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.
Interactive Virtual Fundraising Conference
The Academy of Church Leadership welcomes pastors, church staff, and lay leaders of all denominations to participate in our virtual Fundraising Conference.
Pastors and church staff must be adept at leading finances. Increasingly, the financial demands of even small congregations are becoming more complex. The Conference will include presentations on clergy compensation, tax law, financial controls, and much more. Our conference will provide attendees with the skills necessary to effectively lead the financial structure of your church.
Conference Details
The Interactive Virtual Fundraising Conference is broken up into three summer sessions. The first session has passed but there’s still time to register for the remaining two events. These sessions are free to participate but RSVP is required.
Second Session: July 22, 2020, 11am-1pm
Topic: Best Practices in Church Fundraising Campaigns
Presenter: Dr. Wesley E. Lindahl, Ph.D.
Third Session: August 19, 2020, 11am-1pm
Topic: Planned Giving
Presenter: James W. Murphy, M.A.
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.