Raise Up the Leader God Has Called You to Be

Zeal Leadership Academy is a leadership development experience designed for those who want to grow deeper in their faith, discover their calling, and develop the skills necessary to lead wherever God has placed them.

Through classroom learning, spiritual formation, and hands-on ministry experience, students are challenged to grow not only in what they know but in who they are becoming.

ZLA is offered in partnership with Highlands College Leadership Institute (HCLI), a nationally recognized ministry education program based at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL. Over 1,400 HCLI-trained students have been sent to lead in 375
churches and ministries across 36 states and 23 countries. Zeal is proud to bring this curriculum to Nashville.

Raise Up the Leader God Has Called You to Be

Zeal Leadership Academy exists to equip and develop leaders through spiritual formation, theological grounding, and

practical leadership experience so they can make an impact in the Church, their workplace, and their community.

Zeal Leadership Academy is a leadership development experience designed for those who want to grow deeper in their faith, discover their calling, and develop the skills necessary to lead wherever God has placed them.

Through classroom learning, spiritual formation, and hands-on ministry experience, students are challenged to grow not only in what they know but in who they are becoming.

ZLA is offered in partnership with Highlands College Leadership Institute (HCLI), a nationally recognized ministry education program based at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL.
Over 1,400 HCLI-trained students have been sent to lead in 375 churches and ministries across 36 states and 23 countries. Zeal is proud to bring this curriculum to Nashville.

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Spiritual Formation

Develop a deeper relationship with Jesus and cultivate habits that sustain lifelong leadership.

Leadership Development

Learn practical leadership principles that apply in ministry, business, family, and everyday life.

Real Ministry Experience

Leadership isn’t just taught. It practiced. Students gain hands-on experience serving and leading within the local church.

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A Week in the Life

• Weekly Tuesday evening classes
• Leadership discussions led by Zeal pastors and ministry practitioners
• Practical application of biblical leadership principles
• Reading, assignments, and curriculum from Highlands College Leadership Institute
• Community with other leaders who are on the same journey
• Hands-on ministry experience within the local church
• Mentorship opportunities through Zeal’s ministry leaders

Who Is It For?

• Emerging leaders who sense a calling but don’t know what to do with it
• Current team leaders who want to deepen their biblical foundation
• Young adults figuring out purpose and next steps
• Business professionals who want to lead with a Christian worldview
• Ministry volunteers ready to grow into greater responsibility
• Anyone who wants to grow in both their faith and their leadership

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What You’ll Walk Away With

• Greater confidence in your calling
• Stronger leadership skills grounded in biblical principles
• Deeper understanding of Scripture and theology
• Meaningful relationships with other leaders on the same journey
• Clear next steps in your leadership and ministry path
• Practical ministry experience you can apply immediately

What You’ll Study

4 semesters / 8 terms (8 weeks per term) | Two-Year Program

The Christian Leadership Certificate is a transformative two-year program designed to enhance your leadership
through a biblical worldview and a strong biblical foundation. This program empowers you to lead with purpose and integrity, applying biblical principles across every area of life.

Throughout the program, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead yourself well and lead others effectively within and beyond your sphere of influence. Whether you are leading a team at work, a family at home, or a ministry in the church, this certificate gives you the tools to do it with confidence and conviction.

Course topics include:
Emotionally Healthy Leadership | Servant Leadership | Theology of Work | Organizational Leadership | Leading in a
Broken World | Team Building | Leading in Biblical Identity | Personal Productivity

Ideal for: Business professionals, ministry volunteers, parents, team

Ministry Training Certificate
4 semesters / 8 terms (8 weeks per term) | Two-Year Program | Runs alongside Christian Leadership

The Ministry Training Certificate is designed to run in parallel with the Christian Leadership Certificate,
deepening your ministry development by learning from some of the nation’s best ministry leaders.

This two-year program focuses on practical application and is built to help you achieve excellence in your ministry calling, whether you serve as a vocational staff member or a dedicated volunteer. Students receive immersive, active-learning experiences that combine academic instruction with real-world ministry training. This approach ensures you are not only knowledgeable but also proficient in applying what you learn across a variety of ministry contexts.

Upon completion, you will be well-prepared to serve at the highest levels of your calling, equipped with the skills, character, and practical experience needed to lead effectively.

