The Practical Church Leadership Certificate Program is offered through Dakota Wesleyan University and begins July 2024 with an in-person gathering (July 16-18 at DWU in Mitchell, S.D.). The PCL is a year-long, graduate level certificate program that is focused on these areas:

• Financial Resource Development 
• Financial Resource Management
• Governance, Personnel, and Volunteer Management
• Vision, Strategy, and Evaluation
• Communications and Community Outreach

There are three cohort gatherings (two in-person in Mitchell, SD and one likely virtual), and the rest is delivered through online learning. You will earn 21 credits through this program of which 18 may be applied to an MBA or a graduate degree at DWU. Past cohorts have said the learning tremendously enhanced their leadership capabilities!

This unique opportunity is made possible through grants, donors, and the Board of Ordained Ministry. We are able to provide $6,500 of the $7,500 tuition cost for those accepted to the program. We ask the applicant to contribute $250 and the applicant’s church(es) to contribute $750.

Completion of a short application is required before completing the DWU application.  We want you to prayerfully consider the opportunity because we have seen the positive impact this program has had for past participants. And we want to invest in your leadership!  It is important for you to consider if this is the right season for you to participate, but if you discern it is, you will find it worth the investment.

The deadline to submit your application is May 1st. You can find the application with all the details/dates/criteria. Your church’s leadership is asked to endorse and financially support your participation as part of the application process. (You will find the link to the endorsement form within the application.) Access DWU’s program description. 

More questions? Do you want to talk with a former participant and colleague about their experience? Please email Diane Owen at diane.owen@dkmnareaumc.org.