Kanuga Fellows: Leadership Renewed
Two Years, Four Residencies
Rooted in Nature, Embodied in Faith
Meet the Kanuga Fellows and Faculty
Kanuga Fellows Program (KFP) is a faith-based spiritual leadership program that nurtures a deep connection between God, nature, and the calling to lead with wisdom and grace. Rooted in Episcopal tradition and inspired by God’s creation, this program equips leaders to grow spiritually while drawing from the natural world. Through prayer, reflection and immersive outdoor experiences, participants will cultivate servant-hearted leadership, develop a deeper awareness of God’s presence in creation, and learn to lead with purpose. Practical management, leadership, and technical skills will be rooted in this exploration rather than separate from it. The program is a two year residency with four in person immersions at Kanuga through which cohorts will form a community of diverse leaders who will support each other in sustained, thoughtful leadership.
Why Leadership Renewed? Grounded in Episcopal tradition with a focus on self-discovery, community engagement, skill development, and courageous leadership
Who Can Apply? Open to all-faith lay and clergy leaders passionate about deepening their faith and leadership
Tuition: Participants contribute $500 per residency (includes room and board). The remaining costs are generously covered by a grant from Trinity Church NYC. Financial and travel assistance are available.
Upcoming Residency Dates
September 29-October 3, 2025
March 16-20, 2026
October 5-9, 2026
March 1-5, 2027
Admission is by application only, and applications are currently closed. For questions about future residency opportunities, please contact rtarpley@kanuga.org.
Our program seeks to reimagine faith-based, spiritual leadership along the thread of the following core values:
Mutuality
We recognize the interdependence of human life and all of creation. We celebrate the universal priesthood of all believers. All people have spiritual gifts for the vocations to which they are called, gifts that contribute to the flourishing of church and society.
Respect
We honor the presence and image of God in every person, acknowledging the beauty of human diversities. We affirm cultural competency is a practice that requires deep attentiveness and humility.
Sustainability
We treasure God’s gift of creation and commit to using and teaching sustainable models that have the least impact on the land and its resources. We know life is sacred and time is short. Learning to let go and rest is essential for healthy leaders.
Stewardship
We utilize resources wisely to reduce barriers for participation and invite generosity of spirit and material contributions to grow and sustain leadership opportunities.
Leadership Renewed consists of four immersive residencies over two years:
- Year 1, Residency 1 – Faithful: Deepening personal faith and vocational identity
- Year 1, Residency 2 – Compassionate: Reading the world through Gospel eyes and engaging in service
- Year 2, Residency 3 – Skillful: Developing leadership tools and strategies for impactful ministry
- Year 2, Residency 4 – Brave: Strengthening leadership sustainability and commissioning for future service
7 a.m. Breakfast
8 a.m. Worship Experience
9:15-10:30 a.m. CLASS SESSION ONE
10:30-10:45 a.m. Break
10:45-12 p.m. CLASS SESSION TWO
12:15-1 p.m. Lunch
1:15-2:30 p.m. CASE STUDY SESSION ONE
2:30-2:45 p.m. Break
2:45-4 p.m. CASE STUDY SESSION TWO
4-6 p.m. ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCE
6:30 p.m. Supper & Personal Time
OPTIONAL EVENING
7:30-8:30 p.m. Community Gathering &/or Fireside Wisdom with faculty
9-9:30 p.m. Compline
ALL PARTICIPANTS
9:30 p.m. GREAT SILENCE (silence kept until 7 a.m.)
Established in 1928 and affiliated with The Episcopal Church, Kanuga is a non-profit conference, retreat and camp center serving 35,000 guests annually. Nestled on 1,400 peaceful acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Hendersonville, NC, Kanuga’s historic setting features a 30-acre lake, miles of hiking trails and full-service meeting and lodging facilities for up to 440 guests.
Kanuga offers a variety of lodging options and can accommodate personal retreats as well as groups of up to 440 guests.
Freshly prepared buffet-style meals are served three times a day in Kanuga’s dining rooms.
Kanuga is located just south of Historic Downtown Hendersonville in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, easily accessible whether you are driving or flying.
Flat Rock, Hendersonville, and Asheville are easily accessible by car. Please enjoy learning more about these towns and their offerings:
Flat Rock, NC
Hendersonville, NC
Asheville, NC
Address for GPS:
471 Kanuga Chapel Drive
Hendersonville, NC 28739
