Shalom leadership is a way of leading that changes the way we lead. It is based on the foundational principle of leading FROM shalom, TO shalom, WITH shalom.

What is shalom? Shalom is a Jewish word that conveys a rich concept of harmony, vitality, peace, and health. In short, in the words of Cornelius Plantinga Jr., “shalom is the way things ought to be.”

A Shalom Leader seeks to lead FROM shalom because who we are is how we lead. Leading FROM shalom involves paying attention to our own holistic health: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. Self-awareness, forgiveness, boundaries and character are essential aspects of leading FROM shalom.

A Shalom Leader is leading TO shalom in that everything one does either contributes to, or diminishes the overall shalom of the universe. The overall purpose of a Shalom Leader is to be a channel of shalom in every aspect of their leadership influence. Even as we seek to lead our organizations towards greater prosperity and vitality, Shalom Leaders are acting with the awareness that their leadership has influence beyond their own organization and indeed, beyond their lifespan.

A Shalom Leader not only begins and ends with shalom, but also will lead in such a way as to produce shalom by how they lead. The means are as important (if not more so!) than the ends. Shalom leaders pay careful attention to consent and to co-creation as they lead.

Shalom Leadership training, mentoring, coaching and consulting aims to equip leaders to develop their leadership in all three aspects.

     Jay Mowchenko has a rich history of leadership development and public speaking. A Free Methodist pastor since 1993, he has had experience in leading travelling music teams, youth ministries, church plants and multi-staff churches. He has spoken and taught in a wide variety of settings from youth and adult camps, seminars, bible studies, to being a regular preacher in multiple churches and teaching at a master’s level. He is a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and is passionate about developing people to reach their full potential. He was recently Lead Pastor at the Weyburn Free Methodist Church but has now started Shalom Leadership in order to create a better environment to do what he really loves – multiplying life-giving leaders.

     When he’s relaxing and having fun, Jay loves a wide variety of activities. An aging athlete, he relies on non-impact exercise at the gym, yoga, and light swordplay to stay in shape. When he feels like taking a risk, beach volleyball is something he really loves. Fortunately, being a geek has no age restriction so Jay is always free to indulge in playing Destiny 2 on his PS4, read fantasy and science fiction novels and comic books, play D&D and any other board games that he can find people to play with. 

     Jay is married to Marilou and together they have two adult children, Keisha and Joshua.