About the Academy of Church Leadership
Being a pastor or church leader is more demanding than ever, and includes far more than spiritual leadership. Funded by the Lilly Endowment, The Academy of Church Leadership at North Park University is dedicated to equipping religious leaders with the skills needed for effective congregational growth. Programs focus on professional development in finance, management, and leadership for religious leaders.
Featured Event
4th Annual Pastoral Leadership Retreat
October 26–28, 2021
The retreat includes up-to-date guidance on re-opening churches, skill development, and best practices for pastoral leaders.
Co-facilitators
Tim O’Brien PhD, Program Director of The Academy of Church Leadership
Peter Sjoblom, Transition Pastor at Deer Grove Covenant Church
Cost
$50/day, or $120 for all three days. Registration includes workshop materials and meals.
Location
Johnson Center Room 325, North Park University, 5141 N. Christiana Ave, Chicago, IL
PLEASE NOTE: We are exited to welcome retreat participants to the North Park University campus where social distancing guidelines and mask wearing are strictly followed.
Our Programs
The Academy offers academic programs, including a certificate in church administration and a joint MDiv/MBA or MNA.
50% Tuition Reduction
As part of a long-standing commitment to keep education affordable, North Park University offers funds to qualified pastors, church staff, and lay leaders, plus non-profit and alumni tuition discounts. Beginning in the Fall of 2018 students who enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Church Administration will receive a 50% Tuition Reduction for the courses in that program.
Alumni Spotlights
Isaac Chong
Isaac Chong, MDIV, began the Certificate in Church Administration program after realizing that he was underprepared for the complexities of administering a church. “I believe this program is particularly important for pastors who are running administrative, governance, or financial aspects of their church, and I wish more seminaries included these classes!”
Latonya Latimore
Latonya Latimore, a Chicago native, was looking for a program that would support the work of the youth and children’s ministry program that she and her daughter had just founded. “When doing my research for nonprofit programs, I was drawn to North Park’s ability to offer online courses and Top 10 listing for nonprofit management education.”
Mark A. Smith
Mark A. Smith came to North Park University to become a strategic leader in full-time ministry with a focus on business and finance. “My leadership competency has been strengthened, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about healthy HR practices for churches and nonprofits, strategic management, risk management, and volunteer management practices.”
Isaac Chong
Isaac Chong, MDIV, began the Certificate in Church Administration program after realizing that he was underprepared for the complexities of administering a church. “I believe this program is particularly important for pastors who are running administrative, governance, or financial aspects of their church, and I wish more seminaries included these classes!”
Latonya Latimore
Latonya Latimore, a Chicago native, was looking for a program that would support the work of the youth and children’s ministry program that she and her daughter had just founded. “When doing my research for nonprofit programs, I was drawn to North Park’s ability to offer online courses and Top 10 listing for nonprofit management education.”
Mark A. Smith
Mark A. Smith came to North Park University to become a strategic leader in full-time ministry with a focus on business and finance. “My leadership competency has been strengthened, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about healthy HR practices for churches and nonprofits, strategic management, risk management, and volunteer management practices.”
Conferences & Workshops
Professional development in finance, management, and leadership.
Contact Us
Timothy O’Brien, PhD, Program Director, The Academy of Church Leadership
Email Timothy
Rochelle Robinson-Levant, Associate Dean, School of Business and Nonprofit Management
Email Rochelle
About the Lilly Grant
Awarded to North Park to provide programming for church leaders.