Leadership Excellence | Wesley Theological Seminary

With this track, clergy will receive the enhanced knowledge, skills, and motivation to lead churches to increased service, vitality, and growth. Church Leadership Excellence focuses on the personal development and public practices of those called to lead the church toward the vision of God’s reign.

A serious engagement with contemporary secular leadership studies is held in tension with rigorous theological exploration. Participants examine the biblical, theological, and ethical foundations of ministry through the lens of leadership to enhance their own fruitful practice of leadership. The combined resources of the Wesley faculty, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership and exemplary practitioners bring depth and energy to this track.

Prospective students may either contact Lewis Center Director Dr. F. Douglas Powe, Jr., dpowe@wesleyseminary.edu or Dr. Lovett H. Weems, Jr., professor of church leadership and Senior Consultant at Lewis Center, lovettw@wesleyseminary.edu with questions about the track or call the Lewis Center at (202) 664-5700.

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Now accepting applications for Winter 2025 and Spring 2025 Click here to apply.

Application deadlines:

October 31, 2024 (Winter 2025)

February 15, 2025 (Spring 2025)

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Track Requirements

All Doctor of Ministry tracks require the completion of ten courses made up of eight required courses and two electives for a total of 30 credit hours. Tracks or cohorts take most courses together. Intensive course are offered in Washington, DC, on the campus of Wesley Theological Seminary in January and May. Other courses "including some core or required courses" are offered online in the spring and fall.

The Church Leadership Excellence track is designed so students can complete their work with two weeks of residence for three years if online options are used for electives.

All students are required to complete a project within the topic of their study, give a public demonstration of their work, and write a project thesis.