You Weren't Meant to Lead Alone

Sometimes your calling can feel bigger than you, and the truth is . . . it is!

Church United, in collaboration with Knox Theological Seminary, invites you into a 16-week, in-person journey created for women serving on church staff and in faith-based ministry across South Florida. Be empowered to step into Christian leadership faithfully, courageously, and with purpose.

Not just a Course but a Community

You carry a real calling and sometimes you carry it as the only woman in the room. This course is a space to collaborate and learn alongside other women who understand both the joys and challenges of leading in the local church. You'll strengthen your theological foundation, grow your leadership skills, and confidently live out your calling.

  • Build Relational Equity through real-life experiences
  • Both Affordable and Manageable for Ministry Staff
  • Invitation into the Larger Network of the Local Church

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We See You

If you've felt it — the isolation of being the only woman on the leadership team, the quiet “am I even qualified?”, the leap from teaching a class to leading 300 volunteers or an entire congregation with no roadmap — you're not imagining it. And you're not alone.

Roughly half of women in church leadership are at high risk of burnout, with many feeling unequipped to accomplish the arduous work of ministry.

Created by and for women like you. This course exists to help carry out the good work God is doing in and through you as you serve His church. (Philippians 1:4-6). Not only are the modules and speakers crafted to equip your leadership but the intimate space for discussion allows you to be vulnerable, challenged and cheered for by other like-minded women.

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What You’ll Experience

Cohort-Based Learning

Grow alongside a community of women leading across denominational lines as co-laborers, not competitors.


In-Person Sessions

Meet weekly at Knox for rich teaching, honest conversation, and real connection.

Speakers Who've Walked It

Learn from leaders like Jo Saxton, Kadi Cole, Knox faculty, and trusted Church United voices who understand the challenges women face in leadership.

Built for Real Ministry Life

One book per module. Most of the work happens in the room. This is a "yes" to growth and rest, not another to-do list.

Fanning into Flame (2 Timothy 1:6)

Take this certificate to your local church or beyond. The specific leadership tools you will access through this course are meant for you to share with your team or continue your education further. This step will help lay the groundwork for you to develop not only your ministry calling but also the ministry callings of those around you.

Guest Speakers

Jo Saxton Author, Speaker, Leader

Over the course of her distinguished career, Jo has been a respected leader in ministry and non-profit settings, as well as in pastoring and church-planting. She has also led online Leadership Coaching communities of women dedicated to their personal and professional development.

A driven thought leader, Jo has authored several books to help women find their purpose, grow as leaders, and flourish in their families, workplaces and communities – Ready to Rise, More than Enchanting, and The Dream of You.

Kadi Cole Author, Speaker, Leader

Kadi Cole, one of the first female leaders to serve in an executive role at a large, multisite church, is an international consultant for organizations, leadership trainer, and LifePlan facilitator. Kadi is a founding member of the Women’s Executive Pastor Network and the founder of MinistryChick.com. She lives with her husband and son in Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Shayla McCormick Executive Pastor

Shayla McCormick is the Executive Pastor of Coastal Community Church in South Florida, where she serves alongside her husband, Lead Pastor TJ McCormick. Together, they founded the church in 2009.

Married since 2000, Shayla and TJ have a daughter named Collins. Their partnership in ministry reflects a shared passion for leadership development, spiritual growth, and building a vibrant, welcoming church community.

Shayla is deeply committed to empowering others to step into their God-given potential. Her leadership style is marked by authenticity, compassion, and a relentless drive to see the local church thrive.

Shayla’s heart beats for the local church and for helping people live out their faith every day—not just on Sundays.

Jacky Davey Founder, Purple Tree Ministries and Purple Tree Coaching & Consulting

Jacky Davey is an international speaker, purpose coach, and founder of Purple Tree Ministries and Purple Tree Coaching & Consulting. She is passionate about helping people discover who they are, why they are here, and how to live and work with purpose.

Through speaking, coaching, training, and discipleship, Jacky equips individuals, leaders, and ministry teams to deepen their faith, renew their minds, and walk with confidence in their God-given calling. She is the creator of the Grow in Purpose online course, a program designed to help people grow deeply rooted in Christ while gaining clarity about their identity, values, and purpose.

With more than 25 years of experience in leadership, consulting, and nonprofit development, Jacky brings practical wisdom, authentic storytelling, and biblical encouragement to every audience. She lives in South Florida with her husband, JP, and their two children.

Modules:

ONE:
Personal Leadership and Identity

Deepen self-awareness, spiritual rootedness, and healthy leadership rhythms.


TWO:
Professional and Relational Wisdom

Grow in interpersonal leadership skills, team awareness, and relational maturity.

THREE:
Theology and Basics of the Bible

Build foundational competence in understanding and teaching the Bible faithfully.

FOUR:
Ministry Skills

Equip women to serve, teach, and lead well within the local church context.

Not quite ready to apply? We'd love to answer your questions first.

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Application

This is an application and not just a registration because this cohort is a real commitment, and we want to know you and your calling. Set aside about 30 minutes of uninterrupted time. You'll share a bit about your ministry, your leadership, and your walk with Christ.

  • An in person 16 Week Leadership and Development Certification Course for Women on Church Staff or Christian non profits.
    NOTE: Your $279 is fully refunded if your application isn't accepted for any reason so you can apply with confidence.

Education
Please add every college or graduate-level institution where you have completed at least one course for credit.

References
Please submit and send your reference request(s) below. Your reference will receive an email with a link to complete a form. All references are considered confidential as part of your application. Reference persons who are direct family relations are not eligible and should not be included.

It is our expectation that you are an active member of a local church and can provide a pastoral reference with your application. If you are not in regular contact with a pastor in your church, please supply the information of an elder or deacon to whom you are accountable for your spiritual life.

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Billing Information

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Knox is a seminary in the tradition of the Reformation that exists to educate men and women to declare and demonstrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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