The LEAD Program expects its staff and students, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to live lives that are above reproach. The expectation is that its workers will embody and model biblical principles that result in Christ-like lifestyles, characters, and attitudes.

Every sphere of LEAD staff and students’ lives should reflect the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no sphere of life that is off limits to the world, our own sinful nature, or the enemy’s attempts to compromise a believer’s witness. Time, family, sex, money, dress, speech, entertainment, work (ministry), friendships, and food comprise an incomplete list of the spheres of life to be submitted to the Holy Spirit.

The LEAD Program does not seek to establish any standard for behaviors beyond what is already provided in the Scriptures. Where the Scriptures are not explicit, staff and students are expected to determine and practice by faith (Romans 14:5b, 23) a lifestyle that most constructively benefits others (1 Corinthians 10:23–24; Romans 13:10), leads to peace and to mutual edification (Romans 14:19), reflects Christ’s walk (1 John 2:6; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Romans 13:14), and glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

With regard to the consumption of alcohol, the Bible allows consumption in an appropriate context (Psalm 4:7; 104:14–15; Proverbs 31:6; Luke 5:39; Joel 2:19) but warns against drunkenness and any other form of abuse (Isaiah 28:7; Leviticus 10:8–10; Proverbs 20:1; Luke 21:34). Because of this and given the destructive nature of its abuse in our culture, special care should be taken with regard to the consumption of alcohol.

In every sphere of life consideration should be given to the entire context, including the effect on one’s self and others, the reflection on Christ, and the glory of God. The practice of personal convictions without faith would be sinful. When it becomes apparent that a staff member or student is reflecting more of the world than of Christ in any sphere of his or her life, The LEAD Program will follow the instructions given by Jesus in Matthew 18, Galatians 6:1, and other relevant Scriptures to minister to the offending person as described in The LEAD Program Student Discipline Policy.

Each staff member or student is encouraged to seek the Lord in these matters. Careful study of Scripture, time spent in prayer, and seeking godly counsel is advised. Whatever position one takes, grace and love, in pursuit of peace in Christ, should be our attitude towards those with a different position than our own.

Additionally, The LEAD Program would like to give more clarity to issues relating to inappropriate interaction and behavior between staff and students, staff among themselves, or students among themselves.

Types of Inappropriate Behavior

(Adapted from C&MA International Ministries, Child Safety Policies and Procedures)

Sexual

Any involvement in sexual activity outside of marriage which includes but is not limited to:

• Verbal: Remarks which include sexual threats, solicitation, sexually explicit language (whether in person, on the telephone, or via text messaging or the internet), or any verbal expression with the intent to arouse or stimulate.
• Visual: Indecent exposure, showing or taking of suggestive pictures, pornographic material of genitals, or the showing of unclothed persons, any sexual activity or simulated sexual activity such as masturbation or intercourse, peeping, leering, or staring.
• Physical Touching: Physical contact (or penetration by penis, fingers, any other body part or object) with a person’s clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, or in the case of a female, breast, or causing a child to perform any of these acts. Masturbation in front of or to the victim, rubbing, holding, or kissing for the purpose of sexual gratification.

Physical

Any act that results in a non-accidental physical injury. Such acts may include but are not limited to slapping, punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, burning, holding underwater, pulling hair, or holding against one’s will; excessive physical discipline.

Emotional

Chronic attitudes or acts that are likely to produce emotional and mental health disorders. A subset of emotions can include verbal denigration achieved by communication through words (i.e., derogatory name calling, criticism, yelling), vocal tones, and accompanying body language or attitudes which demeans a person’s appearance or worth.

Inappropriate Behavior

If an internal investigation identifies behaviors that do not meet The LEAD Program’s definition of inappropriate behaviors, but do constitute behaviors that are harmful to children, the behavior will be deemed inappropriate and an action plan will be put in place to provide accountability, mentoring, and/or counseling to address both the behavior and its causes.

Regarding issues not addressed in this document. Expectations of students and staff will be in accordance with the Word of God.

The goal of The LEAD Program is to spiritually develop the entire person. Curriculum has been designed for students to think critically about the content and formulate personal thoughts and ideas. The “right answer” is less important than internalizing the content. Plagiarism or over-reliance on external tools inhibits the student’s learning and development.

To plagiarize is “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: use (another’s production) without crediting the source” (Merriam-Webster).

The LEAD Program expects students to honestly submit their own work and not copy the work of others without properly citing sources. To preserve the intentional development of your own critical thinking and personal voice, the vast majority of your written work must be your own original thought. While Generative AI tools can be used for basic grammar checks or high-level brainstorming, students may not use AI to draft, rewrite, or complete the core substance of their assignments. Your submissions must genuinely reflect your own internalization of the lessons.

