Earn a certificate in Leadership in Difficult Times with the support and encouragement of a community of peers and a master coach.
- April 28 – Purpose, Meaning, Community
- May 26 – The Gospel in an Age of Division
- June 23 – Context and Community
- July 28 – Completing and Looking Ahead
During times of deep polarization and rapid change, leaders face unprecedented challenges. This certificate program is designed for those who feel called to move beyond the noise and lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience. It moves past theoretical discussion to provide practical skills and a spiritual foundation for leaders who want to be agents of healing and unity in their communities and organizations.
- Gain new strategies for leading through division and societal struggles.
- Develop your spiritual foundation for hope.
- Apply these faithfull skills in your ministry context in ways that heal and join people together.
- Grow in spiritual resilience to become a healing agent in your community.
- Grow more confident as you learn ways to help your ministry heal and bring people together, and to lead more effectively.
Your Learning Experience Includes:
The Leadership in Difficult Times Certificate
Four Live Online Sessions
Guidance from a Master Coach
A Supportive Learning Community
Session Schedule
- 6 contact hours
- 4 lessons
In Leadership in Difficult Times, you’ll discover how to connect authentically across cultural differences with biblical grounding and practical skills. Instead of feeling stuck when cultures clash, you’ll learn to listen deeply, embrace differences as gifts, and adapt your ministry to truly meet people where they are. These aren’t just academic ideas—they’re transformative practices that will change how you see and serve your community.
With the guidance of a coach, as well as a community of peers, this live learning opportunity will allow you to earn your certificate amongst support and encouragement. This certificate program is designed for those who feel called to move beyond the noise and lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience. It moves past theoretical discussion to provide practical skills and a spiritual foundation for leaders who want to be agents of healing and unity in their communities and organizations.
Purpose, Meaning, and Community in Difficult Times
In the live group meeting, learners will gather for support and to process together required coursework in a large group and small groups with coaching from Dawn Alitz.
Wondering if this is right for you?
You don’t need to be a rostered leader—or even feel confident in your leadership right now—to benefit from this experience. If you’re someone who cares deeply about people and senses, there’s a better way to walk with them in faith, or:
- You don’t know how to bring about painful topics
- Feel called to move beyond the noise and lead with purpose, compassion, and resilience
- You want to lead with hope
- Want to expand your leadership knowledge within a community
What’s Included?
Participants will receive a range of resources and support designed to enhance their learning and leadership development.
Get to Know Your Instructor
Dawn Alitz
Dr. Alitz’s expertise is in the area of adult faith formation, coaching, and program coordination. She has over thirty years of experience in congregational leadership in both mission-start and established congregations. She has her ACC credentialing with the International Coaching Federation, trained with the Global Team Coaching Institute, and is well-known within ELCA and ecumenical circles for her work with adaptive leadership, developing online learning opportunities, and collaborating with various networks of educational and synodical professionals.
Formation 