Art in the Spirit

The Reflective Leadership Grant at Leadership Education at Duke Divinity recognizes and supports the faithful and innovative work of lay and ordained Christian leaders who find themselves at a pivotal moment in their ministry,” says Mycal Brickhouse, a director of program and grants at Leadership Education. “Using Harvard professor Ron Heifetz’s language, we want to help leaders experience ‘balcony time,’ which allows them to move from the dance floor to the balcony to gain a broader picture of the work, organization, community and trends. We want to encourage grantees to continue to develop their leadership capacities in ways specific to their work and context. For some, this might look like attending interdisciplinary conferences, and for others it might look like observing similar work in different settings. We are excited about the interest in this grant program from both traditional and non-traditional Christian leaders and we look forward to learning alongside them and their communities.

The focus of this grant is to shape an intergenerational, healing-centered vision of creative arts ministry at Messiah—rooted in wonder, connection, and grace. We know how the arts bridge generations and gifts here: from music, quilting, and dance to gardening, carpentry, writing, and more. The arts also open pathways for healing and wholeness, helping us express ourselves and reconnect with our Creator. Over the 18-month grant period (Sept. 2025–Mar. 1, 2027), we’ll explore how God may be calling us to expand these practices into a ministry of creativity, healing, and belonging—bringing in specific ministry consultants, trainers, and presenters to help guide and inspire our journey.

This opportunity is made possible through Leadership Education at Duke Divinity, which “aims to create lasting change in U.S. congregations by supporting Christian leaders and the institutions they serve. Leadership Education designs educational services, develops intellectual resources and facilitates networks of institutions that cultivate a coherent vision of Christian institutional leadership and form Christian leaders. Leadership Education is a non-degree-granting initiative of Duke Divinity School funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and based in Durham, NC.”