The goal of Leading from the Center has always been to try to link the issue of leadership, which is vital to any healthy organization, to that of spiritual focus, which is vital to those who seek to lead within the church. Often it is tempting to travel down a path that promises wonderful results in leadership while neglecting the spirituality that keeps us in touch with who we are. If the church is to be effective in its task of making disciples of Jesus Christ, it must always have leaders who pay careful attention to both.

Our team was encouraged by the positive responses from so many of you regarding the Rev. Marjorie Thompson's last pastoral letter. Her thoughts on the need of leaders to be rooted and grounded in Christ have struck a responsive chord. We hope to build on Marjorie's foundation in this issue.

The Rev. Karen Turner was worship leader for the Pathways Conference held in Nashville in 2000. Out of her deep faith and unique gifts, she presents us with a refreshing blend of theological insight and creative energy, leading us toward the discovery of our own gifts, as she considers worship and spiritual leadership in her article on "Worship and the Arts."

I review The Soul of the Congregation: An Invitation to Congregational Reflection by Thomas Frank. I think you will find this to be a helpful resource for moving deeper into the subject of spiritual leadership and what it means in our local churches.

Kent Ira Groff offers one perspective on congregational leadership and praxis. I highly recommend his book, The Soul of Tomorrow's Church. His introductory warning sets the tone for all that follows: "Caution: Do not read this book alone!"

On a personal note, it is with a mixture of sorrow and anticipation that I announce that this will be my last issue as editor of Leading from the Center. I have returned to my home conference in Louisiana to serve as district superintendent for the Baton Rouge District of The United Methodist Church. As a district superintendent, I look forward to working more directly on some of the issues we have addressed over the years in this publication.

Your affirmation of the newsletter has been overwhelming. By your responses you have demonstrated clearly that there is a need for a publication such as this. It will continue. A different leadership team will be announced soon. In the meantime, your support follows me to Baton Rouge, and I will be gratefully sustained by your prayers.