Practical Leadership Training
Expand your leadership skills
bg真人鈥檚 Practical Leadership Training modules are designed to help pastors, lay leaders, community leaders and leaders of nonprofit organizations increase their capacity to provide effective Anabaptist leadership in a variety of settings. You can select the modules that are best suited to your interests and needs.
The modules 鈥� which vary in depth, length and format 鈥� focus on four areas: administration, leadership, contextual engagement and well-being.
Download a flyer with upcoming modules: February 鈥� July 2025 Modules
Upcoming modules
March to July
–Click on a module title to view the description–
Transforming Congregational Conflict and Communication | Online short course | April 23 鈥� June 3 | Instructor: Betty Pries
Conflict in the congregation is one of the most difficult experiences pastors and lay leaders will encounter while in ministry. Conflict can destroy congregations. Done well, however, engaging differences can be a sign of vitality, energy and spiritual maturity.
Drawing from biblical, theological, practical and spiritual sources, this short course will explore the possibilities and pitfalls of courageously engaging in differences within congregational life and of building congregational cultures that nurture the tender balance between honesty and kindness and that generate faithfulness and joy.
Online sessions will be held Mondays, April 28; May 5, 12, 19, 26; June 2 鈥� 9鈥�10 p.m. ET (These sessions are optional and will be recorded for those who can鈥檛 attend.)
Cost: $300 if registering by April 2; from April 3 through April 16, registration is $350
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Design to Reach Desired Outcomes | Four-session online workshop | May 7, 14, 21, 28 鈥� 7鈥�8:30 p.m. ET | Instructor: Joani Miller
Whether we are putting together an in-depth course, workshop, project or event, bringing design strategies into our planning process will increase our effectiveness, create a more cohesive experience for participants, and provide clarity for evaluating the experience. It鈥檚 simply good stewardship. This series will walk you through this process using instructional design principles, which can also be applied more broadly.
- Explore a framework of design to understand its importance and use.
- Gain awareness of specific design principles.
- Practice creating goals and objectives.
- Design and develop a simple plan with an evaluation.
Register by April 30 | Cost: $100
Effective HR Practices | Four-session online workshop | May 8, 15, 22, 29 鈥� 7鈥�8:30 p.m. ET | Instructor: Deanna Risser
Being an employer as a church or nonprofit organization can feel overwhelming. Staff sizes are often small, and boards are made up of volunteers who rotate regularly. This module will review issues to consider related to compensation and benefits, paid time off and employee policies and procedures. These insights can apply to a variety of situations and organizations.
- Gain knowledge about best practices in Human Resources.
- Strengthen your understanding of policies and procedures.
- Discuss common employment challenges and explore possible scenarios and solutions.
Register by May 1 | Cost: $100
Beyond Boring Bible Studies | Online short course | May 21 鈥� July 1 (Tuesdays, May 27; June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1 鈥� 7鈥�8:15 p.m. ET) | Instructor: Jewel Gingerich Longenecker
How do we relate to the Bible in today鈥檚 complicated religious and political environments? In a time of anti-institutional fervor across generations, what might it mean for the Bible to have life-giving authority for our lives? We鈥檒l explore these questions: Does the Bible still matter for Christians today? If so, in what ways does it matter? Why is teaching the Bible important? What are best practices for teaching the Bible effectively?
- Understand current dilemmas that leaders and congregants face in relating to the Bible.
- Gain an appreciation for Scripture as an important resource for the church today.
- Develop skills for creating enthusiastic communities of engagement around Scripture.
The required work for this course will include readings, written discussion forums in Moodle, and weekly Zoom sessions.
Register by May 15 | Cost: $300
September to November
–Click on a module title to view the description–
Leadership Practices for Spiritual Vitality | Four-session online workshop | Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25聽 鈥� 2鈥�3:30 p.m. ET | Instructor: Shana Peachey Boshart
Accepting a call to spiritual leadership puts one on a path characterized by continual learning, growth and discernment. In this module, we tend to this ongoing growth, focusing on the practices that make for effective spiritual leadership.
- Deepen your understanding of leadership as a Christian practice.
- Identify the five leadership practices of exemplary spiritual leaders.
- Focus on practices that deepen trust in God and expand your spiritual imagination.
- Receive a coaching session with the instructor, included with your enrollment.
Register by Aug. 28 | Cost: $100
Cultivating Vital and Faithful Congregations | Four-session online workshop | Sept. 16, 23, 30; Oct. 7聽 鈥� 7鈥�8:30 p.m. ET | Instructor: David Boshart
Many congregations today face diminishing attendance in worship and struggle to maintain their building, manage program and personnel structures, prioritize faith formation programs, and find effective decision-making processes to articulate and implement a shared vision for the future.
