“If this is the work of men it will be overthrown, but if it is of God you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God.” This advice given by the Pharisee Gamaliel to his colleagues when Peter and the apostles were presented for trial before the Sanhedrin (Acts 5: 38) brings to mind an organization begun 19 years ago near Philadelphia and now operational in 43 dioceses in the United States (and some outside the U.S.).
Today the Catholic Leadership Institute has grown into the only Christ-centered, Catholic focused leadership training organization in the United States.
Inspired by Tim Flanagan, a successful Catholic businessman who experienced an epiphany during an executive leadership retreat, the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) began as an organization that introduced corporate leadership training methods to young adults serious about their faith and to other parish and diocesan leaders. In the early years, CLI grew from an all volunteer enterprise to a full-fledged institute with a strong and effective Board of Directors and a paid professional staff.
As its website (www.catholicleaders.org) states, CLI’s mission is to build Catholic leaders for today and tomorrow by empowering people “with the finest leadership skills and tools to help them reach their God-given potential as Catholic leaders and Christian witnesses in their family, workplace, community and Church.” This mission is manifested in CLI’s two primary programs: the Good Leaders, Good Shepherds curriculum and the complementary Tending the Talents curriculum.
Good Leaders, Good Shepherds combines the science of leadership with the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Church and teaches priests more efficient and effective ways to lead. The goal is to minimize the frustration and energy spent on administrative roles and to maximize the joy and time spent on the pastoral duties for which they are ordained. Tending the Talents provides the same training for parish and diocesan staff leaders. The proven impact of both programs is evident in holier, happier and healthier parish communities.
Today the Catholic Leadership Institute has grown into the only Christ-centered, Catholic focused leadership training organization in the United States.
Listed as one of its core values is CLI’s commitment to serve the Church with “passion, enthusiasm and joy”. Such language is like a refreshing blast of hope in the face of all the negative publicity that seems to dog the Church. As CLI continues to flourish the advance of the Kingdom will be more assured.