Iron Sharpening Iron equips women to embrace and build upon the capacities, agency and savvy they possess to negotiate challenging leadership contexts with a confidence born of competence. Drawing on best practices from leaders in church, business, public service and beyond, the program’s interdisciplinary curriculum serves the fundamental goal of promoting capable women to thrive in God’s calling in a way that has theological integrity and a sophisticated philosophy and practice.
The 10-week program is designed to be a seminar-style overview of the topics covered in the Executive Leadership Certificate. Topics include:
- Leadership identity
- Designing your leadership vision
- Change management
- Implementation and planning
- Building effective teams
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Navigating conflict
Each participant will be invited to connect one of the core themes with a real-world opportunity or challenge she is facing, and present on how she intends to use material from the seminar in addressing it. A certified executive coach will be on hand throughout the seminar to offer feedback and guidance. There are no formal papers or assignments apart from each session’s reading and the final presentation.
A seasoned mentor will join each session to facilitate a moment for worship and meditation, as well as to act as a resource and wise guide as we move through the material.
The 10-week virtual seminar is structured in such a way that women at various levels of formal leadership can engage and expand their skill set. Participants do NOT need to be ordained; this is for women who want to advance as leaders as well as for those who are already leading as pastors, but also in staff roles, as lay leaders or committee heads in congregations, or in nonprofit work. This highly flexible program is ideal for women who can’t travel, or who are looking for a more streamlined overview of the Executive Leadership Certificate.
This is an application-based program, with a rolling deadline for applications. The Fall 2024 cohort is full. To be considered for the virtual cohort beginning in Spring 2024, apply by February 12, 2025. Apply now!
Questions? Email ironsharpeningiron@ptsem.edu
PARTICIPANT COMMITMENTS
- Attending 10 virtual sessions, each 90 minutes long
- Preparation for sessions through readings, self-reflection and one final assignment connecting learning with a real-world leadership challenge
- Participation in one 1-on-1 coaching session
- A willingness to engage deeply in learning, building relationships with colleagues, and fostering the growth of self and others
MEETING DATES FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2025
- TBD
YOUR INVESTMENT
The cost for the program is $1999. This includes:
- Rigorous, yet flexible curriculum
- Electronic access to all required readings; no book purchase required
- Access to a coach throughout the program, as well as one 1-on-1 coaching session
- Access to a mentor throughout the program
- Certificate of Completion from Princeton Theological Seminary
Please don’t let cost be a reason you don’t apply! If you have questions about potential scholarships or financial assistance, email ironsharpeningiron@ptsem.edu