Course topics include:
Life in Ministry | Church Practices | Spiritual Next Steps | Church Structures | Missiology | Multi-Site Ministry |
Programming | Church Operations

Ideal for: Those sensing a call to vocational ministry, current ministry staff, church volunteers ready to step into
greater responsibility, and anyone who wants to serve the local church at the highest level they are capable of.

4 semesters / 8 terms (8 weeks per term) | Two-Year Program

Biblical and Theological Studies goes beyond a typical Bible study to give you a deepened appreciation for and working knowledge of God’s Word. This two-year certificate is for anyone who wants to be biblically literate and theologically sound, whether you lead in ministry, in the marketplace, or at home. If you want to know what you
believe, why you believe it, and how to live and lead from it, this certificate is for you.

Over the course of the program, students develop a Christian worldview, explore God’s mission throughout Scripture, and learn dependable methods for Scripture interpretation and application. You will leave not just knowing more about the Bible but equipped to share and apply God’s Word with greater confidence in every
area of life.

Course topics include:
Understanding the Bible | Christian Worldview | The Story of Scripture | Christian Beliefs

Good to know: This certificate can be taken simultaneously with Christian Leadership. Both classes meet back-to-back on Tuesday nights, making it easy to pursue both in the same evening.

“The Ministry Training Certificate has equipped me to build, lead, and care for people within the local church by helping me understand the bigger picture behind many of the decisions made in ministry. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of communicating clear expectations, whether leading a small group, serving on a team, or helping execute a Sunday experience.

Corina Schneider

“The Biblical & Theological Studies Certificate has helped me understand the Bible in a much deeper way. Instead of simply reading individual verses, I now see how the entire story of Scripture fits together and points to God’s plan. It has given me a greater understanding of who God is and what His Word truly means. Beyond growing in knowledge. I feel more confident sharing what I’ve learned with others and applying God’s Word in my everyday life. Overall, this experience has strengthened both my understanding of the Bible and my personal relationship with Christ.”

Nick Roberson

“The Ministry Training and Christian Leadership programs have helped me deepen my biblical foundation while also giving me practical tools to lead, disciple, and care for people more effectively. They have challenged me to continue growing in character, humility, and spiritual maturity, reminding me that true influence is ultimately about serving others and pointing people to Christ.”

Russell Fedell

FAQ’s

Tuition is $400 per term (8 weeks), paid directly to Zeal Leadership Academy.

Financial assistance is available on a case-by-case basis. Apply and speak with the ZLA Director or Coordinator to
inquire about available funds.

4 semesters / 8 terms (8 weeks per term) | Two-Year Program

Biblical and Theological Studies goes beyond a typical Bible study to give you a deepened appreciation for and working knowledge of God’s Word. This two-year certificate is for anyone who wants to be biblically literate and theologically sound, whether you lead in ministry, in the marketplace, or at home. If you want to know what you
believe, why you believe it, and how to live and lead from it, this certificate is for you.

Over the course of the program, students develop a Christian worldview, explore God’s mission throughout Scripture, and learn dependable methods for Scripture interpretation and application. You will leave not just knowing more about the Bible but equipped to share and apply God’s Word with greater confidence in every
area of life.

Course topics include:
Understanding the Bible | Christian Worldview | The Story of Scripture | Christian Beliefs

Good to know: This certificate can be taken simultaneously with Christian Leadership. Both classes meet back-to-back on Tuesday nights, making it easy to pursue both in the same evening.

In-person classes are held on Tuesday nights at Zeal West Campus 5807 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209.

Virtual attendance options may also be available.

Classes meet on Tuesday evenings. Exact times will be confirmed upon enrollment.

No. Childcare is not provided during ZLA classes.

For Christian Leadership and Biblical & Theological Studies, no. Those certificates are open to anyone who meets the program requirements. The Ministry Training Certificate does require Zeal Church membership. This program runs in close partnership with our church staff, and students train directly alongside our team. Knowing our church and our people matters here because Ministry Training is designed for those discerning a call to full-time ministry.

There is no formal attendance requirement, but in-person attendance is strongly encouraged. The relationships, discussions, and hands-on experiences that happen in the room are a big part of what makes ZLA valuable.

Yes. Biblical & Theological Studies and Christian Leadership are held back-to-back on Tuesday nights, making it
possible to attend both in the same evening. Note that separate applications are required for each certificate.

The full FAQ will be sent to you after you apply. You can also emaifl or contact the ZLA Director or Coordinator directly at zla@zealchurch.tv we’re happy to help.