Doctor of Global Leadership Cohort
Accepting Applications for Fall 2026!
Western Seminary, in collaboration with the Lausanne Movement, is launching a Doctor of Global Leadership Cohort in Fall 2026. Students admitted to this cohort have the choice of pursuing a Doctor of Global Leadership (DGL) or a Doctor of Philosophy in Intercultural Education (PhD) with an emphasis on global leadership (additional credit hours required). Both degrees are uniquely designed to empower and equip global leaders to engage effectively in intercultural ministry and/or education, enabling them to navigate cultural complexities and champion unity in the global Church.
What Sets This Cohort Apart?
- Complete most of your classes from anywhere in the world through online classes with synchronous meetings.
- Meet three times for in-person classes held in key international cities.
- Receive a generous scholarship of 40% of tuition from Western Seminary.
- Journey through your degree alongside a consistent, supportive learning community.
- Learn from world-class leaders, educators, and authors in the field of global leadership.
See Course Schedule
| Year One | ||
|---|---|---|
| Proposal and Research Design | 3 | |
| Theological Foundations for Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Intercultural Communication and Global Leadership/td> | 3 | |
| Year Two | ||
| Spirituality and Character of a Christian Leader | 3 | |
| History of Missions and Polycentric Missiology | 3 | |
| Mission and Global Leadership | 3 | |
| Year Three | ||
| Global Community and Leadership | 3 | |
| Global Leadership and Networks/Movements/Organizations | 3 | |
| Integrated Research Methodology | 3 | |
| Year Three+ | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Dissertation | 6 | |
World-Class Instructors
You will be taught by a team of world-class instructors in the field of global missions.
| Enoch Wan, PhD | Professor of Intercultural Studies, Director of Doctor of Global Leadership, Director of Doctor of Education at Western Seminary |
| Doug Birdsall, PhD | President of The Civilitas Group, former Executive Chairman of the Lausanne Movement |
| Mark Hedinger, DMiss | Executive Director of CultureBound, Adjunct Professor of Intercultural Studies at Western Seminary |
| Asia Williamson, PhD | Director of Waverly Abbey, Catalyst for Leadership Development for the Lausanne Movement in Poland |
| David Bennett, PhD | Global Associate Director for the Lausanne Movement |
| Joe Handley, PhD | President of Asian Access, Catalyst for Leadership Development for the Lausanne Movement in USA |
| Allen Yeh, DPhil | Dean and VP of Academic Affairs at International Theological Seminary |
| Patrick Fung, MD | Global Ambassador of OMF International, Chair of YLGen Advisory Team for the Lausanne Movement |
| 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 |
| Joao Mordomo, DIntSt | Executive Director of Business as Mission Global, Senior Associate for Business as Mission for the Lausanne Movement |
Condensed Class Format
Classes meet in week-long intensives held every semester, with coursework spread throughout the rest of each semester. Most of these classes will meet online, except for three in-person classes.
Gather Yearly in International Cities
Of the 36 credits required to complete the Doctor of Global Leadership, 9 credits are taken in-person at international locations that are widely accessible. 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 provide a generous 40% scholarship towards 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.
Please request info if you have further questions.