Doctor of Global Leadership
The Doctor of Global Leadership (DGL) is a Christ-centered, professional doctoral degree developed in collaboration with the Lausanne Movement and designed to empower and equip global leaders to engage effectively in intercultural mission and ministry. Inspired by John Stott’s vision for “the whole church taking the whole gospel to the whole world,” this degree program fosters leaders who embody servant-hearted leadership and a collaborative spirit, enabling them to navigate cultural complexities and champion unity in the global Church. This new degree program is slated to launch in Fall 2026!
Credits36 |
Years4 Most graduate in under 4 years. |
Online?Mostly 75% of classes are offered online from anywhere in the world. In-person meetings will be held once a year. |
LocationsGlobal In-person meetings will be held once a year in accessible, international cities like Budapest, Nairobi, and Chiang Mai. |
What Sets Our Doctor of Global Leadership Apart?
- Provides a unique focus on practical leadership development within global contexts.
- Equips leader-practitioners to embody the polycentric, intercultural, and collaborative leadership ethos championed by the Lausanne Movement.
- All students admitted to the program will receive a generous scholarship of 40% of tuition from Western Seminary.
- Instructs students through world-class practitioners, educators, and authors in the field of global leadership.
- Addresses a distinct need for leadership formation that deeply engages context, life, and mission.
- Forms leaders who advance the gospel through unity and innovative mission engagement.
- Cohort model provides a learning community that is supportive and encouraging.
I am excited about Western’s collaboration with Lausanne, to be able to join efforts to develop leaders in the global context.
Enoch Wan, PhD
Director of PhD|EdD|DIS Programs at Western Seminary
Planned Instructors
 Joao Mordomo, DIntSt |
Enoch Wan, PhD |
 Asia Williamson, PhD |
 Rev. Femi B. Adeleye, PhD |
 Allen Yeh, DPhil |
 David Bennett, PhD |
 Doug Birdsall, PhD |
 Joe Handley, PhD |
 Mark Hedinger, DMiss |
| Justin Schell, MA | US Director for Union, Director of Young Leaders Generation for the Lausanne Movement |
| Nana Yaw Offei Awuku, MA | Global Director for Generations of the Lausanne Movement |
Curriculum
Course List
| Required Courses: 27 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| Proposal and Research Design | 3 | |
| Theological Foundations for Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Intercultural Communication and Global Leadership | 3 | |
| History of Missions and Polycentric Missiology | 3 | |
| Spirituality and Character of a Christian Leader | 3 | |
| Mission and Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Global Community and Leadership | 3 | |
| Global Leadership and Networks/Movements/Organizations | 3 | |
| Integrated Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Elective Courses: 3 credits | ||
| Dissertation: 6 credits | ||
| Total: 36 credits | ||
Planned Course Schedule
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Proposal and Research Design | 3 | |
| Theological Foundations for Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Intercultural Communication and Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Year Two | ||
| History of Missions and Polycentric Missiology | 3 | |
| Spirituality and Character of a Christian Leader | 3 | |
| Mission and Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Global Community and Leadership | 3 | |
| Global Leadership and Networks/Movements/Organizations | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Year Three+ | ||
| Integrated Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Dissertation | 6 | |
Gather Yearly in International Cities
Of the 36 credits required to complete the Doctor of Global Leadership, 9 credits will be taken in person at international locations that are widely accessible and affordable. Exceptions to travel may be considered for extenuating circumstances. The 9 in-person credits are completed through three classes planned for spring semesters.
A Generous Scholarship
Western Seminary will apply a generous 40% scholarship to the tuition of every student admitted to the program. Students are encouraged to raise additional support through their home churches and member networks.
An Encouraging Learning Community
Students will study for 3+ years alongside a group of other global leaders, learning together, encouraging one another, and forming friendships that can last a lifetime.
Admission Requirements
In addition to a completed application for admission and the submission of all related admissions materials, applicants must present:
- A Master of Divinity or a master’s degree of 48 credits or longer in missiological and theological disciplines and that is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) or equivalent accrediting body so that it matches the DIS page: A Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, MDiv equivalent degree, or intercultural studies-focused master’s degree from an ATS-accredited school.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- At least two years of effective intercultural ministry leadership experience relevant to the proposed DGL program focus
- A promise of contribution to the missional leadership of churches and denominations
- Writing sample with strong research component
Please contact an Admissions Counselor if you’ve got further questions. We're here to help!