Annual Leadership Summit comes to Union

The Leadership Summit made its annual appearance on Union Adventist University’s campus and everyone was invited to attend. The event ran from Thursday, September 5 to Saturday, September 7, 2024. The event was centered around the ideas of developing leadership, community, team-building and guidance. This year’s theme was “Lead like it Matters to God.” 

Campus Ministries lead it to provide an example and guidance toward Christ-like leadership in Union’s students. The itinerary for the weekend began with check-in at 3:00 p.m. in the Ortner Center followed by the initial gathering at Woods Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. and the worship ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s schedule started at 8:00 a.m. and ended at 7:30 p.m. at College View Church, where the Leadership Summit Vespers was held. Most of the Breakout sessions occurred on Friday where individual studies and ideas happened between the leaders teaching at the Summit. Payton Arnett, an attendee at last year’s Leadership Summit, said, “It’s fun to have all the speakers coming in to teach us.”

The four subjects focused on at the Summit were Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Leadership Capacity, and Strengths with leaders in these topics being Dean Santi Fernandez, Doctor Pierre Steenberg, Director Tim Simon, Pastor David Kabanje and guest speaker Ricky Melendez. Each of these teachers had a unique perspective on leadership and how to lead in a Christ-like manner. 

The question that the summit focused on was “What really matters to God when we lead?” This was further exemplified in team development exercises which focused on leadership language and the ability to work together.

The event was an opportunity to grow as a Christ-like leader. Everyone is encouraged to come to the Leadership Summit next year not only for its message but also a way for the Union campus to find a connection with God in how He leads and how we can lead in turn.

By James Smartt