As the scope of responsibility for local church leaders expands, the need for church leaders to obtain knowledge and training increases. These microcredentials will offer supplemental instruction on relevant topics for church board members and ministry leaders as they serve the greater Christian community.

The landscape of the local church is evolving, and church leaders–who are often volunteers–are encountering a widening scope of responsibility for which they may have little to no training. Through short, online modules on administration, human resources and congregational care, Redeemer’s Church Leadership microcredentials equip church leaders, administrators, board members and volunteers with a variety of practical leadership skills to better serve their churches and wider communities.

Learning Outcomes

Through the Church Leadership microcredentials, a successful learner will:

• Enhance abilities in administration, finance, strategic planning and human resources
• Develop skills in recruiting staff, managing volunteers and fostering healthy church culture
• Strengthen foundations in congregational care, small group leadership and conflict resolution

Microcredential Courses

Leading Well: Strategic Planning, Meetings and Financial Stewardship

Cost: $99

This course is designed to equip church leaders and administrators with practical skills and knowledge in strategic visioning, meeting management, decision-making and financial stewardship. Over five concise lessons, participants will explore foundational principles of church administration and finance, with an emphasis on fostering effective leadership and sustainable financial practices that align with the mission and vision of their church.

• Strategic Vision
• Meeting Management and Procedures
• Structuring Leadership Actions
• Budgeting and Reporting
• Giving and Fundraising

Financial Stewardship: Budgeting, Reporting and Capital Campaigns

Cost: $33 (This module is included in Leading Well bundle)

This course contains the two modules from Leading Well: Strategic Planning, Meetings and Financial Stewardship that pertain to financial stewardship in churches. It is designed to equip church leaders and administrators with practical skills and knowledge in budgeting, reporting and running capital campaigns. Over two concise lessons, participants will explore foundational principles of church finances rooted in lessons drawn from Scripture, with an emphasis on sustainable financial practices that align with the mission and vision of their church.

• Budgeting and Reporting
• Giving and Fundraising

Thriving Teams: Supportive Cultures and Safe Church Standards

Cost: $99

This course explores the principles of creating and maintaining a healthy and effective church workplace, grounded in biblical values and best practices in human resources. Topics include servant leadership, team dynamics, communication strategies, fair compensation, professional development, and work-life integration within ministry settings. Participants will learn practical strategies for fostering a Christ-centred work environment, recruiting and developing staff, managing transitions, and navigating complex church governance structures. Through scripture-based reflections and real-world case studies, this course equips church leaders and administrators with the tools needed to build thriving, mission-driven teams.

• Creating a Healthy Church Workplace
• Recruiting and Developing Staff
• Managing Transitions and HR Policies
• Church Culture and Volunteer Management
• Safe Church Policies

Spiritual Care for God’s People: Equipping Lay Leaders

Cost: $99

This course equips church leaders with practical and theological tools for effective congregational care and discipleship. Through focused lessons on pastoral oversight, demographics, discipleship strategies, pastoral challenges and care, and ministry in diverse contexts, learners will develop a deeper understanding of how to shepherd and support their communities faithfully. Grounded in Scripture and attentive to contemporary challenges, the course emphasizes both spiritual formation and practical application, preparing participants to serve with wisdom, compassion and gospel-centered leadership.

• The Call to Care
• Caring for a Diverse Congregation
• Caring in Times of Need
• Caring for Pastors

Weddings and Funerals: Walking Through Life’s Milestones
$33

Weddings and funerals are two of the most significant pastoral responsibilities, requiring both theological clarity and practical preparation. Weddings provide an opportunity to celebrate God’s design for marriage and guide couples and congregations toward Christ, while funerals allow pastors to offer comfort and proclaim the hope of the gospel in the face of death. Church leaders must be equipped to plan and lead these services with care—ensuring that each element reflects biblical truth, supports families pastorally, and is conducted with order and sensitivity. This course provides practical instruction for wedding rehearsals and ceremonies, visitations, funerals, and services that are both meaningful and gospel-centred.

• Marriage Preparation and Officiating a Wedding
• Visitations, Funerals and Caring in Times of Sorrow

Why Study Church Leadership Microcredentials at Redeemer?

• Enjoy the flexibility of a fully online program
  Learn at your own pace through online, asynchronous program delivery. And with continuous enrolment, you can begin at a time that works best for you.
• Earn a digital badge
  Improve your leadership abilities and role-specific skills through a concise, cost-effective program offering the specialized knowledge and training you’re looking for.
• Explore Church Leadership from a Reformed Christian perspective
  Through the integration of faith and learning, church leaders will be equipped practically, intellectually and spiritually as they prepare to lead and serve in their congregations. Redeemer’s connections to churches and ministries will enhance learners’ potential to serve their communities and God’s Kingdom.
• Learn from experienced faculty
  Benefit from the extensive expertise of faculty members with practical experience in the realm of spiritual leadership, pastoral care and church administration.

Instructors

Dr. Bill DeJong, PhD

Bill DeJong, PhD, is Faculty Chaplain at Redeemer University and served as a pastor and church planter for over 30 years.

Leanne Bosscher, CPA

Leanne Bosscher, CPA, is Manager of Financial Reporting at Hamilton Health Sciences and a local church treasurer.

Who Should Take this Program?

• Pastors and ministry leaders looking to enhance their biblical leadership skills
• Church board or consistory/session members seeking training in administration, pastoral care and human resources
• Volunteers looking to increase their involvement in the church community

Delivery

Online and asynchronous. Continuous enrolment allows learners to begin the program any time.

Admission Requirements and Cost

Admissions Requirements

• No admissions requirements
• Open to all learners ages 18 and up

Cost

Cost per microcredential*: $99
_{* Some modules are sold separately at a reduced price}