πŸ“… The 2026 Conference is October 9–11 at St. Stephen Retreat Center Β· Register now β†’
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Leadership Education And Development

Christian leadership, taught with care and conviction.

A two-year program for adults age 20 and older, established by H.E. Metropolitan Youssef. Learn leadership principles rooted in Scripture and the example of Christ β€” and apply them at church, at home, and at work.

October 9–11, 2026 Titusville, Florida
A small group studying together
β€œLet your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
At a glance

The program in five numbers.

2
Year program
A focused, two-year sequence designed to fit alongside work and family life.
5
Courses
Three on the standard track, two on the intensive track for experienced leaders.
1
Annual conference
A required October weekend at the St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center.
20+
Minimum age
Built for adults applying these skills in real workplace and ministry settings.
2012
Founded
Established by H.E. Metropolitan Youssef of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern U.S.

Read the full story of the program β†’

Portrait of H.E. Metropolitan Youssef
H.E. Metropolitan Youssef
Coptic Orthodox Diocese
of the Southern U.S.
A message from our founder

Beloved brethren β€” peace be with you.

In today's society, the need for Christian leadership has become more important than ever. The complex world in which we live presents challenges in all areas of our lives. To meet these challenges, we must prepare ourselves and others using sound leadership principles based on the Biblical teachings of servant leadership as taught by our Lord Jesus Christ β€” β€œFor even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:45)

At some point in our lifetime, we will all be faced with an opportunity to influence others β€” to lead. This may manifest itself in our role at church, in our home, or at work. By developing our understanding of solid Christian leadership principles, we will be better equipped to navigate as servants of our Lord and fulfill our calling as functioning members of the body of Christ.

My vision is that through this program, we can put these Biblical principles of leadership into action and light the way for a new generation of passionate Christian leaders.

β€” H.E. Metropolitan Youssef
The Curriculum

Five courses across two years.

Each course builds on the last. The standard track follows three sequenced courses; an intensive track combines them for students with prior leadership experience.

LEAD 401

Basic Leadership Skills

The foundations: influence, integrity, and the difference between management and leadership. Core text: 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.

LEAD 402

Levels of Leadership & Advanced Skills

The five levels of leadership and how to grow through them with grace. Core text: Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley.

LEAD 403

Know Yourself, Coach Others

Self-awareness as the foundation of coaching. Core text: Developing the Leaders Around You by John Maxwell.

LEAD 501

Foundations Intensive

A combined version of LEAD 401 and 402 for students entering with prior leadership experience.

LEAD 502

Coaching Intensive

A combined version of LEAD 402 and 403 β€” for those ready to develop leaders around them.

Additional texts such as Visioneering by Andy Stanley are read throughout the program. View full course details β†’

Program Structure

What's required of students.

A clear, manageable rhythm across two years. Designed to fit alongside your work, family, and church life.

1

Age 20 or older

The program is built for adults applying these skills in real workplace and ministry settings.

2

Annual conference

Attend the October conference at St. Stephen Christian Retreat Center in Titusville, FL. Travel is self-arranged.

3

Monthly quizzes

Five short questions per month over the assigned reading. Light by design β€” a gentle accountability check.

4

Research paper

One paper per semester from a list of approved topics. Due each year on June 30.

5

Score of 70 to pass

Each course requires a 70 to pass. Pass all courses and receive a certificate of completion.

6

Be present

Sessions are open only to registered participants. We ask that devices be silenced during lectures.

Ready to begin?

Applications for the 2026 cohort are open. Register today and secure your place at the October conference.

Begin your application