The Bush Center

Engaging Christian Leadership Conference

Join us January 27-28, 2025

Christian schools and organizations around the world are seeking new leaders to step in to make an impact in their communities. The retirement of many leaders points to the need for more inexperienced leaders to step forward in the next generation. The Engaging Christian Leadership Conference was born out of a recognition of the need and a willingness to take action. Leadership is needed at all levels within schools, including teacher leadership, coordinator, and administrative roles, and extending to senior leadership roles. The need is clear and present. The Engaging Christian School Leadership Conference prepares future leaders to level up by equipping participants to fill needed roles most effectively. 
 
Whether you are a classroom teacher that aspires to move into teacher leader roles such as a Department Chair, have aspirations to move into administrative roles such as coordinator or program director, or desire to be a senior level administrator or head of school in the future, the Engaging Christian Leadership Conference is designed to enhance your skillset and provide training needed for your next steps. While leaders of all ages and experiences are welcome, this event is a two-day focused training for leaders who want to level up their leadership and gain practical ways to increase their impact through greater leadership skill development. The focus is on school leaders, but the skills are transferable to leadership in other Christian organizations and communities. This conference will be a focused learning experience to engage participants intensely over a short window to impact daily practices and bigger-picture perspectives.

Experienced leaders will provide insight and practical applications of leadership practices. Breakout sessions will allow more discussion in smaller groups and provide choice for conference participants. The conference will start on Monday morning and run through Tuesday afternoon. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to impact your own leadership or share with someone from your school that you want to see develop their leadership.


About the Conference

List of 6 items.

  • Conference Topics

    Join us with your campus team for the ECLC2025 Leadership Conference.  Two strands for both Emerging and Experienced leaders will provide a diverse offering of sessions with both philosophical topics and practical tools.  We are excited to build in time during the conference for teams to begin to plan and strategize for the next 18 months.  

    We look forward to providing a wide scope of panels, keynotes, and sessions for your campus team!
  • Keynote Sessions

    • Why Christian Schools Matter
    • Developing Your Pastoral Skills
    • Building Cohesive Teams
    • Difficult Conversations
  • Leader Panel Sessions

    • Building a Resource Network
    • Building Cohesive Teams
    • On Leadership
  • New Leaders Breakout Sessions

    • Tools for Building Culture
    • Preparing Yourself to Lead Others
    • Tips for Leadership Transitions
  • Seasoned Leaders Breakout Sessions

    • Identifying, Mentoring & Nurturing Leaders
    • Financial Management
    • Legal Issues for Christian Schools
  • Schedule of Events

    This event is a two-day focused training for leaders who want to level up their leadership and gain practical ways to increase their impact through greater leadership skill development.

    Click here to view the 2025 ECLC Schedule.
    • Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

Accommodations

As an out-of-town participant of the Engaging Christian Leadership Conference, please check back soon for accommodation information.

Conference Scholarship

We strongly believe that everyone deserves equal opportunities, and financial constraints should not be a hindrance to anyone's aspirations. Therefore, we are pleased to offer limited scholarships to those who may be in need. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is January 10th, so we encourage all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Click here for the Scholarship Application.



"I would encourage anyone who is considering traveling to the conference next year to do so. The speakers were exceptional, the structure was purposeful, and the topics were broad enough to encompass leaders at every level while also containing truly meaningful content. My thinking was both affirmed and challenged throughout the conference. Learning about strong Christian leadership in our schools was powerful and motivating. It's only been a couple of weeks since the conference ended, yet I have had multiple opportunities to practice and share what I learned." - ECLC24 Participant 

Featured Speakers

Dr. Linda A. Livingstone
President
Baylor University
Mrs. Julie Ambler
Head of School
The Woodlands Christian Academy
Mrs. Mindy Dickerson
Director of The Bush Center
Houston Christian High School
Dr. Jay Ferguson
Head of School
Grace Community School
Dr. Brian N. Guenther
President
San Marcos Academy
Mrs. Leanne Messer
Head of School
Houston Christian High School
Dr. Darren Price
Principal
Houston Christian High School
Dr. Matt Thomas
Head of School
Trinity Christian School