The Nollau Leadership Institute is CHHSM’s signature program with more than 250 attendees in its 20+ years. Enrollment is open and the short online application can be found here. We invite you to make plans to participate in next year's class by registering now. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to help offset the cost of the program.

Grounded in the health and human service organizations of the United Church of Christ, this program offers a unique space in which to experience leadership formation. Each year, Nollau brings together a community of leaders committed to creating a just, caring, and compassionate world. Such values deepen during the program, as participants grow in their leadership skills from a place of belonging. Cultivating this connection between others, the world, and within themselves is the heart of the Nollau experience.

Through retreats, online interactions, and peer mentoring, this 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. Guided by CHHSM's commitment to issues of Race, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice, leadership will be examined and practiced through the lenses of anti-oppression and social justice. You can learn more about the curriculum here.

The program consists of two in-person retreats at Bellwether Farm, online interactions in between the retreats, and an additional day of programming at the 2026 Gathering, which includes the commissioning of the class as Diakonal Ministers.

2024-25 Schedule:
1st Retreat: May 19-23, 2025
2nd Retreat: Oct. 6-10, 2025
2026 Gathering: March 23-26, 2026

Location Information:
Retreat Center: Bellwether Farm, 4655 SR-60, Wakeman, OH 44889
2026 Gathering: Location to be Announced.

Finally, it is important to state that safety is our number one priority. CHHSM will continue to follow all CDC guidelines for travel and social gatherings.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out anytime!

Graciously,
Rev. Elyse Berry, DMin
Associate for Advocacy and Leadership Development
berrye @chhsm.org