Advanced Leadership Development
Accepting Applications for Fall 2025!
We live in a day where leadership failure is commonplace. That's why Western Seminary is launching Advanced Leadership Development — a two-year training opportunity for students who desire to become godly, credible leaders.
Beginning in the Fall of 2025, a small group of students will come 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.
$5,000scholarship for two years |
Two-yearcommitment |
Cohortof 6–10 students |
Cohort Structure and Mentor
The cohort will meet quarterly on campus for a full-day intensive with John Johnson, PhD (visit his website). 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 |
|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Leadership divine design, definition, and sin’s distortion |
| Spring 2026 | Leadership and credibility |
| Fall 2026 | Leadership and the pastoral task |
| Spring 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 |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2025 | What is the current landscape of leadership? |
| Oct. 2025 | Does a pastor have to be a leader? |
| Nov. 2025 | What does leadership even mean? |
| Jan. 2026 | How does one become a leader? |
| Feb. 2026 | Is character necessary? |
| March 2026 | How can a leader become wise? |
Year Two: Carrying Out Leadership
| Dates | Topics |
|---|---|
| Sept. 2026 | What is the current landscape of leadership? |
| Oct. 2026 | What are the essential tasks of a leader? |
| Nov. 2026 | What are the essential tasks of a leader? |
| Jan. 2027 | What does a skillful leader look like? |
| Feb. 2027 | What is the role of power? |
| March 2027 | What are a leader’s greatest challenges? |
*Schedule is tentative and subject to change.
Application Process
- If not already admitted to Western Seminary, submit your application.
- Complete scholarship application. [Need link here]
- 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 the reasons you are applying, the evidence you are gifted to lead , and an affirmation of your willingness to complete the two-year cohort.
- A successful interview and invitation to join.
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, or MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) 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.