Advanced Leadership Development - Western Seminary Advanced Leadership Development Western Seminary Resources Advanced Leadership Development Advanced Leadership Development Receive a $5,000 Annual Scholarship! Ministry leaders who are competent in preaching, shepherding, or counseling might assume they can intuitively lead their ministries in mission, vision, and strategy. But to be effective in the practice of leadership, leaders must understand the theology of leadership. That's why Western Seminary is launching Advanced Leadership Development — a two-year training opportunity for students who have a deep desire to gain greater competence in ministry leadership. Beginning in the spring of 2026, a group of eight students will study together for two years under the direction of John Johnson, PhD, long-time pastor and seminary professor. Those students who meet the requirements and make the commitment will receive a $5,000 scholarship each year for two years. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2025! $5,000 scholarship for two years Two-year commitment Cohort of 8 students Cohort Structure and Mentor The cohort will meet twice a year on campus for a full-day intensive with John Johnson, PhD ( read his bio ). Students will work through assigned leadership books and materials and engage monthly via a two-hour zoom call with fellow cohort students and Dr. Johnson to discuss assigned readings. Schedule* Full-day Seminars Seminars will include outside resource people and discussion. Dates Topics Spring 2026 Leadership divine design, definition, and sin’s distortion Fall 2026 Leadership and credibility Spring 2027 Leadership and the pastoral task Fall 2027 Leadership and power Monthly Zoom Calls These calls will involve a discussion of themes, readings, current articles on leadership. Year One: Building a Foundation Dates Topics Jan. 2026 What is the current landscape of leadership? Feb. 2026 Does a pastor have to be a leader? March 2026 What does leadership even mean? Sept. 2026 How does one become a leader? Oct. 2026 Is character necessary? Nov. 2026 How can a leader become wise? Year Two: Carrying Out Leadership Dates Topics Jan. 2027 What is the current landscape of leadership? Feb. 2027 What are the essential tasks of a leader? March 2027 What are the essential tasks of a leader? Sept. 2027 What does a skillful leader look like? Oct. 2027 What is the role of power? Nov. 2027 What are a leader’s greatest challenges? *Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Eligibility Scholarship recipients will be evaluated based on on the following criteria: Currently enrolled as a student in Western's Master of Divinity MA in Ministry and Leadership MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) or MA in Counseling programs. Have successfully completed the process (outlined above) to enter the program. Gifted in leadership—something affirmed by others and blessed by God. Passionate to be an excellent leader. Aware of where their leadership and gifts and training will be most strategic. Hungry to study leadership theory and learn from leadership models. Able to meet on the scheduled dates, fulfill all of the reading, and remain committed to the program for the two-year duration. Willing to write a leadership philosophy at the end of the program. Application Process If you are interested in the Advanced Leadership Development program, please contact Daniel Reese at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn more about the application process (roughly outlined below). Current students will need to complete the following steps (If you are not already admitted to Western Seminary, first submit your application before applying for the cohort.). Submit the following as PDF attachments to Daniel Reese at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Oct. 31, 2025: Two recommendation letters, affirming one’s leadership skills/giftedness, godly character, and good judgment. A personal bio, describing both your ministry experiences and education. A one page draft, indicating: Reasons you are applying Evidence you are gifted to lead Affirmation of your willingness to complete the two-year cohort commitment A successful interview and invitation to join. Questions may include: What are your long-term objectives? When did you know you were a leader? What is the critical evidence confirming you are a leader? Who are the leaders you read? Who have been the significant leadership influences in your life? How would you assess the present state of leadership? If accepted into this cohort, are you willing to complete everything required?