Current Conferences

Now at Montreat, McCormick Theological Seminary Certificate in Executive Leadership for Pastors and Church Leaders

The McCormick Certificate in Executive Leadership program will equip pastors and other key leaders of Christian institutions, both congregations and broader church or non-profit systems, with the skills and abilities vital for effective leadership in today’s rapidly changing landscape. The program emphasizes the development of adaptive and transformational skills, drawing on contemporary leadership theory and practice, on McCormick’s recognized excellence in providing theological education and on McCormick’s thirty-five years of experience in organizational development and leadership education. (Download the flyer)

Who Will Benefit?

  • Pastors (head-of-staff, solo, or executive) interested in transformational leadership,
  • Other church leaders (both ordained and non-ordained),
  • Denominational/Judicatory Leaders (Executives, Clerks and Lay Leaders).

What are the Courses?

  • Foundations for Leadership: What is Leadership? Who Are You as a Leader? January 27 – 29, 2011 – Cohort III at Montreat The Reverend Jeanne Porter, PhD., Assistant Pastor, Apostolic Church of God, Chicago, IL and experienced ministry and organizational consultant. Subject matter will include the rapidly changing environment of leadership and the student’s context; cultural considerations; and the imperative that effective leadership must begin with the transformation of self.
  • Adaptive Leaders: Where Are We Going? How Do We Know? March 24 – 26, 2011 – Cohort III at Montreat The Reverend Doctor Jeffrey Japinga, Associate Dean, Doctor of Ministry Program, McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL. Subject matter will include identification of values; vision development; strategic planning; and an exploration of emerging models and practices in adaptive leadership.
  • Systems and Contexts: You’re Not in This Alone, May 19 – 21, 2011 – Cohort III at Montreat The Reverend Carol McDonald, Co-Executive, the Synod of Lincoln Trails, Presbyterian Church (USA). Subject matter will include organizational culture; group dynamics; systems theory; and how to step outside systems in order to view them objectively.
  • Change, Collaboration, and Conflict: Addressing the Challenges, September 15 – 17, 2011 – Cohort III at Montreat The Reverend Doctor Virstan Choy and the Reverend Sarah Moore-Nokes. Reverend Choy has served as pastor of a congregation, a presbytery executive staff, as well as a seminary administrator and faculty member. Reverend Moore-Nokes is Associate Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Winnebago Presbyterian Church (USA). Subject matter will include: leadership in adaptive change, collaborative leadership in voluntary- association types of organizations in times of change, and transformation-oriented approaches to managing conflict.

What are the Benefits to Participants?

  • Students will strengthen their knowledge and sharpen their critical thinking skills through an examination of foundational leadership theory.
  • Students will apply knowledge and evaluate results through collaboration with faculty and peers both in and outside of the classroom.
  • Students will develop “adaptive leadership” skill—the ability to address current pressing issues as well as to meet unknown challenges yet to come —through the application of knowledge and practice in their ministries.
  • Students will acquire insights into who they are, how God has gifted them as a leader, and their roles in relationship to others, through self-assessment and feedback from faculty and peers.
  • Students will learn from between-class assignments rooted in and applicable to each student’s place of leadership.
  • Students will experience ongoing support through interaction with a four-person cohort group.
  • Students will be members of an online community, chatting, email, and a dedicated website, to fit their busy schedules.
  • Students will have opportunities for long-term follow-up and interaction with faculty.

Where Will the Courses be Held

  • Cohort III — Montreat Conference Center, Montreat, NC

What are the Admissions Requirements?

  • Academic Foundation: Bachelor’s Degree highly recommended; M.Div. or other advanced degree is not required.
  • Active Leadership: students must hold active leadership responsibility at a place of ministry at the time of enrollment.
  • Institutional Support: students must provide a letter of recommendation from the pastor, other person in leadership in the place of ministry, or from the board that oversees the particular ministry.

Tuition: $1,850.00 Includes program instructors, special speakers, materials, and breaks. A $100.00 non refundable deposit is due with the application. Housing, meals and transportation are additional costs. On-site housing is available at Montreat.

Applications for Cohort III at Montreat will be accepted until November 30, 2010 or until the cohort is filled.

For more information or to apply, please contact Jeff Japinga, Associate Dean, at 773-947-6332 or email jjapinga@mccormick.edu. Also visit McCormick Seminary’s website.