Succession planning for mission. The Wheaton Franciscan system has a new method for training mission leaders

As part of a succession-planning approach to provide new and expanding leadership for its Mission Services Department, Wheaton Franciscan Services, Inc. (WSFI), Wheaton, IL, implemented a "learning contract" for new mission leaders in its member organizations. This article focuses on training for the mission leader at one such organization, All Saints Healthcare, Racine, WI. The contract includes expectations for the new leader, which, if met, provide the preparation thought to be essential for the new leader to perform effectively in the role. The contract has two parts: first, internal training, including formal mentoring relationships among the new mission leader, WFSI's mission leaders, and the CEOs of member organizations; and, second, external education, including participation in a master's degree program and attendance at various ministry educational programs that pertain to the role.