OHIO LEADERSHIP
ACADEMY

Ohio Leadership Academy (OLA) Information  

 

Ohio Leadership Academy 
A Ministry of the American Baptist Churches of Ohio and the Cleveland Baptist Association of American Baptist Churches 

 

What is the Ohio Leadership Academy? 
The Ohio Leadership Academy exists as a 3-year course of study to prepare men and women to serve American Baptist Churches in positions of leadership through leadership enrichment and professional ministry development. The Academy serves to further enrich the Christian faith of its students and equip laity as well as pastors for leadership in the local church. 

 

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, the Ohio Leadership Academy has graduated over 100 students. Graduates of the program have gone on to serve in a variety of leadership capacities in their local churches, including pastorate positions.     

Upon graduating from the Academy, graduates have the opportunity to become licensed ministers by their congregations or candidates for Track Three ABC Ordination.  

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Why should I consider the Ohio Leadership Academy? 

• To enrich your Christian faith 

• To be equipped to serve as a lay leader in your congregation  

• To be equipped for pastoral leadership or other forms of ministry 
   

Candidates for Track Three Ordination are assigned a Mentor Pastor who provides encouragement and practical ministry guidance to graduates for up to three years following graduation. 

 

Three-Year Course of Study Option 

• The Academy is structured around 4 weekend intensives in November, January, March and May 

• Each academic year includes 5 courses through a hybrid model (in-person and online) 

• A total of 120 credit hours 

• Subjects include: Biblical Studies, Systematic Theology, Baptist History and Polity, Church Leadership, Worship and Preaching 

 

Course requirements include (but are not limited)  

• Attendance at every intensive 

• Out of class reading 

• Writing assignments 

• Practical ministry experience 
   

Our Instructors 
Academy instructors are American Baptist ministers or professionals who are passionate about the gospel and committed to healthy local church ministry. These men and women are also committed to excellence in the educational preparation of students who will serve in a variety of leadership roles in local congregations. 

 

All faculty members are graduates of accredited theological institutions who hold masters and/or doctoral degrees. Each faculty member has experience in professional ministry, utilizing the knowledge and practicing the skills or disciplines he or she teaches in the Academy. 

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Copies from the American Baptist Churches of Ohio webpage:
https://www.abc-ohio.org/index.php/menu-leadership-academy