Take your ministries to the next level with the Lewis Center Church Leadership Certificate Program from the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and Wesley Theological Seminary.
► Register now on Wesley Pathways to Ministry at wesleypathways.com.
About the program
Designed as an equivalent to an executive leadership program, the Lewis Center Church Leadership Certificate Program delivers an online, cohort-based learning experience for pastors combining self-study and interactive peer learning. Participants will learn strategic actionable insights that enhance their ability to be effective in their ministry settings. Guided by experienced faculty from Wesley Theological Seminary and the Lewis Center, the certificate program includes five courses over the course of a year that help pastors explore visioning, administration, stewardship, innovation, and building key partnerships. Each course is limited to 20 students.
Course schedule
Strategic Planning and Visioning
September 7 – October 12, 2023
Dr. Lovett Weems Jr., Senior Consultant, Lewis Center for Church Leadership; and Distinguished Professor of Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary
This course is a practicum in which participants practice the skills associated with planning and visioning, including data gathering, analysis, internal and external environmental scanning, and organizational history and cultural understanding.
Strategic Administration: Refine Your Skills and Strengthen Church Leadership
October 26 – December 7, 2023 (No classes the week of Thanksgiving)
Dr. Jessica L. Anschutz, Assistant Director and Co-editor, Leading Ideas, Lewis Center for Church Leadership
The goal of this course is to strengthen and refine the skills needed for day-to-day ministry in order to maximize one’s impact and increase capacity for ministry. Course participants will learn to refine time management skills, enhance volunteer recruitment and retention, and better manage staff. They will also learn to cultivate skills for better meetings and delegation of tasks so that the congregation is empowered to lead.
Strategic Stewardship: Money and Ministry
January 4 – February 8, 2024
Dr. Ann A. Michel, Senior Consultant and Co-editor, Leading Ideas, Lewis Center for Church Leadership; and Lecturer in Church Leadership, Wesley Theological Seminary
This course considers what it means to lead effectively in the realm of money and faith, particularly in today’s post-attractional, post-pandemic environment. The focus is less on the nuts and bolts of church finances and more on the high-level leadership tasks and perspectives required to foster generosity, promote a healthier dialogue around issues of faith and money, and develop new strategies for economic sustainability.
Strategic Innovation
February 22 – March 28, 2024
Dr. F. Douglas Powe Jr., Director, Lewis Center for Church Leadership; and James C. Logan Professor of Evangelism (an E. Stanley Jones Professorship) and Professor of Urban Ministry, Wesley Theological Seminary
Leaders must help congregations navigate the current challenges of today while still moving toward where God is calling them. This requires strategic innovation that maintains certain traditions but disrupts others. Course participants will learn how and when to innovate in a way that further moves the congregation toward flourishing.
Strategic Partnerships
April 11 – May 16, 2024
Dr. David McAllister-Wilson, President, Wesley Theological Seminary
The most influential leadership in the church is not from the pulpit; rather, it follows the maxim, “people support what they help to create.” This course draws from Dr. McAllister-Wilson’s experience with institutions and congregations to describe the practice of “server leadership.”
Fees
Courses are $500 each. Payment for each course is due 15 days before the course begins. Some courses may require the purchase of additional reading materials.
CEU credit
One CEU will be awarded for the successful completion of each course.
Registration
► Register now on Wesley Pathways to Ministry at wesleypathways.com.
For more information, please contact our Pathways Program Administrator at pathways@wesleyseminary.edu.