Applications are Open for 2025-2026 Nollau Leadership Institute

The UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries has opened applications for enrollment for the 2025-2026 class of its Nollau Leadership Institute, CHHSM’s signature leadership formation program. 

The Institute’s year-long program helps class members discern their call as Diakonal Ministers. A vocation for health and human service leaders within CHHSM members and the wider United Church of Christ, Diakonal Ministers advance the health and service ministry of Jesus Christ. Since 1996, some 260 CHHSM leaders have been consecrated as Diakonal Ministers, part of the more than 300 consecrated across several denominations.

“Through Nollau, leaders from across the health and human services sector and, more broadly, the church come together to learn, share, challenge, and deepen their roots of belonging and caring for others,” said the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development. “My hope is that this diversity will grow and widen as we continue to live into our values of justice, equity, and care for all.”

Each year, the Nollau faculty updates the program content based on feedback from graduating participants. In addition, the program also includes a focus on Race, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Leadership will be examined and practiced through the lenses of anti-oppression and social justice.

The 2025-2026 program will consist of two in-person retreats — May 19-23, 2025, and Oct. 6-10, 2025 — at Bellwether Farm in Wakeman, Ohio; online interactions between retreats; and an additional day of programming during a special ecumenical Gathering of health and human service ministries, to be held March 23-26, 2026. During The Gathering, the Nollau participants’ final capstone projects will be displayed. The Gathering also will include a worship service in which Nollau class members will be consecrated and commissioned as Diakonal Ministers.

Located just 40 minutes from Cleveland International Airport, Bellwether Farm is a camp, retreat, and education center that offers a model of sustainable living that promotes physical and spiritual wellness, fidelity to the environment, and social justice. The setting has ADA accessible facilities featuring green technology, as well as farming, food production, and eco-stewardship — including farm-to-table meals. Each participant has a private room and bathroom and is encouraged to explore the beautiful retreat grounds and trails. 

Each of the two retreats focuses on specific aspects of leadership. The first retreat is devoted to exploring the personal realm of leadership as participants reflect on their own leadership experiences and understanding, and what other practices can expand their leadership now. The May retreat includes a tour of Bellwether Farm, where participants will learn about how the farm lives into its faith-based values.

The second retreat focuses on organizational awareness and the ecosystem in which leadership exists. Participants learn and practice skills that support their ability to lead through connection, courage, and change. The October retreat includes a tour of the national offices of the United Church of Christ in downtown Cleveland. While at the UCC offices, participants will attend a workshop facilitated by a UCC staff person.

Nollau participants receive copies of all the resources used during the program. In addition to receiving copies of the retreat materials, each participant also has permanent access to the program’s content via CHHSM’s online Learning Center.

Named in honor of the Rev. Louis Edward Nollau — a 19th-century missionary, preacher and founder of several St. Louis-area CHHSM ministries — the Nollau Leadership Institute emphasizes the kind of integrated leadership that its namesake modeled: professional excellence rooted in faith-based purpose. Graduates of the Nollau Institute leave the program with a better understanding of how their faith calls them to lead.

“The Nollau Leadership Institute helps participants renew and refresh their focus on spiritual formation and leadership,” said Jamar Doyle, CHHSM president and CEO. “We are blessed to be able to offer it to our UCC colleagues, partners, and friends.”

Space is limited, and fills up quickly, so early applications are strongly encouraged. The application is available online. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to help offset the costs of the program. See the application for more information.

Note: CHHSM will continue to follow all CDC guidelines for travel and social gatherings.