Applications are now open!
Concordia University Wisconsin continues its mission to develop informed, compassionate and Christ-centered leaders through Called to LEAD – Faith-Filled Leadership, an innovative year-long professional development program designed for emerging leaders in ministry. This program not only equips participants with advanced leadership competencies but also provides an accessible and supportive learning environment through a fully funded tuition scholarship generously sponsored by the Lutheran Church Extension Fund.
A Leadership Program Built on Christian Identity and Academic Excellence
Called to LEAD is structured to help current and future ministry leaders strengthen their leadership capacity in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply grounded in Christian values. Participants engage in a blend of coursework, expert-led sessions, reflective practice and hands-on project development that together prepare them for effective, purposeful service within their congregations and communities.
The program’s curriculum is built around CUW’s L.E.A.D. values:
- Lift Others Up
- Empower with Faith
- Act with Integrity
- Demonstrate Compassion
These values guide the program’s pedagogy and inform how participants approach leadership, discipleship and community impact.
Comprehensive, Cohort-Based Curriculum
The one-year program follows a structured, developmental sequence that includes:
- Program Kickoff & Orientation – Setting expectations, building cohort relationships and establishing the vision for the year.
- Emotional Intelligence – Developing self-awareness, empathy and communication skills essential for healthy ministry leadership.
- Adaptive Leadership – Learning to lead through complexity, navigate change and respond to evolving ministry needs.
- Equity Leadership – Exploring practices that builds trust and design systems for everyone’s success within the Body of Christ.
- Innovative Leadership – Applying design thinking and creative problem-solving to ministry challenges.
- Transformational Leadership & Change – Identifying and influencing systemic elements within a church or ministry setting.
- Faith-Based Leadership – Integrating Scripture, theology and Christian identity into leadership decisions and organizational vision.
- Capstone Project Presentation – Presenting a fully developed “Leading & Growing” ministry initiative to expert reviewers for feedback and evaluation.
Mentorship and Long-Term Impact
Each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor — known as a Cultivator — who provides guidance, accountability, and professional insight throughout the program. The mentorship relationship often extends beyond the cohort year, supporting the implementation and sustainability of the participant’s ministry project.
Projects demonstrating strong potential for impact may receive seed funding, giving leaders the resources needed to move from concept to implementation. Participants also receive support in developing a three-year strategic plan to ensure long-term success.
Fully Funded Tuition Through LCEF
A significant hallmark of this program is its accessibility. Thanks to the generosity of the LCEF, tuition for Called to LEAD is fully funded. This scholarship removes financial barriers, allowing participants to focus fully on their learning, leadership development, and ministry innovation. The partnership between CUW and LCEF reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the Church by investing in emerging leaders.
Supporting the Future of Ministry Leadership
Called to LEAD is more than a professional development program — it’s an investment in the future of Christian communities. Participants leave equipped with practical leadership tools, spiritual grounding and a clear vision for service. Combined with full tuition support and personalized mentorship, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for those who feel called to grow as leaders in ministry.
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.