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Communication Skills for Leading Groups
Develop the confidence to take initiative and lead in ministry group settings.
About this Course
In Communication Skills for Leading Groups, you will go from feeling intimidated to empowered to lead discussions and spiritual practices. From exploring how to plan and present an engaging public talk to effectively lead small group prayer and worship practices, you will develop a confident, informed approach to public ministry leadership.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
What if they don’t listen? What if I can’t provide any new insight? How do I prepare?
These questions and fears are exactly what Communication Skills for Leading Groups explores. In this course, you’ll develop the tools and skills for giving large group talks and leading smaller group discussions, along with leading on location and facilitating spiritual practices. Whether you’re looking to lead youth or adults, you’ll gain practical experience in communication skills that will lead to confidence and capability.
In this self-paced course, you will also learn best practices for being a supportive leader during off-site experiences such as mission trips and youth retreats, allowing you to develop a personal approach to public ministry leadership.
Modules
Planning an Engaging Talk
In this module, you will:
- Understand the distinction between different types of public speaking
- Develop a sense of God’s calling for this work
- Consider which elements of planning an engaging talk you’d like to develop more skill in and prepare a talk for a theoretical or real context
Presenting An Engaging Talk
In this module, you will:
- Explore a toolkit of public speaking tips
- Develop your dependence on God to build courage
- Incorporate body awareness into public presentations
Planning Group Interactions
In this module, you will:
- Understand the difference between leading different types of group interactions
- Develop an appreciation for God’s call to community
- Consider how to incorporate various learning activities into a lesson or meeting plan and prepare a lesson or meeting plan for a theoretical or real context
Leading Group Interactions
In this module, you will:
- Develop deep listening and open-ended questioning skills
- Thank God for God’s image in each unique person
- Gather resources for troubleshooting difficult conversations and Incorporating technology effectively in group settings
Leading in Special Contexts
In this module, you will:
- Identify your personal characteristics that make you a supportive leader
- Explore how God leads in various settings
- Apply best practices for leading youth close to you in age and for troubleshooting unexpected situations
Leading Prayer and Worship Practices
In this module, you will:
- Understand components of various prayer and worship practices
- Practice different types of prayer and devotion to build a foundation for leadership
- Become more comfortable with public prayer and worship leadership
One-time purchase
$55
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- Modules:
6 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Stephanie Luedtke
Stephanie Luedtke is a minister, educator, and artist. She often combines the three, weaving education and arts through her ministry or ministry into arts education. Stephanie is a rostered Pastor in the ELCA with 25 years of experience in ministry of various sorts, and holds a Master’s Degree in Worship Arts. She enjoys helping people of all ages find meaningful ways to worship, learn, and to be in faithful community together. Through her work in schools, private settings, churches, and at the judicatory level, and independent work as a consultant, coach, and curriculum writer, Stephanie has always tried to follow her passions and assist others in doing the same.
Mary Hess
Dr. Mary Hess joined the Luther Seminary faculty in July of 2000. Hess received her B.A. degree in American Studies in 1985 from Yale University in New Haven, Conn. She received her M.T.S. degree in 1992 from Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. In 1998, she received her Ph.D. in religion and education from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass.
Hess’ most recent professional experience includes serving on the editorial board of the premier journal in her field, Religious Education (1999-present), working with the Lexington Seminar and the Wabash Center, and serving as a core member of the International Study Commission on Media, Religion and Culture. She is a member of the Religious Education Association, the American Academy of Religion, and the Catholic Theological Society of America.
Her most recent publications include the books: Teaching Reflectively in Theological Contexts: Promises and Contradictions (Melbourne, FL: Krieger, 2008), and Engaging Technology in Theological Education: All That We Can’t Leave Behind, (New York: Rowman Littlefield 2005). She maintains her own website and has written her weblog, Tensegrities, since 2003.
Derek Broten
Derek Broten is a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in youth ministry, discipleship, and mission-driven outreach. His passion for empowering the next generation has been the cornerstone of his career, marked by a commitment to nurturing young believers, equipping leaders, and fostering transformative faith experiences.
Throughout his ministry, Broten has served in various leadership roles, including Youth & Community Director at Woodbury Church, where he launched programs engaging 150+ students and recruited 40+ adult mentors, and as director of an international youth gathering bringing together 20,000 participants. His teaching philosophy centers on discipleship and hands-on ministry experience, emphasizing the empowerment of youth to discover their God-given purpose while building sustainable ministry models. Broten holds a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Theology from Concordia Seminary, and is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Leadership Foresight at Fuller Seminary.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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- Access to this on-demand course
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- Access all leaders guides for group study
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!