A new grant extended to Concordia University seeks to equip and train Lutheran pastors and administrators with business skills.
In the ever-evolving landscape of faith-based organizations, effective leadership and business acumen are essential for sustainability and growth. Recognizing this need, the Siebert Lutheran Foundation generously awarded a grant to Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). The grant provided 25 Lutheran pastors/administrators with scholarships to participate in the Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations professional development program. This initiative has proven to be a transformative experience for many, equipping them with skills to enhance their ministry’s operational and strategic capabilities.
The Program: A Bridge Between Faith and Business
The Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations program at CUW is designed to address the unique challenges faced by faith communities. The program covers topics including financial management, strategic planning, social media communication, and employee engagement. Each is tailored to the context of faith-based organizations. This holistic approach ensures participants gain practical business skills and learn to apply them in alignment with their ministry’s mission and values.
Testimonials: Voices of Transformation
The impact of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation Grant is best understood through the experiences of the pastors/administrators who have benefited from it. Here are some heartfelt testimonials from program participants:
“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to complete the Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations. Thanks to the generosity of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation. I would not have been able to afford a program like this, nor would my congregation have been able to budget for the expense. The award from the Siebert Lutheran Foundation allowed me to collaborate with leaders who, although from different denominations, face similar challenges in church operations.”
“The Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations program has helped open my eyes to new ways of engaging in ministry methodically and planning for the future more effectively. I’m really grateful to Siebert for providing the funding for this study.”
“…I’d advocate that these courses should be mandatory for anyone with aspirations for leading ministry. It reminds me of Moses’ father-in-law Jethro telling Moses that his organizational skills were ‘not good’ (Ex. 18:17) for administrating Israel. God’s people often need help in organizing, and these courses assist in the direction of healthier organizations. They’ve been a blessing to me and would be to anyone considering ministry.”
“I am grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this program. It was uniquely crafted for pastors serving in 21st-century ministry. I’ve served as a church and school administrator, and finding resources that help develop administrative and leadership abilities in a ministry context is challenging. This program was financially accessible, time-efficient, and ministry-focused. We implemented several projects immediately, such as an Employee Engagement Plan, and a Social Media and Online Communication plan. They have significantly benefited our ministry. The finance classes helped me create specific action items. The capstone project provided a structured action plan for significant projects like transitioning to new Church Management Software and advancing our Mission Vision Objective process. The interaction with other pastors was invaluable, and I thank the Siebert Lutheran Foundation for this opportunity. It has been a blessing to my congregation and me.”
A Brighter Future for Faith-Based Organizations
The Siebert Lutheran Foundation Grant has made a profound impact on pastors/administrators by providing crucial business skills tailored to their unique needs. The knowledge and insights gained from the Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations program empower faith leaders to manage their churches more effectively.
“We are grateful to the Siebert Lutheran Foundation in awarding Concordia University this grant. We look forward to a continued relationship with them,” said Sarah Pecor, Director of Continuing Education Studies at CUW. “With continued support, reach and impact will undoubtedly expand, benefiting more pastors and congregations.”
This initiative exemplifies how targeted educational professional development programs can create lasting positive change in faith-based communities.
Want in?
For more information about the Business Skills for Faith-Based Organizations program, please visit CUW Business Skills for Faith-Based Organization Program