This is a key time for church leaders to rethink what is core to the identity and purpose of their congregations; rediscover common practices that flow from the church鈥檚 foundational convictions; and consider new patterns for their life and mission.
- Learn about a set of convictions, practices and structures that can support faithful and vital churches of any size and in any context.
- Consider how these practices can enable congregations to right-size their structures, programs and spaces 鈥� spending less energy on activities and infrastructure that limit mission.
- Engage in a change leadership process to reimagine a future with hope and to be more faithful to their core convictions, less drained by cumbersome structures and more nimble in mission.
Register by Sept. 9 | Cost: $100
Strengthening the Pastor-Congregation Relationship | Four-session online workshop | Sept. 17, 24; Oct. 1, 8聽 鈥� 7鈥�8:30 p.m. ET | Instructors: Rachel Ringenberg Miller, Marilyn Rudy-Froese
The relationship between the pastor and congregation is important and can be complex. When it works well, the church is strengthened. Come ready to engage in discussion as we explore this ecosystem together. Bring your experiences, questions, joys and dilemmas for dynamic conversation.
- Explore the ecosystem of the congregation.
- Analyze accountability for and professional development of the pastor.
- Examine the expectations of the congregation and the pastor regarding their relationship.
- Consider the employment contexts of Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA.
Register by Sept. 11 | Cost: $100
Leading Engaging Weddings and Funerals | Four-session online workshop | Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30聽 鈥� 7鈥�8:30 p.m. ET | Instructor: Janice Yordy Sutter
Weddings and funerals can be times for individuals, families and congregations to care for one another, celebrate life, confront fears and embody the good news of Christ. We will talk about the logistics involved in planning for and leading such services and explore the role of the pastor in helping the congregation walk together through life-shaping experiences.
- Learn specific ways to get to know a couple and help them prepare for their future and their wedding.
- Gain confidence in leading the wedding rehearsal and the service.
- Explore ideas for involving the congregation and friends in funeral rituals.
- Learn to integrate the life stories of individuals 鈥� their hopes and fears 鈥� with the good news of Christ鈥檚 abundant love.
Register by Oct. 2 | Cost: $100
Leading Congregations in Transition | Online short course | Oct. 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19聽 鈥� 7鈥�9 p.m. ET | Instructors: Paula Killough, Dan Miller
Transitional ministry has a unique place in the mission of the church. While 鈥渋nterim pastors鈥� provide preaching and pastoral care, 鈥渢ransitional ministers鈥� lead congregations through major transitions, preparing them to enter a new chapter of leadership with a goal of sustained organizational health and vitality.
Transitional ministry is a recognized ministry of both Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. This course requires a letter of recommendation from a conference or regional minister.
- Participate in a confidential pre-course interview (60-90 minutes) to identify your gifts as a potential candidate for transitional ministry and set personalized learning goals for the course.
- Learn to function with competence and confidence in many transitional ministry contexts.
- Gain tools and resources for leadership development, continuing education, support and accountability.
- Receive three hours of individual post-course coaching and extensive resources for future transitional ministry.
This course would also be helpful for lay members of leadership teams in transition. Congregational leaders may request an exemption from the letter of recommendation.
Register by Oct. 1 | Cost: $300
Anxiety and Depression in Church Ministry | Online short course | Oct. 21, 28; Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25聽 鈥� 7鈥�8:30 p.m. ET | Instructor: Deborah Byler
Anxiety and depression are common in our U.S. and Canadian contexts. In this module, we will focus on anxiety and depression in adults. Our time together on Zoom will include instructor input, student presentations of learning, and group discussions and interaction. The instructor will share her own learnings as a person in ministry who has experienced both anxiety and depression.
- Learn about how anxiety and depression can manifest themselves in individuals, and also about panic attacks, bipolar disorder, suicide, burnout and related issues.
- Identify both helpful and unhelpful ways of addressing the difficulties people experience.
- Examine what the Bible says about these conditions and how it can be used in helpful ways (as well as in ways that compound problems).
- Explore how people with anxiety and/or depression can work at addressing their problems, and how ministers and other leaders can support them.
- Discuss how pastors and other church leaders with anxiety and/or depression can manage well in their ministry context.
Register by Oct. 14 | Cost: $300
Register now
The registration deadline for most modules (except for some short courses) is one week prior to the module start date. The registration deadline for each module appears in the description.
