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Emotional Intelligence for Ministry
Wisdom for ministering to hearts and minds—including your own.
About this Course
Emotional Intelligence for Ministry invites you to explore the ups and downs of working with people with a grounding in theology and psychology, providing a practical guide for developing emotional intelligence skills that will help you lead with confidence and compassion.
What you’ll learn:
As a ministry leader, how do you handle the ups and downs of working with people—wondrously-created, precious-and-beloved, sometimes-difficult people? How do you manage stress, stay grounded, and respond with empathy and grace when emotions are high and relationships are in conflict?
Emotional Intelligence for Ministry invites you to explore these questions with a grounding in theology and psychology, providing a practical guide for developing emotional intelligence skills that will help you lead with confidence and compassion. You’ll dive into the foundations of self-awareness, emotional regulation, methods for addressing conflict, and other key ministry skills.
Through reflective exercises and practical strategies, you’ll explore how to set healthy emotional boundaries, work through conflict constructively, and build resilience for the long haul. You’ll also identify small, daily habits that can create lasting change in how you show up for others—and yourself. With curiosity and care, we’ll journey with you as you grow into a more intentional, empathetic, and sustainable leader.
Modules
Foundations of Emotional Intelligence
In this module you will:
- Develop a working definition of emotional intelligence for ministry work.
- Reflect on your own strengths and weakness.
- Listen to God's leading as you begin the course.
Understanding Needs and Setting Boundaries
In this module you will:
- Recognize common needs and understand how boundaries and needs are interrelated.
- Develop communication skills for establishing boundaries.
- Rest in the God who meets all of your needs.
Being Effective in Relationships
In this module you will:
- Learn and practice principles for effective relationships.
- Establish habits for relationship building.
- Recognize the image of God in all people that you encounter.
Gracefully Navigating Conflict
In this module you will:
- Learn and practice skills for conflict management.
- Develop graceful and effective communication habits.
- Examine biblical models for speaking the truth in love.
Practicing Resilience and Sustainability
In this module you will:
- Understand the importance of resilience and sustainability in ministry.
- Develop habits for resilience and sustainability.
- Develop a willingness to obey God around rest and boundaries.
Grief and Hope: Finding Strength in Transition
In this module you will:
- Understand the emotions involved with navigating change.
- Reflect on your own experiences with transition, grief and hope.
- Find strength in God's provision.
The Power of Play and Joy
In this module you will:
- Understand the emotional and spiritual benefits of play and joy.
- Develop habits to incorporate play and joy into your life and ministry.
- Enjoy time with God.
Moving Forward
In this module you will:
- Reflect on and assess your own emotional intelligence.
- Develop a plan to apply your learning.
- Rest in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit as you move forward.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
10 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Jeff Challberg
Manager of Clinical Pastor Education, Fairview Health Services
The Rev. Jeff Challberg is the manager of Clinical Pastor Education at Fairview Health Services. He has worked in chaplaincy and spiritual care education since 2014, and has served in both acute care and senior living contexts. He is ordained in the American Baptist Churches, USA, and received his MDiv from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Jeff enjoys being active through weightlifting. He finds that emotional health is well understood through metaphors of athletics, including knowing when to rest.
Leah Challberg
Mental Health Therapist at Rootwise Mental Wellness
Leah Challberg, LICSW, owns and operates Rootwise Mental Wellness as a mental health therapist. She was the co-lead pastor at Northeast United Methodist in Minneapolis from 2018-2022. Her therapy work has led to an expertise in trauma, aging, chronic illness, spirituality, and grief and loss. Leah obtained her MDiv from the University of Chicago Divinity School and her MSW (Master of Social Work) from Loyola University Chicago. She was an avid player of softball and volleyball, which led to her breaking her nose twice. She loves to play Dungeons & Dragons.
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Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
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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
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- Access to 40+ on-demand courses
- Access every live and recorded workshop
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
- Public display license for all on-demand courses and workshop recordings
- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual 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 faithlead@luthersem.edu for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!