As Leadership Education continues to respond faithfully to the evolving needs of Christian organizations and institutions, we have made the intentional decision to pause the launch of the next Foundations of Christian Leadership cohort.

This temporary pause will allow us to reflect deeply on how best to serve the leaders and communities we are called to support. Specifically, we are taking this time to:

• Clarify and identify the most appropriate audience for the program as we seek to ensure that FOCL continues to be a meaningful and relevant resource for those leading in today’s complex Christian context.
• Determine and integrate an assessment tool that will enhance the curriculum and provide deeper support for participants navigating leadership in a time of ongoing change.

We remain committed to the mission of forming and equipping Christian leaders, and this season of discernment is part of our long-term vision for strengthening that work. We are excited to share updates as this process unfolds and hope you will stay connected with us during this time of reflection and renewal.

For questions, please contact us at leadership@div.duke.edu.

Who Should Attend

Foundations of Christian Leadership benefits those who care about the church in the world and want to build skills to lead Christian institutions with joy and creativity.

Over the years, we have had lay and clergy leaders from a variety of faith-based organizations participate. Ideal applicants are those who have been in a leadership position in a Christian institution for fewer than five years. Participants in Foundations typically work in one of the following environments:

• A faith-based nonprofit
• A denomination
• A Christian seminary or college
• Community-oriented ministry in a church

If leaders with more than five years’ experience apply, they should be working on new projects or have an expanded scope of responsibility and be seeking ways to sustain key activities over time.

Applicants should express a desire to:

• Hone their leadership voice
• Engage in “balcony time,” a time to disconnect and reflect
• Examine current systems and structures of their work
• Collaborate and recognize others’ gifts, strengths and resources
• Imagine alternative models that embrace innovation
• Build community in different spaces and hear different voices

Applicants’ ministry context must be based in the United States. We are unable to accept applicants based outside of the United States.

All individuals, regardless of their educational background, are welcome to apply; however, applicants should not be enrolled in an academic program at the time of applying.

If applications are not yet open, please sign up for our mailing list to receive a notification when the application is live.