Lead from who you are. Not just what you know. Lead with Love.
Emerging Leaders
Leadership is not learned, it is lived. The Auburn Emerging Leaders program brings together early-career leaders from across the nonprofit, faith, and social sector worlds for four days of immersive, values-grounded leadership formation.
Program Overview
Through a leadership simulation, individual coaching, and deep cohort conversation, you’ll clarify your leadership identity, build skills that transfer immediately, and connect with a community of peers who share your commitment to leading well for the long haul. This isn’t a training. It’s a foundation.
Intentionally crafted for emerging faith leaders ages 25–40, the participants of our Emerging Leaders program experience:
A leadership simulation founded in real-world decision-making under complexity and ambiguity.
One-on-one coaching session with a professional coach during the intensive.
A peer cohort of 16-20emerging leaders from diverse sectors and traditions.
Curated books and readings selected by Auburn Faculty.
90-day post intensive support, including check-ins and resource access.
“At Auburn, I learned to be very principled in everything that I do, and to be very brave. When something is making me a little uncomfortable—not to step away, but just to understand, just to listen…”
When you join Auburn’s Emerging Leaders Program, you’ll receive:
Certificate of Completion
An official Certificate from Auburn Theological Seminary, recognizing your participation in one of the nation’s most distinctive values-grounded leadership programs.
Peer Cohort
A carefully curated cohort of 16-20 peers from across sectors, traditions, and career stages— colleagues who will challenge, support, and stay with you well beyond the four days.
Expert Coaching
Individual coaching from one of Auburn’s field-leading experts— practitioners with deep experience at the intersection of leadership, faith, and social change.
Resource Hub Access
Ongoing access to Auburn’s Resource Hub— a curated library of tools, frameworks, and materials developed by Auburn’s faculty and network.
Alumni Gatherings
Invitations to Auburn’s alumni gatherings— convenings where program graduates reconnect, continue the conversation, and deepen their connection to the broader Auburn community.
What does the program cost?
Scholarships will be made available. Thanks to generous supporters, Auburn is happy to have scholarships available to qualifying students. To be considered, a scholarship application will be available here once the application goes live.
Tuition Costs:
For organizationally sponsored individuals we offer the standard rate of $2,995.
For self-funded non-profit and ministry leader we offer a self-pay or ministry rate of $1,750.
For institutions sending a team of three or more— with a discount that rewards deeper organizational engament, we offer the organizational cohort rate of $2,500 per individual.
Why Auburn?
Here’s why Auburn is the right place to invest in your leadership journey:
A Legacy of Transformation. Since 1818, Auburn has challenged traditional boundaries and reimagined theological education to foster a broader, more just world.
World-Class Faculty & Mentors. Learn from seasoned leaders and scholars who are actively engaged in shaping the future of faith and community.
Credibility & Innovation. Auburn’s blend of rich tradition and forward-thinking practice ensures you receive both historical wisdom and modern, practical leadership tools.
Inclusive Learning Environment. Every voice matters at Auburn. Our programs are designed to honor diverse perspectives and cultivate a culture of mutual respect, deep dialogue, and healing.
Is This Program for Me?
Signs this program is the right fit for you:
You’ve been recently promoted into a first or second leadership role and are feeling the gap between what prepared you and what the role requires.
You are leading a team or organization through a period of growth, transition, or instability for the first time.
You feel isolated in your leadership, with out peers who understand both the professional and values dimensions of the work.
You are seeking a leadership development experience that takes your inner life seriously, not just your competencies.
You are working in non-profit, faith-based, social sector, or mision-driven contexts where leadership carries both organizational and spiritual weight.
Your supervisors or managers believe they could benefit from direct feedback about how they are showing up, and be provided with a framework for growth.
How often is the program offered?
Fall 2026 schedule:
Application opens July 2026.
The four-day intensive in New York will take place October 12–15, 2026.
Spring Schedule: TBD
Lead the Way
If you’re ready to step into a learning space that values deep dialogue, real-world impact, and inclusive community, let us know.