NAMB Leadership Institute

A comprehensive training program to help pastors grow their leadership.

Grow as a Pastor and Leader

Whether you are a recent seminary graduate or you've been in ministry for a few years, you know that the mission of a pastor is both rewarding and challenging.

Imagine having an experienced guide to walk with you as you navigate challenges that are common to ministry and unique to your particular context.

NAMB Leadership Institute pairs cohorts of young pastors like you with more-experienced pastor coaches for a two-year pastoral leadership development program.

You will have access to training from some of the top pastors in the country, and you'll be encouraged, equipped and resourced for the significant calling God has given you.

Cohorts begin in January, but applications are accepted any time.

Apply NOW

Four In-Person Workshops

Attend four, in-person, two-day workshops at the North American Mission Board. Each workshop will include keynote addresses from top pastors as well as breakout sessions with your coach and cohort, so you can contextualize the training to your own ministry. Workshop topics include: organizational leadership, strategic planning, team building, transition plans, the pastor's marriage and family, finishing well, personal evangelism, church health and growth, changing culture, restorative justice and being on mission.

Monthly Coaching Calls

In the months between the in-person workshops, you will participate in a monthly conference call with your cohort and coach. You will also have access to your coach for counsel as issues arise in your ministry.

Learn from respected teachers to help you become the best leader you can be.

Jimmy Scroggins

Bryant Wright

Ken Whitten

Kevin Smith

Program Themes

Emotional Health

Staying close to Jesus, identifying heart idols and avoiding the pitfalls that wreck ministries

Organizational Leadership

Leading change in your church, staff and team building, leadership development, accomplishing a strategic plan and more

Church Growth

Growing your church, evangelistic preaching and creating disciple-making systems and pathways

Evangelism & Outreach

Creating an evangelistic church, reaching your community, changing your city and going into all the world

Family Development

Not letting the ministry weaken your marriage and family, finding ways to strengthen your family

Finishing Well

Finishing the race and completing the task the Lord Jesus has given you to do

“The opportunity to connect with other pastors in similar seasons of life and ministry provides a sense of brotherhood that is invaluable. Moving forward, I'm eager to continue to connect with these pastors and my ministry coach on a regular basis and anticipate these relationships only growing deeper in the years to come.”

Jamus Edwards
Pleasant Valley Community Church in Owensboro, Ky

“NAMB Leadership Institute is unlike any other conference or event. There is no green room; the participants have access to the leaders the entire time. They eat together, learn together and worship together.”

Jon Akin
Director, NAMB Leadership Institute

You are Invited

Grow with us as a pastor and leader.

Apply Now

A $500 deposit that covers all sessions and lodging is required. The deposit will be refunded to all those who have perfect attendance and complete the program. Limited scholarships are available.

Jon Akin

Jon Akin is the Vice President of Church Relations and Campus Ministries at Carson-Newman University. Jon also oversees NAMB Leadership Institute. He serves as an adjunct Old Testament and Preaching professor at Southern Baptist seminaries. Jon is an author of several books including, Preaching Christ from Proverbs, Exalting Jesus in Proverbs and Exalting Jesus in Ecclesiastes. He has served as a pastor of churches in Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida. He and his wife, Ashley, have three children: Maddy, Emma Grace and Judson.