Advanced Leadership Development
Accepting Applications for Spring 2026!
Ministry leaders who are competent in preaching, shepherding, or counseling might assume they can intuitively lead their ministries in mission, vision, and strategy. But to be effective in the practice of leadership, leaders must understand the theology of leadership. That's why 暗网禁区 is launching Advanced Leadership Development 鈥� a two-year training opportunity for students who have a deep desire to gain greater competence in ministry leadership.
Beginning in the spring of 2026, a group of eight students will study together for two years under the direction of John Johnson, PhD, long-time pastor and seminary professor. Those students who meet the requirements and make the commitment will receive a $5,000 scholarship each year for two years. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2025!
$5,000scholarship for two years |
Two-yearcommitment |
Cohortof 6鈥�10 students |
Cohort Structure and Mentor
The cohort will meet quarterly on campus for a full-day intensive with John Johnson, PhD (). Students will work through assigned leadership books and materials and engage monthly via a two-hour zoom call with fellow cohort students and Dr. Johnson to discuss assigned readings.
Schedule*
Full-day Seminars
Seminars will include outside resource people and discussion.
| Dates | Topics |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Leadership divine design, definition, and sin鈥檚 distortion |
| Fall 2026 | Leadership and credibility |
| Spring 2027 | Leadership and the pastoral task |
| Fall 2027 | Leadership and power |
Monthly Zoom Calls
These calls will involve a discussion of themes, readings, current articles on leadership.
Year One: Building a Foundation
| Dates | Topics |
|---|---|
| Jan. 2026 | What is the current landscape of leadership? |
| Feb. 2026 | Does a pastor have to be a leader? |
| March 2026 | What does leadership even mean? |
| Sept. 2026 | How does one become a leader? |
| Oct. 2026 | Is character necessary? |
| Nov. 2026 | How can a leader become wise? |
Year Two: Carrying Out Leadership
| Dates | Topics |
|---|---|
| Jan. 2027 | What is the current landscape of leadership? |
| Feb. 2027 | What are the essential tasks of a leader? |
| March 2027 | What are the essential tasks of a leader? |
| Sept. 2027 | What does a skillful leader look like? |
| Oct. 2027 | What is the role of power? |
| Nov. 2027 | What are a leader鈥檚 greatest challenges? |
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility
Scholarship recipients will be evaluated based on on the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled as a student in Western's Master of Divinity, MA in Ministry and Leadership, MA (Biblical and Theological Studies)听or MA in Counseling programs.
- Have successfully completed the process (outlined above) to enter the program.
- Gifted in leadership鈥攕omething affirmed by others and blessed by God.
- Passionate to be an excellent leader.
- Aware of where their leadership and gifts and training will be most strategic.
- Hungry to study leadership theory and learn from leadership models.
- Able to meet on the scheduled dates, fulfill all of the reading, and remain committed to the program for the two-year duration.
- Willing to write a leadership philosophy at the end of the program.
Application Process听
If you are interested in the Advanced Leadership Development program, please contact Daniel Reese at听This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.听to learn more about the application process (roughly outlined below). Current students will need to complete the following steps (If you are not already admitted to 暗网禁区, first听submit your application before applying for the cohort.).
Submit the following as PDF attachments to Daniel Reese at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Oct. 31, 2025:
- Two recommendation letters, affirming one鈥檚 leadership skills/giftedness, godly character, and good judgment.
- A personal bio, describing both your ministry experiences and education.
- A one page draft, indicating:
- Reasons you are applying
- Evidence you are gifted to lead
- Affirmation of your willingness to complete the two-year cohort commitment