From Valerie's Desk: Something Worth Sharing

The Embody Leaders program provides leadership training for Synod Commissioners and others. Each year, a new cohort is developed to take part in formative education that encourages self-awareness, empathy, and builds capacity for deeper service. In the synod visioning process, we pondered … “What if a person’s journey as a Synod Commissioner wasn’t just about serving the ministry of the synod, but also becoming better equipped as a leader for the sake of the Church, our congregations, and presbyteries?” The Embody Leaders program is what developed from the pondering. 

The 2026 Cohort, our 2^nd Cohort, of the Embody Leaders program kicked off with an opening retreat at Epworth by the Sea on March 9-11, 2026. It was a fabulous weekend facilitated by Laurie Ferguson and Chip Low from Loaves and Fishes Coach Training. I received a letter from one participant today and I wanted to share that with you:

Dear Valerie,

I want to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to attend the Embodied Leader Forum Cohort, hosted by the Synod of South Atlantic, from Thursday, April 9th through Saturday, April 11th at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, Georgia. I’m grateful for your support in making this experience possible.

I found the program to be truly exceptional—especially for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of leadership and how to effectively guide, as well as serve others.

One of the highlights for me was the framework centered on accessing an open mind, open heart, and open will. The teaching around recognizing and navigating the voice of judgment, the voice of cynicism, and the voice of fear was both insightful and practical. It provided a meaningful lens through which to better engage with others and lead more effectively.

I also found great value in the progression of ideas shared—seeing with fresh eyes, sensing from the field, letting go, letting come, crystallizing vision and intention, and ultimately moving into prototyping and performing. Each step offered a thoughtful pathway for intentional leadership.

Additionally, the discussion on what makes an effective leader, along with the concept of experiential listening, was particularly impactful. The integration of:

• Head – the words being spoken

• Heart – the emotions being expressed

• Body – the behaviors being demonstrated

• Spirit – how we perceive ourselves

provided a holistic and practical approach to engaging with others more fully.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to the two coaches from Loaves and Fishes Coach Training who led the sessions. It was evident that they bring a great deal of experience in leading groups. Their ability to listen well, ask thoughtful questions, and ensure that each participant felt valued were clear strengths that stood out throughout the program. I would highly recommend engaging them again in the future.

Thank you again for this meaningful opportunity. I look forward to continuing to reflect on and apply what I’ve learned.

Blessings,

Steven Dear

Peace River Presbytery

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Here’s where I’ll be in the next month or so:

April

9^th-11^th - Embody Leader Formation Retreat, St Simons Island, GA

13th - Cultivate Committee Meeting via zoom

Inspire Committee Meeting via zoom

15^th - 3^rd Wednesday COM SACK Lunch Gathering via zoom

PC(USA) Partners Quarterly Meeting via zoom

17^th-20^th - Vacation

21^st - Gainesville Task Force via zoom

22^nd - Stated Clerks Gathering via zoom

EP/GP Gathering via zoom

23^rd - Board of Pensions Summit, Presbytery of St. Augustine, Jacksonville, FL

GA Funding Model Development Team Plenary via zoom   

May

4^th - Coordinating Committee Meeting via zoom

General Assembly Commissioner Training via zoom

6^th - 1^st Wednesday SACK Lunch Gathering via zoom

7^th - Embody Committee Meeting via zoom

10^th - Preaching at First Presbyterian Church, Bremen, GA

11^th - Cultivate Committee Meeting via zoom

General Assembly Commissioner Training via zoom

14^th - Synod Exec Forum via zoom

GA Funding Model Development Team Meeting via zoom

16^th - Foothills Presbytery meeting, Anderson, SC

17^th - Providence Presbytery meeting, Rock Hill, SC

18^th - General Assembly Commissioner Training via zoom

19^th - Presbytery of New Harmony meeting, Hemingway, SC

20^th - 3^rd Wednesday COM SACK Lunch Gathering via zoom

21^st - GA Funding Model Development Team via zoom

22^nd-31^st - Vacation