Professor of Religious Studies and Theology 

Dr. Emily A. Dykman, D. Min. is Professor and Chair of Religious Studies and Theology at Viterbo University. Dr. Dykman earned a D. Min. in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary in 2014, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2005, and a Bachelor of Music Piano Performance from Viterbo University in 1998. Her research interests include leadership formation, vocational discernment, and church culture. In addition to her academic appointment, Dykman serves as a music minister and is part of the Discipleship Team at her parish. Dykman lives in La Crescent, Minnesota with her husband Eric and three children.

Patrick McNellis, President/CEO of the McNellis Corporation and Co-Founder of The Compression Planning® Institute 
Pat’s role when sharing Compression Planning® is that of “an experiential learning guide.” His Institutes create real-world learning experiments and are based on a “learn by doing” approach versus “sit back, listen and hope that something sticks”. His specialty is helping organizations cut through the clutter to laser in on a strategic target, make smart decisions and develop an effective action plan. Pat has led over 200 strategic planning sessions with over 2000 individuals the Compression Planning® System, including numerous churches and congregations.