Group discounts: Groups can receive a 25% discount when five or more people from the same church or organization enroll in the same module. For information on how to get the group discount when you register, contact Steve Norton, Church Leadership Center Program Coordinator, at sbnorton@ambs.edu or (574) 296-6281.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
Participants can purchase Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for completed modules for $15. To receive CEU’s, participants must attend all sessions and complete all assignments.
Refunds
If participants cancel two or more weeks before the start of the module, their fees will be fully refunded. If they cancel within two weeks of the start of the module, their fees will be refunded, minus $25 USD. Participants can apply their refund from a canceled module as credit 鈥� less $25 USD 鈥� toward a future module of the same price within one year.
Customized modules
We can also bring Practical Leadership Training modules directly to your conference, church gathering or other event 鈥� in person or online 鈥� customized to meet your needs. See a list of previous modules here.
Questions? Contact Steve Norton at sbnorton@ambs.edu or (574) 296-6281.
About Practical Leadership Training modules
In 2021, bg真人 asked church leaders, 鈥淲hat is the most meaningful thing that bg真人 can do to support current and future leaders for the church?鈥� Many leaders shared that while seminary had prepared them well for Bible study, preaching and pastoral care, they needed practical leadership skills to meet challenges resulting from the pandemic, polarization, shifting church commitments and an unpredictable future.
In response, we’ve designed our Practical Leadership Training modules to help pastors, lay leaders, community leaders and leaders of nonprofit organizations increase their capacity to provide effective Anabaptist leadership in a variety of settings. We’re adjusting our offerings along the way 鈥� based on feedback we receive from participants, churches and organizations.
If you, too, are longing to expand your leadership skills, sign up for any or all of our modules! You can select the ones that are best suited to your interests and needs.
Module formats
Practical Leadership Training modules are offered in five different formats:
| Format | Duration | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-person seminar | One 60-90-minute session | In person | $25 |
| Webinar | One 60-90-minute session | Online | $25 |
| Leadership clinic | Full day (8 hours) | In person | $75 |
| Four-session online workshop | One 90-minute session per week for four weeks | Online | $100 |
| Short course | Six weeks | Online | $300 |
Looking for more options?
Try an upcoming graduate-level course
Want to explore seminary study? Take an upcoming course!
Nonadmitted students get 50% off their first three credit hours!
Try an online short course
Looking to expand your theological knowledge?
Take one of our six-week discussion-based online short courses.
No grades, no papers!
Request a visit from an bg真人 instructor
Invite the faculty and staff of bg真人 to come directly to you in person or via videoconference.
Meet the instructors
David Boshart, PhD
David Boshart of Elkhart, Indiana, has served as President of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary since January 2020. Prior to coming to bg真人, he was Executive Conference Minister for Central Plains Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. As part of this role, he was responsible for supporting emerging congregations and staffing a partnership with Mennonite Mission Network and Iglesia Cristiana Menonita de Colombia (Colombia Mennonite Church) in support of Anabaptist networks in Ecuador and Venezuela. David pastored for more than 25 years in congregations in Iowa and Virginia. He has served on the Mennonite Church USA Executive Board, including as Moderator (2017鈥�19), and also was a member of the bg真人 Board, serving as Chair from 2003 to 2005. David earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies and Theology from Eastern Mennonite University and a Master of Arts in Religion from Eastern Mennonite Seminary, both in Harrisonburg, Virginia; and a PhD in Leadership Studies from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Shana Peachey Boshart
Shana Peachey Boshart of Elkhart, Indiana, is a certified leadership coach and an ordained minister in Mennonite Church USA. She is Project Facilitator for Shine Curriculum鈥檚 鈥淪hine Everywhere,鈥� an initiative to discover and practice the 鈥渆verywhere鈥� habits that form faith in children. Previously, she served as Denominational Minister for Faith Formation with Mennonite Church USA and as Conference Minister for Christian Formation with Central Plains Mennonite Conference. A graduate of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, she also earned a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies from bg真人 in 2017.
Deborah Byler, DMin
Deborah Byler of Goshen, Indiana, serves with bg真人 as Faculty of Record for Resilient Leadership in the Doctor of Ministry in Leadership program. Previously, she served with Eastern Mennonite Missions and then with Mennonite Mission Network, accompanying and empowering women leaders in the K鈥檈kchi Mennonite Church of Guatemala for 16 years. Deborah also served for 16 years on staff with Mennonite Mission Network in various Human Resources roles, relating to international mission workers and focusing on pastoral care. She holds a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia (South Carolina) International University and a Master of Divinity from bg真人. She is also a spiritual director and the author of God鈥檚 Wounded Servants: Hope for Survivors of Chidhood Sexual Abuse (2022).
