In partnership with the Office of Continuing Education Studies and the Batterman School of Business at Concordia University Wisconsin, and through the generous sponsorship of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), a powerful new opportunity is emerging for future church leaders.
We are excited to launch our very first cohort of Called to LEAD in just a few weeks! This inaugural group will be the first to experience this innovative leadership journey—setting the stage for a new wave of Christ-centered leaders equipped to serve, inspire, and grow vibrant faith communities.
Called to LEAD—Faith-Filled Leadership is an immersive, year-long program designed to equip emerging leaders in ministry with the tools, support, and inspiration they need to make a lasting impact in their communities. Thanks to LCEF’s generosity, participants receive scholarships to access this life-changing experience—removing financial barriers and opening the door to transformational growth.
A journey of purpose-driven leadership
Called to LEAD isn’t just a training program—it’s a transformative experience. Over the span of one year, participants are guided through a dynamic blend of foundational leadership courses, expert-led sessions, and real-world ministry project development. From the first workshop to the final project launch, this program is designed to nurture leaders who are rooted in faith and ready to ignite meaningful change in their communities.
Participants are supported by their own Cultivator—a dedicated mentor who walks with them throughout the program and beyond, offering insight, encouragement, and practical guidance.
L.E.A.D. with purpose
The program’s framework is built on four powerful pillars:
- L – Lift Others Up
- E – Empower with Faith
- A – Act with Integrity
- D – Demonstrate Compassion
These values are not only taught—they’re lived out in every aspect of the program, from peer collaboration to community engagement.
A closer look at the journey
Each phase of the program is carefully crafted to develop leadership from the inside out:
- Kickoff Workshop: The journey begins with vision casting, relationship building, and an introduction to the “Leading and Growing” project that will be developed throughout the year.
- Emotional Intelligence: Leaders grow in self-awareness and relational skills, laying the foundation for authentic, emotionally attuned leadership.
- Adaptive Leadership: Participants explore how to respond to complex church challenges with creativity and critical thinking.
- Equity Leadership: Inclusive leadership is at the forefront as participants learn how to build ministries where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
- Innovative Leadership: Using design thinking, leaders explore fresh solutions for ministry impact and church growth.
- Transformational Leadership & Change: Participants learn how to turn vision into action—leading change in a way that sticks.
- Faith-Based Leadership: A culmination of all they’ve learned, this course calls leaders to articulate and inspire with a Christ-centered vision.
- Final Project Presentation & Evaluation: Leaders present their fully developed Leading and Growing Project, showcasing their growth and their plans to transform their faith communities.
- Project Implementation: With seed funding and continued mentorship, selected projects move forward into real-world execution—bringing faith-based visions to life with sustainability in mind.
Planting seeds for the future
One of the most exciting elements of Called to LEAD is the opportunity to receive seed money to launch the final leadership project. Participants not only dream but do—putting their plans into action to lift, empower, act, and demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways.
With an additional six months of mentorship and a three-year strategic plan in hand, leaders leave the program ready to grow something that lasts.
We hope to launch our next cohort in 2026. Want to learn more about this program and other offerings? Sign up for our e-newsletter here: Continuing Education E-Newsletter
LCEF: Fueling faith-filled futures
This incredible journey is made possible through the generous support of LCEF, whose heart for the church and commitment to developing strong, faith-filled leaders makes this kind of transformation possible.
Thanks to their investment, participants receive scholarships to help cover the cost of the program—ensuring that those who are called can answer that call boldly, regardless of financial barriers. #CalledToLEAD #FaithFilledLeadership #LCEF #LeadWithPurpose
Want in?
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.