Enrollment Opens for Nollau Leadership Institute Class of 2027

Enrollment is currently open for the 2026-2027 class of CHHSM’s Nollau Leadership Institute. The signature health and human service leadership program has graduated some 300-plus participants as Diakonal Ministers in the past 20 years.

The year-long Nollau program helps class members discern their call as Diakonal Ministers. A vocation for health and human service leaders from CHHSM members and the wider United Church of Christ, Diakonal Ministers advance the health and service ministry of Jesus Christ. 

“At its heart, the Nollau Leadership Institute is about forming leaders who understand their work as both vocation and community practice,” said the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development. “In these intense and uncertain times, grounding leadership in spirituality and justice is not optional—it is essential. When leaders are given space to reflect deeply, learn alongside others, and root their skills in care and equity, they are better equipped to sustain ministries that serve the wholeness of people and communities.”

The regularly updated curriculum includes retreats, online interactions, and peer mentoring. Through these tools, the program supports leadership formation through a variety of learning modalities and within a community of practice. The use of rituals, art, poetry, embodiment, and time to simply be in nature are all part of the program—alongside the interactive didactic sessions. 

The program consists of two in-person retreats at Bellwether Farm in Wakeman, Ohio, online interactions in between the retreats, and an additional day of programming at the 2027 CHHSM Annual Gathering, March 15-19, 2027, which includes a special worship service during which the class is commissioned as Diakonal Ministers. 

Located just 40 minutes from Cleveland International Airport, Bellwether Farm is a camp, retreat, and education center that offers a model of sustainable living that promotes physical and spiritual wellness, fidelity to the environment, and social justice. The setting has ADA accessible facilities featuring green technology, as well as farming, food production, and eco-stewardship—including farm-to-table meals. Each participant has a private room and bathroom and is encouraged to explore the beautiful retreat grounds and trails. 

Each of the two retreats focuses on specific aspects of leadership. The first retreat, to be held May 18-22, 2026, is devoted to exploring the personal realm of leadership as participants reflect on their own leadership experiences and understanding, and what other practices can expand their leadership now. The May retreat includes a tour of Bellwether Farm, where participants will learn about how the farm lives into its faith-based values.

The second retreat, Oct. 5-9, 2026, focuses on organizational awareness and the ecosystem in which leadership exists. Participants learn and practice skills that support their ability to lead through connection, courage, and change. The October retreat includes a tour of the national offices of the United Church of Christ in downtown Cleveland. While at the UCC offices, participants will attend a workshop facilitated by a UCC staff person.

Nollau participants receive copies of all the resources used during the program. In addition to receiving copies of the retreat materials, each participant also has permanent access to the program’s content via CHHSM’s online Learning Center.

Named in honor of the Rev. Louis Edward Nollau — a 19th-century missionary, preacher and founder of several St. Louis-area CHHSM ministries — the Nollau Leadership Institute emphasizes the kind of integrated leadership that its namesake modeled: professional excellence rooted in faith-based purpose. Graduates of the Nollau Institute leave the program with a better understanding of how their faith calls them to lead.

“The Nollau Leadership Institute helps participants renew and refresh their focus on spiritual formation and leadership,” said Jamar Doyle, CHHSM president and CEO. “We are blessed to be able to offer it to our CHHSM member organizations, UCC colleagues, partners, and friends.”

Space is limited, and fills up quickly, so early applications are strongly encouraged. The application is available online. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to help offset the costs of the program. See the application for more information.

Note: CHHSM will continue to follow all CDC guidelines for travel and social gatherings.