Paula Killough, MDiv
Paula Killough of Tumwater, Washington, earned a Master of Divinity from bg真人 in 2008 and was ordained by Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference in 2011. She served as Senior Executive for Advancement for Mennonite Mission Network for 10 years. She joined bg真人鈥檚 Development Team in June 2018 and retired from her role as Director of Campaign in October 2024. She has been part of Leading in Transition since 2017.
Jewel Gingerich Longenecker, PhD
Jewel Gingerich Longenecker of South Bend, Indiana, is Dean of Lifelong Learning and Director of the Doctor of Ministry in Leadership program at bg真人. She holds a PhD in Leadership from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where her dissertation focused on pastors who create communities of engagement around Scripture. She also holds a Master of Arts: Theological Studies with a concentration in Biblical Studies from bg真人. Jewel previously served as Campus Pastor at Iowa Mennonite School (now Hillcrest Academy) in Kalona, Iowa, and as Conference Youth Minister for Iowa-Nebraska Mennonite Conference.
Dan Miller, MDiv
Dan Miller of Goshen, Indiana, has spent his career working with transitions in three psychiatric settings, 11 congregations and two conferences. He received training in intentional interim ministry through Interim Ministry Network and Church Resource Ministries (now Novo) and believes that good transitional ministry is grounded in spiritual practices and discernment. A graduate of Hesston (Kansas) College, Goshen College and bg真人, he is a long-time student of Bowen Family Systems Theory through Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Peace Center鈥檚 Clergy Clinics.
Rachel Ringenberg Miller, MDiv
Rachel Ringenberg Miller of Goshen, Indiana, serves as Denominational Minister for Ministerial Leadership for Mennonite Church USA. She focuses on engaging conferences and congregations, providing resources and services to meet the diverse demands facing congregations today. Ringenberg Miller is a graduate of Goshen (Indiana) College and Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Virginia. She served as Associate Pastor for Portland (Oregon) Mennonite Church and as Pastor of Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas.
Joani Miller, MA
Joani Miller of Ames, Iowa, is Director of Training and Resources with Mennonite Mission Network. She has both served on and led boards and other decision-making bodies over the last 30 years and has worked with boards as a staff member for nonprofit organizations. Through this work and other professional and volunteer experiences, she has gained unique insights into how groups can build teams and create strategy. Joani earned a Bachelor of Arts in English/Journalism from Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and a Master of Arts in Adult Learning, Performance and Development/Leadership from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Her graduate work focused on organizational health and leadership.
Betty Pries, PhD, CMed
Betty Pries of Waterloo, Ontario, is Core Adjunct Faculty and DMin Faculty of Record at bg真人. She also serves as CEO and Senior Consultant at She specializes in providing mediation, training, facilitation, coaching and consulting services for businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments and churches. She has also developed expertise in managing conflict in faith communities and workplaces. Betty received much of her training through Mediation Services in Winnipeg, Manitoba, including a Diploma in Mediation and additional training. She has a Master of Theological Studies, a Doctor of Philosophy (from the Free University Amsterdam) and is a chartered mediator.
Deanna Risser, MBA
Deanna Risser of Goshen, Indiana, is Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial officer at bg真人, where she oversees Human Resources, Information Technology, Maintenance and Campus Security, Food Services, Housing and Business Services. She has more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit administration, mostly in educational settings. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bluffton (Ohio) University and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University South Bend.
Marilyn Rudy-Froese, MDiv
Marilyn Rudy-Froese of Kitchener, Ontario, is the Leadership Minister for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, where she works with pastors and congregations across Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick on leadership development, credentialing, transitions and pastoral reviews. She has experience in congregational ministry and has served in congregations in both Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Goshen (Indiana) College and a Master of Divinity from bg真人, and she鈥檚 currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership through bg真人.
Janice Yordy Sutter, MDiv
Janice Yordy Sutter of South Bend, Indiana, has more than 40 years of pastoral experience in four congregations. Most recently, she completed a longtime pastorate with her husband, David Sutter, at Kern Road Mennonite Church in South Bend. They have officiated more than 100 weddings and 60 funerals, using the gifts of the community to mark these significant life events. Janice earned a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and studied for a year at bg真人. She continues to learn about Family Systems Theory through Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Peace Center.