Students found to be in violation of the Plagiarism Policy will at minimum fail all assignments with plagiarized content, but the consequences could include failure of the entire module or removal from the current module with no refund of tuition costs. Reentry into The LEAD Program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

(Merriam-Webster. “Definition of PLAGIARIZE.” Merriam-Webster.com)

• Assignments:
  • All assignments for the cohort gathering should be completed prior to the date of your cohort gathering to allow for robust discussions and timely grading.
  • Access to course content will close on the course end date listed on the Home Page. No late work will be accepted after this time.
• Discussion Questions:
  • Use content from the lesson in your answer and reply in paragraph form.
  • Use the three vertical dots above the assignment (or below it, depending on the layout) to view the grading rubric.
  • Respond to at least two other students in your cohort. You will receive a bonus point for interacting with other posts.
  • Please try to complete discussion questions 5–7 days before your cohort gathering in order for others to respond to your answer.
• Reading:
  • You must read at least 90% of all reading assignments (Bible, books, articles).
  • After completing the reading, you will answer a self-assessment True/False question verifying: “I have read at least 90% of the assigned reading.”
• Ministry Practicum Activities:
  • Students are expected to be active in ministry, completing at least two hours of intentional ministry activity per week while enrolled in The LEAD Program.
• Attendance Limits:
  • Students are required to attend at least 75% of all Cohort Gatherings.
  • Students are required to attend at least 75% of all scheduled Coaching appointments.
• Grading & Completion:
  • Students must achieve a cumulative course grade of at least 70% to successfully complete each course.
  • Students achieving less than 70%, or who need to drop from a module, must retake that module. No refunds will be given after a student enrolls in a module.
  • No coursework will be accepted after the Course Close Date listed on the Home page.

(Edited from the Uniform Policy On Discipline, Restoration, And Appeal by the Christian and Missionary Alliance)

Discipline is an exercise of scriptural authority for which the church is responsible. The LEAD Program believes the Scriptures establish standards of conduct and belief by which individuals serving Christ through ministry must live. The goals of discipline are to honor God; to protect the purity of the Church; to guard other Christians from being tempted, misled, divided, or otherwise harmed; and to bring fallen Christians to repentance. Discipline is administered to achieve restoration, while also providing for the spiritual welfare of the local church. Discipline is to be corrective and redemptive. It is to be exercised with mercy, grace, and forgiveness. However, restoration to fellowship with Christ and His Church does not necessarily result in a return to a position of leadership.

This Student Conduct Policy and disciplinary proceedings are ecclesiastical in nature, founded on the most sacred teachings of the Christian faith. The Policy and proceedings seek to apply Scriptural teachings concerning conduct and belief to persons holding positions of authority and leadership. In addition, they seek to regulate the behavior and belief of members of The LEAD Program who, by their enrollment in The LEAD Program, have submitted to the authority and discipline of their local church as well as the policies of The LEAD Program. While The LEAD Program coordinates closely with local churches and honors their disciplinary processes, The LEAD Program reserves sole authority over a student’s enrollment status, academic standing, and ongoing participation in LEAD activities. In a case of disagreement or dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Policy, the jurisdiction to decide such matters lies solely with The LEAD Program. Any appeal to or other action before a court or civil tribunal is not permitted.

The Policy is not intended to create a legally enforceable contract or promise. The LEAD Executive Committee reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify the Policy at any time and for any reason.

I. Biblical Basis for Discipline

Growth in Faith. Discipline serves to encourage growth and development in faith. “Rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in faith. . .” (Titus 1:13).

Redemption and Restoration. Discipline serves to spiritually redeem and restore those who have fallen into immoral or otherwise unChrist-like ways. “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently…” (Galatians 6:1). “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. . .” (Matthew 18:15).

Bearing Another’s Burden. Discipline benefits the church because it teaches the church to be redemptive by carrying the burden of seeking to restore fallen believers. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

Forgiveness, Comfort, Love. Discipline involves compassion, even for those who have committed sinful acts and espoused beliefs contrary to Scripture. “. . . You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Corinthians 2:5-7).

Warning to the Divisive. Discipline serves to deter and instruct against beliefs and conduct contrary to Scripture. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him” (Titus 3:10).

Judgment and Expulsion. Discipline may lead to judgment, including expulsion from fellowship. “. . . Are you not to judge those inside (the church)? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:12, 13).

II. Scope of the Policy

I. Preliminary Considerations. Discipline always begins as a personal matter. As each believer studies God’s Word, seeks him in prayer, and draws upon his grace, he/she is enabled by the Holy Spirit to identify and change sinful habits and grow in godliness. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). However, believers are sometimes blind to sins or they become so tangled in them that they cannot get free. This is why the Bible says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently” (Galatians 6:1).

