Advanced Leadership Development
Accepting Applications for Fall 2025!
Pastors who are competent in preaching and shepherding might assume they can intuitively lead their churches in mission, vision, and strategy. But to be effective in the practice of leadership, pastors must understand the theology of leadership. That's why Western Seminary is launching Advanced Leadership Development — a two-year training opportunity for students who have a deep desire to gain greater competence in church leadership.
Beginning in the Fall of 2025, 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.
$5,000scholarship for two years |
Two-yearcommitment |
Cohortof 6–10 students |
Cohort Structure and Mentor
The cohort will meet quarterly on campus for a full-day intensive with John Johnson, PhD (visit his website). 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 |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Leadership divine design, definition, and sin’s distortion |
| Spring 2026 | Leadership and credibility |
| Fall 2026 | Leadership and the pastoral task |
| Spring 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 |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | What is the current landscape of leadership? |
| Oct. 2025 | Does a pastor have to be a leader? |
| Nov. 2025 | What does leadership even mean? |
| Jan. 2026 | How does one become a leader? |
| Feb. 2026 | Is character necessary? |
| March 2026 | How can a leader become wise? |
Year Two: Carrying Out Leadership
| Dates | Topics |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | What is the current landscape of leadership? |
| Oct. 2026 | What are the essential tasks of a leader? |
| Nov. 2026 | What are the essential tasks of a leader? |
| Jan. 2027 | What does a skillful leader look like? |
| Feb. 2027 | What is the role of power? |
| March 2027 | What are a leader’s greatest challenges? |
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Application Process
If you are interested in the Advanced Leadership Development program, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about the application process. Applicants will need to complete the following steps:
- If not already admitted to Western Seminary, submit your application.
- Two recommendation letters, affirming one’s leadership skills/giftedness, godly character, and good judgment.
- A personal bio, describing both your ministry experiences and education.
- A one page draft, indicating the reasons you are applying, the evidence you are gifted to lead , and an affirmation of your willingness to complete the two-year cohort.
- A successful interview and invitation to join.
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, or MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) programs.
- Have successfully completed the process (outlined above) to enter the program.
- Gifted in leadership—something 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.