Fall Learning

The Incarnation—the mystery of Jesus becoming human—is our model. Jesus didn’t lead from a distance; He led by dwelling among us, eating at our tables, sitting in our homes, and walking our streets. This is what it means to lead like Him—by entering into the everyday, ordinary places of life with presence, vulnerability, and compassion.

Course Title:
Incarnational Leadership
Leading Like Jesus

Program:Ember Discipleship College - Fall Experience

Format: Saturday Immersive Learning Experience

Instructor: Lauren Weholt, M.A.
Degree: Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership
Institution: Life Pacific University

Course Overview:

At Ember Discipleship College, we believe that true leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about becoming the living, breathing embodiment of Christ wherever you go. In Incarnational Leadership: Leading Like Jesus, you will learn that leadership is not something you do but something you are. Just as Jesus stepped into the world and walked alongside people, we are called to lead by walking with others, being fully present, listening deeply, and leading through love and humility.

The Incarnation—the mystery of Jesus becoming human—is our model. Jesus didn’t lead from a distance; He led by dwelling among us, eating at our tables, sitting in our homes, and walking our streets. This is what it means to lead like Him—by entering into the everyday, ordinary places of life with presence, vulnerability, and compassion.

We’ll also explore the power of third places—those sacred spaces outside the walls of the church where people gather naturally. Whether it’s a coffee shop, a park bench, or a neighborhood hangout, these places are where incarnational leaders bring the presence of Christ into the world, meeting people where they are and transforming the ordinary into the sacred.

In this immersive experience, we’ll dive deep into the art of relational leadership, rooted not in control or authority, but in listening, storytelling, and showing up in the places that matter most. Together, we will practice leading like Jesus—not from a distance, but up close, through vulnerability, humility, and genuine connection.

At Ember Discipleship College, we don’t just equip you for leadership; we invite you to become the kind of leader the world needs joining Jesus outside the classroom. 

Course Schedule:

Saturday Immersive Learning Experience:
(9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

  1. Session 1: The Incarnation as a Model for Leadership (9:00 AM – 10:30 AM)

    • Unpack the theology of the Incarnation and explore how Jesus' becoming human sets the foundation for how we lead today.

    • Learn how to embody Christ-like leadership in your life and ministry.

  2. Session 2: Leading Through Relationships (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

    • Explore the power of relational leadership—leading not through authority but by building meaningful connections.

    • Group discussion on the role of presence and listening in leadership.

  3. Session 3: The Ministry of Third Places (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM)

    • Discover the concept of third places and how to engage these spaces as a place for ministry and connection.

    • Group activity: Brainstorm third places in your local community and how to create ministry opportunities there.

  4. Lunch Break (1:30 PM – 2:30 PM)

  5. Session 4: Public Engagement and Vulnerability in Leadership (2:30 PM – 3:30 PM)

    • Learn how to engage people in public spaces with authenticity and vulnerability, embodying Christ in your leadership.

    • Hands-on practice in engaging people outside traditional church settings.

  6. Session 5: Personal Storytelling as Leadership (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)

    • Craft and practice telling your own story in a way that leads others toward Christ.

    • Group storytelling workshop to build confidence and connection through personal narratives.

  7. Session 6: Integrating Incarnational Leadership into Daily Life (4:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

    • Develop a personal action plan to integrate incarnational leadership into your everyday life and ministry.

    • Final reflection and group prayer.

Grading Breakdown:

  • Reflection Paper: 25%

  • Third Place Ministry Project: 30%

  • Personal Leadership Plan: 25%

  • Class Participation: 20%

Course Objectives:

By the end of this immersive experience, you will:

  1. Embrace Incarnational Leadership: Understand that the Incarnation—Jesus becoming human—is the model for how we lead with presence, compassion, and relational engagement.

  2. Lead Relationally: Develop the ability to lead through deep, meaningful relationships where listening, humility, and presence take precedence over authority.

  3. Engage in Third Places: Learn how to bring the presence of Christ into the third places of life—coffee shops, parks, workplaces—where ministry happens outside the walls of the church.

  4. Cultivate Vulnerability and Humility in Leadership: Practice leading with authenticity, rooted in the kind of vulnerability and humility that builds trust and connection.

Key Concepts:

  • The Theology of the Incarnation: Jesus didn’t come to wield power but to become one of us, showing us that true leadership is about being fully present with people. You’ll explore how this theology shapes leadership.

  • Relational Leadership: Leadership is not about commands but connections. Learn how to lead by listening, understanding, and entering into people’s lives, just as Jesus did.

  • Third Places: Discover the significance of third places—spaces outside the church where life happens—and how these environments become the new frontier for incarnational ministry.

  • Vulnerability and Humility: In a world that values power, Jesus showed us the strength of humility. You’ll learn how to embrace vulnerability in leadership, making space for deeper relationships.

Practical Components:

  • Personal Storytelling: Through storytelling exercises, you’ll learn how to share your own story in a way that invites others to connect and experience the presence of Christ in everyday moments.

  • Public Engagement: Practice engaging with people in third places—public spaces outside the church—learning how to bring incarnational leadership into these environments.

  • Leadership Practices: Through practical exercises, you’ll explore how to lead like Jesus with vulnerability, humility, and relational presence.

Assignments:

  1. Reflection Paper (due 2 weeks after the course):
    Write a 2-3 page reflection on how the theology of the Incarnation shapes your understanding of leadership and how you plan to live it out.

  2. Third Place Ministry Project:
    Identify a third place in your community, engage with people there, and present your experience through a video, written report or other innovative means.

  3. Personal Leadership Plan:
    Develop a plan for how you will lead like Jesus, incorporating vulnerability, relational engagement, and public presence.

  4. Class Participation and Engagement:
    Active participation in storytelling exercises, public engagement, and group discussions during the immersive experience.

Required Reading:

  • Primary Text: The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner 

  • Additional readings may be provided in advance from professor. Reading subject to change. 

Instructor Information:

  • Instructor: Lauren Weholt

  • Contact Information: laureng@spu.edu

At Ember Discipleship College, leadership is more than a title or position—it’s a way of living, embodying Christ in every space you enter, because here, it’s more than a classroom.