In September, Goldenwood hosted the kickoff gathering for the Living Stones Leadership Lab, welcoming 32 participants and 4 mentors into a new season of leadership formation. For many in the room, this was a first connection to Goldenwood—most participants and mentors were new to the community, making the day both a launch and an introduction.
The gathering marked a clear example of the Goldenwood Institute in action: partnering with a trusted friend and co-laborer in the city to help bring their vision to life. Goldenwood provided the infrastructure, support, and relational framework to support and execute another’s dream, so that together, the Church might more faithfully form leaders for the sake of the city and the kingdom of God.
Who Was in the Room
The cohorts reflected a wide range of industries, backgrounds, and life stages. Participants came from finance, technology, science, film, government, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work. Some were stepping into management for the first time; others were already leading teams and carrying significant responsibility. Parents of young children sat alongside single professionals, and longtime New Yorkers with those newer to the city.
This diversity was intentional. The Living Stones Leadership Lab is built around the conviction that leadership formation is strengthened—not diluted—by difference, and that growth happens best in community rather than isolation.
What Took Place
The kickoff day combined teaching, discussion, and relationship-building, setting the tone for the months ahead.
Teaching sessions focused on the realities leaders face as they move from individual contribution to leading people: navigating power versus authority, trusting teams rather than controlling outcomes, and integrating faith into real workplace decisions. Rather than offering abstract theory, conversations consistently returned to the practical question: What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in the ordinary pressures of work?
Participants spent time in small groups discussing real challenges—imposter syndrome, anxiety, micromanagement, ambition, and the difficulty of letting go as responsibility grows. These conversations were notably honest and grounded, shaped by a shared desire to lead well without pretending to have everything figured out.
One of the most connective moments of the day came during participant introductions. Instead of résumés, each person shared something personal that wouldn’t appear on LinkedIn. The room quickly filled with laughter, curiosity, and recognition, establishing a sense of trust and psychological safety that we hope carries into on-going cohort sharing.
By the end of the day, the energy was focused and expectant—not flashy, but deeply engaged. The group left with a clear understanding that this program would require commitment, humility, and practice over time.
What's Ahead
The kickoff was the starting line, not the main event. Over the coming months, participants will engage in:
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Bi-weekly cohort meetings, where they’ll work through real leadership challenges together
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Regular mentor check-ins, offering wisdom, accountability, and perspective
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Three skills-based workshops, focused on concrete leadership tools
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Daily devotionals, designed to support formation in the midst of everyday work
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A culmination gathering in February, where participants will share what they’ve learned and be commissioned into their vocations and roles of leadership
Why this Matters for Goldenwood
For Goldenwood supporters, the Living Stones Leadership Lab represents a tangible expression of our Institute approach: investing deeply in people, building thoughtful infrastructure, and partnering generously to serve the wider community. It is not about quick wins or polished outcomes, but about forming leaders through spiritual attentiveness and community who can sustain responsibility, care for people, and remain faithful over the long term.
We are grateful to all participants and mentors, and everyone who helped make this launch possible. We are eager to see how God will use this community in the months ahead. Thank you!