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Leadership in Difficult Times

Guide faithfully during unsteady times with a live community.

Start date:

April 28, 2026

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End date:

July 28, 2026
Includes 4 live sessions
Learn skills and strategies for leading through division and societal struggles.
Develop your spiritual foundation for hope.
Apply these skills in your ministry context in ways that heal and join people together.
499

Program Overview

Earn a certificate in Leadership in Difficult Times with the support and encouragement of a community of peers and a master coach. 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
Calls
Four Live Online Sessions
Guidance from a Master Coach
A Supportive Learning Community

Session Schedule

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.

 

April 28Noon-1:30 p.m.

The Gospel in an Age of Division

In the live group meeting, learners will gather for spiritual practices, encouragement, and coaching from Dawn Alitz—all centered on the role of the Gospel in community during challenging times.

 

May 26Noon-1:30 p.m.

Context and Community

In the live group meeting, learners will gather to present how their coursework is being used in their communities, the challenges they are facing, and to encourage one another with coaching from Dawn Alitz.

 

June 23Noon-1:30 p.m.

Completing and Looking Ahead

In the live group meeting, learners will strategize around how they will continue using what they have learned, engage lingering questions, and receive coaching from Dawn Alitz.

 

July 28Noon-1:30 p.m.

What’s Included?

Participants will receive a range of resources and support designed to enhance their learning and leadership development.

 

Four Live Sessions

We'll meet on Zoom, with our sessions led by an experienced coach.

 

A Supportive Learning Community

You're not alone in this—get connected with peers in ministry to practice with and grow alongside.

 

Leadership in Difficult Times Certificate

Get recognized for the time and energy you put into growing your leadership skills with a certificate you can share.

Save Your Seat

 

 

*Payment can be made upfront or in monthly installments. Additional scholarships are available upon request.
Includes 4 live sessions
Learn skills and strategies for leading through division and societal struggles.
Develop your spiritual foundation for hope.
Apply these skills in your ministry context in ways that heal and join people together.
April 28, 2026
499

Get to Know Your Instructor

Dawn Alitz

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the schedule?

 We will meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month, April-July, from noon to 1:30 p.m. CST.

 

Can this course be completed asynchronously?

No, this is a live course. Participants should plan on attending the Zoom sessions at the scheduled time. To learn more about earning the Leadership in Difficult Times on your own schedule, check out our certificate catalog.

 

Don’t see your question addressed?

Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!

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