Leading a church today requires far more than preparing sermons and shepherding a congregation. Administrative know-how, financial skills, team management, and strategic visioning all shape the daily life of ministers. The Practical Church Leadership (PCL) program at Dakota Wesleyan University is designed to meet these needs head-on, offering practical, applicable training for clergy ready to strengthen their ministries.

Dr. Alisha Vincent led the PCL graduation.

The PCL program is a 21-credit, one-year online certificate developed specifically for working church leaders. Instead of focusing on abstract theory, this course empowers clergy with:

• Financial development and management
• Governance and HR expertise
• Strategy and organizational evaluation
• Communications and community outreach

Participants get a solid curriculum, hands-on coaching, complete a meaningful applied project, and engage with peers. This year's Dakotas Conference graduates included Revs. Jordan Louks, Andrea Johnson, Keith Nelson, and Cheryl Nyman.

The PCL program began as a collaborative effort among the Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations, the Dakotas and Minnesota United Methodist Conferences and Dakota Wesleyan University to provide financial training for clergy so they can lead with confidence in all aspects of the church and ministry in their community.

Rev. Lee Miller of the Minnesota Conference was highly commended by his mentor.

“The PCL program at Dakota Wesleyan is one of the best ways we can invest in for our pastors,” said Sheri Meister, CEO, Dakotas and Minnesota Methodist Foundations. “It builds their confidence, sharpens their leadership skills, and gives them real tools to handle the day-to-day challenges of ministry. Some of our strongest leaders have gone through this program—and they come out even stronger, more focused, and ready to lead with purpose.”

Today, the program at DWU is available for church leadership, laity and clergy across the country. Since the program started in 2019, participants have joined from fourteen different states.

Putting Learning Into Practice: A Graduate’s Perspective

Pastor Jordan Louks, a recent PCL graduate, shared how the program gave structure, support, and new competencies for ministry leadership. For his applied church project, Jordan developed a curriculum for a pastoral residency program—an effort to help new clergy gain experience, mentorship, and confidence early in their careers. While the full launch was delayed for various reasons followed by his reappointment, his work on the project is invaluable as he continues his journey in ministry.

Rev. Jordan Louks, Fargo Faith UMC.

Practical
"The program helps take the business-like aspects of church and makes them understandable for people like me—those who didn’t come into ministry with nonprofit administration skills."

Fills the Gaps
"PCL gave me working knowledge of finances, strategy, and visioning—skills you need but may not get to fully develop before starting ministry."

Confidence to Lead
"The PCL program gave me more confidence in strategic planning and church finances.” Now, reading financial reports, mapping out plans, or supervising staff feels tangible. He can lead his congregation with greater confidence—knowing the steps to move an idea to action.

Mentoring That Matters
"The coaching element was transformational. My coach was amazing. He saw more in me than I often do in myself. And so I think it’s worth it just for the coaching experience and for the things that you learn."

Why the PCL Program Stands Out

For Every Church leader and Pastor
“Especially valuable for solo or senior pastors, or newer leaders, the course equips participants with tools that are immediately useful—not someday, but now.”

Scholarship and Support
With a cost of $7,500 and various scholarships available, including denominational grants and church support, the program strives to be accessible for leaders across the region.

Pathway for Ongoing Growth
Most PCL credits can be applied toward the Dakota Wesleyan MBA, opening continued learning opportunities for those who want to go deeper.

Rev. Andrea Johnson, Aberdeen North Highlands UMC, received her certificate from Dr. Vincent.

Pastor Jordan summarized, “The Practical Church Leadership course gave me working confidence and tools. The support from coaches and new connections with other clergy made all the difference. If you want to strengthen your ministry, this program is worth it—especially for what you learn and the people you meet.”

For more information or to explore scholarship opportunities, contact DWU Admissions or the Dakotas & Minnesota Methodist Foundations. The next step in impactful leadership begins with the right training—practical, applied, and built for church leaders today.