Viterbo University is thrilled to provide a transformative new program for congregational renewal called PATHWAYS. This program supports Christian church leaders in developing the knowledge and skills needed to meet the unique needs of today’s congregations, building off a foundation of Viterbo’s deep-rooted history of servant leadership. We are on a mission to create thriving congregations and vibrant communities.
PATHWAYS is funded through the Lilly Endowment Inc. Thriving Congregation Initiative and comes at no cost to participants. The 2025 cohort runs May 2025 to February 2026, and applications for the 2026 cohort are open now!
APPLY NOW
Current Landscape
Congregational life has changed significantly in recent decades and even more dramatically in the past four years due to COVID-19. The pandemic accelerated trends like declining church attendance and religious disaffiliation, yet research shows that there is still a strong sense of faith and commitment to social justice. A missing link between the church and its congregations may be a matter of vision. When churches engage communally to intentionally name a common vision and mission, leaders emerge who will champion that vision into the future. Churches that are committed to being present and active in their local communities by actively living out the gospel become the change agents the world deeply needs. PATHWAYS addresses these ideas and will help congregations serve as a moral force in society.
Who PATHWAYS Is For?
PATHWAYS is designed for priests, pastors, lay leaders, and other congregational leaders of Christian faith.
Do you relate to any of these statements?
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“My congregation is shrinking when it could be growing."
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“My congregation has a deep story, but it isn’t being shared with the community.”
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“My church needs a more defined vision and strategy.”
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“My church would benefit from more people stepping into formal and informal leadership roles.”
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“I want to create a thriving congregation and vibrant community.”
Then we want to walk alongside you.
Curriculum: May 2025 - February 2026
Compression Planning® is a 6-step visual strategic planning process developed by the McNellis Company and is based on the storyboarding model by Disney Company. The process combines concepts of creative brainstorming and storyboarding to leave you with simple, actionable items to move your congregation forward. It is a high-output, efficient approach to planning projects, developing strategic priorities, assessing needs, solving problems, and making business decisions.
- Complete a two-and-a-half day training intensive in Compression Planning® held May 14-16, 2025.
- Attend completely online
- Cost is free upon approved application
- 2-3 leaders from your congregation may participate (clergy member or lay leaders)
- This training will leave you with the knowledge and skills to conduct strategic planning and move towards a clearer vision and identity for your congregation.
Facilitator
Patrick McNellis, President/CEO of the McNellis Corporation and Co-Founder of The Compression Planning® Institute
Pat’s role when sharing Compression Planning® is that of “an experiential learning guide.” His Institutes create real-world learning experiments and are based on a “learn by doing” approach versus “sit back, listen and hope that something sticks”. His specialty is helping organizations cut through the clutter to laser in on a strategic target, make smart decisions and develop an effective action plan. Pat has led over 200 strategic planning sessions with over 2000 individuals the Compression Planning® System, including numerous churches and congregations.
Viterbo University has been a recognized leader in servant leadership education for more than 20 years. Servant leadership theory is a philosophy that values the needs of others above personal interests. In other words, following the example of Jesus to serve rather than be served. PATHWAYS participants will earn a Certificate in Servant Leadership led by qualified faculty and content experts. The program will use a cohort model to foster supportive relationships and will cover areas such as ethical decision-making, self-awareness, communication, and congregational identity.
- Half-day meetings the second Tuesday of each month: July 8, Aug 12, Sept 9, Oct 14, Nov 11, Dec 9, Jan 13, Feb 10
- Held on Viterbo University campus
- Cost is free upon approved application and includes a ticket to the annual Conference on Servant Leadership
- 2-3 leaders from your congregation may participate (clergy member or lay leaders)
- This certificate will develop leadership skills that will allow you to serve with greater love, empathy, and understanding.
Facilitators
Thomas Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership
Thibodeau is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and an active community member who has inspired hundreds of students since coming to Viterbo over 40 years ago. Through the years, his infectious enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to leadership and service have also inspired countless colleagues and community members. He is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership at Viterbo, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and a founding member of Place of Grace, a Catholic Worker Community in La Crosse. Thibodeau speaks and consults regionally and nationally on the power of servant leadership.
Emily Dykman, Professor of Religious Studies and Theology
Dr. Emily A. Dykman, D. Min. is Professor and Chair of Religious Studies and Theology at Viterbo University. Dr. Dykman earned a D. Min. in Congregational Mission and Leadership from Luther Seminary in 2014, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2005, and a Bachelor of Music Piano Performance from Viterbo University in 1998. Her research interests include leadership formation, vocational discernment, and church culture. In addition to her academic appointment, Dykman serves as a music minister and is part of the Discipleship Team at her parish. Dykman lives in La Crescent, Minnesota with her husband Eric and three children.
PATHWAYS participants are encouraged to attend communal learning opportunities including roundtable discussions and keynote speakers. These events are free and open to pastors, church leaders, congregants, and any community member with an interest in engaging in dialogue around leadership and the ever-changing social and cultural context of the Church.
Upcoming Events
Servant Leadership Roundtable Discussions
First Tuesdays - Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, Dec. 2
7: 30 - 8:30 am | Viterbo University Brophy Center Commons
Our monthly roundtables inspire connection, reflection, and gratitude and are free and open to the public.
More events coming soon
Congregational leaders may choose to apply for consulting services, where our facilitators work with you to develop a detailed strategic plan for your congregation. We will help you carve out a comprehensive view of where your church is today and where you want to go, leading to a clearer vision and action plan.