Episode 011: Investing in the Leadership Development of Young Women with Cynthia Psencik

Cynthia Psencik, the Mentoring Program and Alumni Director at the Given Institute, joins us to discuss the organization's mission to activate the gifts of young adult women for the Church and the world. The Given Institute offers leadership training, faith formation, and a year-long mentoring program for young women.

Cynthia emphasizes the importance of equipping and empowering women in all areas of the Church, not just in ministry roles. She encourages young women starting out in ministry to explore different areas, find a support network, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.

Cynthia also shares the challenges she faced as a leader in ministry and the importance of finding support and setting expectations. She expresses gratitude for her time in the Archdiocese of New York and the opportunities it provided for her growth as a leader. She highlights the need for dioceses and parishes to support and sponsor women to attend the Given conference. Cynthia's hope for the Church is that more women will listen to the voice of God and respond to His invitation to use their gifts for the transformation of the Church.

Takeaways

• The Given Institute activates the gifts of young adult women for the Church and the world through leadership training, faith formation, and mentoring.
• Women in the Church have unique perspectives and gifts to offer, and it is important to provide them with platforms and support to share their ideas and contribute to the Church.
• Young women starting out in ministry should explore different areas, find a support network, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care.
• Diocesan leaders and lay leaders in the Church would benefit from more formation and training, especially in areas like staff management and HR.
• Creating a balance between ministry and personal life is crucial to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being. Leaders in ministry need support and guidance to effectively lead their staff and hold them accountable.
• It is important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your staff and to seek support when needed.
• Gratitude should be expressed for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped one's leadership journey.
• Investing in the leadership development of young women is crucial for the future of the Church.
• Dioceses and parishes should sponsor women to attend leadership conferences and provide ongoing support and mentorship.

Sound Bites

"Maybe I've gotten as far in this ministry as I needed to... Sometimes we can stay beyond because we're comfortable."

Cynthia Recommends: 

Bible in a Year 

The House of Pines

Follow Cynthia: https://giveninstitute.com/

Enhance Your Listening with The Church Podcast + Subscription.

Dive deeper into your ministry journey with our premium subscriptions. Enjoy episodes your way, with added benefits to enrich your experience.

The Church Podcast + | $6/month

• Ad-free episodes
• Early Access
• Subscription to Ministry2GO 
• Producer credits on video episodes
• 10% off the next custom t-shirt order from 4 Marks Printing

Subscribe Today

A Little From Our Sponsors

SHOP SOCK RELIGIOUS: Evangelize with funny Catholic shirts and epic saint socks that you can buy at sockreligious.com. Use CHURCHPOD and get 10% off your purchase.

GET CUSTOM GEAR for your next ministry event from our partner 4 Marks Printing. They make ministry and evangelization easier! Visit 4marksprinting.com/churchpod for more.

MYM MERCH: Show off some humor and what you do with awesome t-shirts from Marathon Youth Ministry’s Store. Visit HERE to see what we have.