The idea behind the Charlotte Leadership Forum grew out of the desire of four men in their 50s and 60s to help younger men grow and develop in their relationship with God, and in their effectiveness as leaders in their families, churches, and communities. Sam Cornwell, Steady Cash, Don Wrigley, and Bud Carrier have been friends for over 30 years, and for over 20 years have met weekly to share their lives with each other. During their times together, they often discussed their interest in, and sympathy for, young family men caught in the middle of conflicting demands on their time and resources. Out of these discussions came the concept of impacting the lives of young leaders by helping them develop a vision for God’s call on their lives, and by helping them learn how to implement that vision.
Program Components
Weekend Seminars:
Participants will attend four weekend seminars. Each seminar will last from dinnertime Friday until lunch time on Sunday.
Evening Meetings: Between seminars, there will be one evening meeting a month, except for the months of June, July, and August. Each evening meeting will include dinner, and most will include wives.
Mentoring:
Each participant will meet at least once a month with an experienced Christian man who will be able to provide wisdom, guidance, and counsel in all areas of life.
Small Groups:
Each participant will also meet at least once a month with 3 or 4 other participants in a small group for prayer and sharing.
Reading Assignments:
Books, articles, and/or tapes will be provided to supplement teaching between sessions.
Wives:
Although the Forum was originally conceived as primarily a ministry to men, it has developed into a ministry to both husbands and wives. Wives of participants will be included in the first and third weekend seminars and 10 of the 14 evening meetings. There will also be a mini weekend retreat for wives only.
Team Building: The program will include an outdoor adventure and other activities designed to help participants bond with each other.
Curriculum
Each weekend seminar and evening meeting will focus on one of four major topics: character, leadership, family, or kingdom building. Within those major topics, sample topics for discussion will include:
Developing a heart for God
Husband-wife relationships
Servant leadership
Discovering God’s vision for my life
Spiritual development of the family
Representing Christ in the workplace
Balancing my life
Racial reconcilation
Personal devotions and prayer
Personal evangelism
Loving Christ
Living compassionately
Needs in our community
Small group relationships
Personal financial management
The character of Jesus
Speakers will include some nationally known Christian leaders and businessmen as well as local pastors, businessmen, and civic leaders. Graduates of the program will be encouraged to use their curriculum materials to train others in their churches.
Board of Directors
G. B.“Bud” Carrier - First Union/Wachovia (retired)
Sam T. Cornwell, CLU - Jefferson Pilot Financial
Jeff Covington - NewDominion Bank
Harry Floyd - Trinity Consulting, Inc.
Joe Glass - Duke Energy
Bill Grier - Fidelity Properties
Davis Kuykendall - Search Ministries
Alan Wise - Trinity Consulting, Inc.
CLF Pastor
Percy Burns - Pastor Emeritus at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
For Further Information
Please click on How to Apply, where you will find information regarding qualifications and cost. In addition, you can download the required application and reference forms.