In obedience to this command, The LEAD Program seeks to cultivate a redemptive atmosphere in which believers are committed to giving and receiving loving correction whenever sin seems too serious to overlook (Proverbs 19:11). The LEAD Program will always support the biblical, restorative decisions of the local church as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus outlines the steps which should be taken to resolve conflict and exercise redemptive and restorative discipline. The process begins with private conversation. However, if private conversation fails to lead a person to repentance, Jesus commands that we ask other believers to become involved. “If he will not listen, take one or two others along” (Matthew 18:16). When personal conversations fail to resolve the matter, Jesus instructs us to “tell it to the church.” This signals a move to more specifically defined disciplinary procedures led by the student’s local church leadership.

The LEAD Program encourages the mediation of personal conflicts whenever such measures are both possible and appropriate. These disciplinary policies and procedures are implemented only after other appropriate steps have proven ineffective. They also recognize that some sins are of a public nature and cannot be addressed with personal conversation alone. If an offense is not likely to cause imminent harm to others or to the testimony of Christ, and if the offense is not of such a nature that it would ordinarily disqualify a person from ministry leadership, leaders may choose to confront an individual privately to establish the facts and encourage repentance. If the individual acknowledges his/her sin and repents, the matter may end there, unless a confession to additional people and public or private restitution is needed. The LEAD Program need not remove a repentant student who is in good standing with their local church.

If an individual is unwilling to acknowledge or repent of sin, or if an offense is likely to harm others or to lead them into sin, cause division or disruption, or compromise the public testimony of Christ and The LEAD Program, formal disciplinary procedures shall be initiated by the church and/or the LEAD Program Executive Committee.

II. Persons Subject to Discipline. This Policy applies to all students enrolled in, and staff operating within, The LEAD Program.

III. Submission of a Charge. The disciplinary process is initiated when a formal charge of sinful conduct is submitted to the appropriate local church or LEAD leadership authority either in person or by email/mail. When the charge is submitted verbally, the nature of the offense shall be recorded in writing and signed by the person(s) making the accusation. Charges which are submitted anonymously shall not be entertained.

A charge may be submitted by a church elder, denominational leader, or LEAD Program director. A charge may also be submitted by any two individual members of a church or cohort as long as the individuals are not members of the same immediate family. In the case of sexual misconduct or child/vulnerable adult abuse, any one person may submit the charge. Any person(s) making false statements in submitting a charge or providing false information in a disciplinary proceeding may be subject to discipline or dismissal at the discretion of leadership.

IV. Ecclesiastical Authority. Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated and administered in partnership between the student’s local church Board of Elders (acting in consultation with their respective denominational oversight) and The LEAD Program Executive Committee.

V. Basis of Discipline. Matters that give rise to discipline include but are not limited to:

• Holding to and/or promulgating doctrines contrary to the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith.
• Defiance or failure to submit to constituted authority as defined by the leadership of The LEAD Program.
• Moral failure involving sexual misconduct including abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.
• Moral or ethical failure other than sexual misconduct.
• Theft, misappropriation of funds or property, and other financial transgressions.
• Dishonesty, fraud, perjury, and other misrepresentations.
• Spreading false rumors about another.
• Causing dissension or division within the cohort or church.
• Violence or abuse directed toward others, especially a child or vulnerable adult.
• Judgment of guilty by a civil or criminal court of law, excluding minor traffic violations.

Welcome to the roadmap for your leadership development. The LEAD Program is intentionally structured to fit your unique ministry context, offering flexible learning pathways without compromising depth. Use this guide to understand how your courses flow and to strategize your enrollment over your academic journey.

1. Program Architecture

Our curriculum is divided into two distinct training phases: a foundational starting point and a series of advanced, alternating rotational tracks.

2. Advanced Module Overviews

Intimacy with God (4-Month Module) — Deepens your relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, theological study, Scripture engagement, and practical ministry experience, grounded in Christ our Sanctifier.

Missional Living (4-Month Module) — Equips you to live on mission in your everyday context, exploring what it means to embody the Gospel in word and deed, centered on Christ our Savior.

Disciple-Making (4-Month Module) — Provides a biblical foundation for multiplying disciples, centered on Christ our Healer, emphasizing Jesus’ desire to bring spiritual, emotional, and relational wholeness.

Kingdom Leadership (4-Month Module) — Examines organizational leadership and communication within ministry contexts, including the Trinity, eschatology, and Christ our Coming King.

Global Impact Parts 1 & 2 (8-Month Module) — Introduces global missions, cross-cultural awareness, and support-raising as a transformative spiritual practice, preparing participants for international missions deployment.

3. Program Rotation Matrix

📅 Cycle Year 1

📅 Cycle Year 2

4. Sample Journey Pathways

Rotational modules can be taken in any order after completing Foundations. Pathway 3 illustrates an extended timeline with planned breaks.

Making LEAD Affordable: The 3-Step Pathway