Leadership Development
Practical training that equips leaders to organize, serve, and solve the most complex problems facing urban communities.
Leaders Empowered by Awesome Design
The L.E.A.D. Institute
An institute of higher learning for higher leading that develops leaders that change the world
The L.E.A.D. Institute is an innovative leadership and training center that equips and empowers leaders to solve urban communities’ most complex problems. We offer in-person training and virtual training through our online academy.
Liberation Theology
Rooted in the good news that Jesus came to set the captives free — exploring the foundations of liberation, ministry preparation, and advocacy for marginalized voices.
Spiritual Formation
Deepening your walk with God so your leadership flows from a whole, healthy, Spirit-formed life.
Discovery of Purpose
Helping seekers uncover the purpose God placed inside them — and build a pathway to walk in it.
Course Catalog
What You Can Study
Foundations of Leadership
The core course. Character before competence, vision before strategy — the groundwork every other course in the institute builds on.
8 weeks · In person & online
$149
Liberation Theology & the Urban Church
Jesus came to preach deliverance to the captives. This course traces that thread through Scripture and asks what it demands of a church in a city like ours.
6 weeks · In person
$129
Spiritual Formation for Leaders
You cannot lead others past where you have walked yourself. A course on prayer, rest, repentance, and the inner life that sustains public ministry.
6 weeks · Online academy
$129
Discovering Your Purpose
Built on Dr. Pennington's Pathways to Purpose. For anyone who senses God has placed something in them and wants a path to walk it out.
4 weeks · In person & online
$99
Ministry Preparation Track
For those pursuing licensing, ordination, or church planting. Preaching, pastoral care, administration, and supervised ministry practice.
2 semesters · In person
By application
Scholarships and payment plans are available — no one is turned away from training for lack of tuition. Ask when you enroll.
Ready to lead?
Enroll below and we’ll send you start dates, the syllabus, and everything you need for your first session. Questions first? Call us at (316) 305-0337.