October 22, 2026
Setting Our Hearts
Doug Redford
Ministries & Organizations
Church Leadership Development
Restoration Movement ministries, missions, colleges and organizations.
3 organizations
AllMissionsIndependent Christian ChurchEducationConferencesChurch of ChristConsultingPublishingChurch Planting OrganizationCohorts
Church of ChristAbilene Christian University – SummitAbilene Christian University’s Summit is a Siburt Institute gathering in Abilene, Texas that equips church leaders…Church of Christ · Conferences
Abilene Christian University – Summit
Abilene Christian University – Summit — Organization Profile Abilene Christian University’s Summit (often called “ACU Summit”) is a long-running gathering that equips Christians for ministry through teaching, worship, and guided conversation. Hosted in Abilene, Texas, Summit is a service of…
Abilene Christian University – Summit — Organization Profile Abilene Christian University’s Summit (often called “ACU Summit”) is a long-running gathering that equips Christians for ministry through teaching, worship, and guided conversation. Hosted in Abilene, Texas, Summit is a service of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry and is designed for congregational leaders and other Christ-followers who serve churches across the United States and beyond. Summit is best understood as a ministry conference built around learning communities. Rather than offering only lecture-style presentations, Summit intentionally creates space for participants to learn alongside others in similar roles, talk through real ministry challenges, and build relationships that continue after the gathering. The event commonly includes keynote sessions and shared worship, while also prioritizing…
Abilene Christian University – Summit — Organization Profile
Abilene Christian University’s Summit (often called “ACU Summit”) is a long-running gathering that equips Christians for ministry through teaching, worship, and guided conversation. Hosted in Abilene, Texas, Summit is a service of the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry and is designed for congregational leaders and other Christ-followers who serve churches across the United States and beyond.
Summit is best understood as a ministry conference built around learning communities. Rather than offering only lecture-style presentations, Summit intentionally creates space for participants to learn alongside others in similar roles, talk through real ministry challenges, and build relationships that continue after the gathering. The event commonly includes keynote sessions and shared worship, while also prioritizing discussion-based settings shaped by the needs of particular ministry contexts.
Through its community structure, Summit typically offers focused tracks for leaders who serve in areas such as preaching, spiritual formation, rural and small-town ministry, and other congregational roles. This approach helps attendees move from general inspiration to concrete next steps by listening to experienced voices and then processing together how Scripture, theology, and wise practice apply in local church life.
Summit is also connected to ongoing resourcing beyond the in-person experience. The Siburt Institute maintains a substantial recordings library so that churches, small groups, and leaders can revisit sessions and use them for continued study and development. In addition to recordings, Summit participants and supporters can connect with the Institute’s broader work, which includes training opportunities, practical tools, and other gatherings that serve church leaders.
Individuals and churches can engage with Summit by attending, sharing the opportunity with ministry teams, and subscribing to updates so they can follow future opportunities and resources. Supporters can also partner financially with the Siburt Institute to help sustain Summit and the Institute’s wider mission of equipping leaders and helping churches thrive.
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ConsultingE2: Effective EldersE2: Effective Elders equips church elder teams through coaching, training resources, and online video curriculum, helping…Consulting · Independent Christian Church
E2: Effective Elders
e2: effective elders — Organization Profile e2: Effective Elders (often shortened to E2) is a nonprofit ministry focused on encouraging and equipping church elders to lead well. The organization serves congregations by strengthening elder teams and the leaders who work…
e2: effective elders — Organization Profile e2: Effective Elders (often shortened to E2) is a nonprofit ministry focused on encouraging and equipping church elders to lead well. The organization serves congregations by strengthening elder teams and the leaders who work alongside them, with an emphasis on the biblical role of elders, healthy governance, and practical leadership that supports the long-term health of the local church. E2’s work is built around relationship-based development. The ministry describes its approach as partnering with elders in authentic relationship, providing relevant resources, and presenting training opportunities. A central expression of that partnership is coaching—supporting elder teams and staff teams through conversations, guidance, and tools that help leaders clarify responsibilities, address challenges, and pursue healthier patterns…
e2: effective elders — Organization Profile
e2: Effective Elders (often shortened to E2) is a nonprofit ministry focused on encouraging and equipping church elders to lead well. The organization serves congregations by strengthening elder teams and the leaders who work alongside them, with an emphasis on the biblical role of elders, healthy governance, and practical leadership that supports the long-term health of the local church.
E2’s work is built around relationship-based development. The ministry describes its approach as partnering with elders in authentic relationship, providing relevant resources, and presenting training opportunities. A central expression of that partnership is coaching—supporting elder teams and staff teams through conversations, guidance, and tools that help leaders clarify responsibilities, address challenges, and pursue healthier patterns of leadership together.
Alongside coaching, e2 produces training resources that churches can use within their own leadership rhythms. These resources include books and digital materials designed for elder training, plus video-based curriculum such as e2 Talks, which provides hours of teaching aimed at elder life, leadership, ministry, and relationships. E2 also offers online access options such as All-Access membership for teams that want a broader digital library of e2 content.
E2 connects with leaders through multiple touchpoints, including events and conference-style training sessions hosted in partnership with churches and schools. The ministry also provides free resources and ongoing content through its blog, video resources, and podcast platform, creating ways for leaders to learn and apply insights outside of a single weekend or workshop.
The organization emphasizes a “partner church” model, inviting congregations to engage through ongoing relationship and resourcing. Churches can explore partnership, start a conversation about coaching, and identify appropriate tools for their context. Individuals can also engage by using the organization’s free materials, purchasing resources for team development, and giving financially to support elder development and leadership strengthening for churches.
E2 is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and serves churches and leaders across the United States and internationally through coaching, resources, and training opportunities. Engagement typically begins with a conversation about a church’s leadership needs and can expand into coaching relationships, team training, and sustained resourcing that fits a congregation’s leadership structure and mission.
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ConsultingThe Center for Church LeadershipThe Center for Church Leadership strengthens church leaders across the United States through coaching, ministry cohorts,…Consulting · Independent Christian Church
The Center for Church Leadership
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul. The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops. Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an…
The Center for Church Leadership — Organization Profile
The Center for Church Leadership (CCL) strengthens churches by strengthening their leaders through coaching, collaboration, and resources. CCL serves church leaders across the United States through coaching, cohorts, practical resources, and collaborative learning communities. Rather than offering quick fixes, the CCL helps leaders build the clarity, confidence, and resilience they need to Lead Strong for the long haul.
The CCL's work focuses on many of the areas most critical to a church’s strength and health. Preachers sharpen their craft through Level Up Preaching Cohorts. Children's ministers grow through KidMin cohorts and certification. Leadership teams develop healthier systems and stronger cultures through Healthy Church Co-Ops.
Leaders pursuing advanced ministry training can earn an accredited master's degree through the Russell School of Ministry, a division of Central Bible University. The CCL also produces online content, including the “Leading Together” webinars and the “Ministry &” podcast. These platforms provide practical tools, fresh ideas, and encouragement for leaders navigating the challenges of ministry.
Collaboration is central to everything CCL does. By partnering with other ministry organizations and networks, more leaders are strengthened and more churches flourish.
The Center for Church Leadership traces its roots to Cincinnati Christian University. Today, the Elliott Library and Museum resides at the CCL's headquarters in Florence, Kentucky, preserving and celebrating the heritage of CCU and the Restoration Movement.
