HCLI Leadership Program
Elevate your leadership. Expand your impact.

A leadership program designed for adults to join a community of individuals making an eternal impact within and beyond their spheres of influence.

Adults learning together around a table

Track 01

Christian Leadership

Built for anyone ready to grow their influence and lead effectively. This track focuses on character development, practical leadership skills, and learning how to lead yourself and others well in any environment. Whether in the marketplace, your home, or the church, you will be equipped to make a difference.

  • Leading from spiritual health and personal integrity
  • Clarifying calling, vision, and faithful influence
  • Building resilient teams and healthy ministry cultures
A person studying and taking notes beside an open Bible

Track 02

Biblical Theology

Scriptural Foundation

Built for anyone ready to deepen their understanding of Scripture and develop a strong biblical foundation. This track explores the unified story of the Bible, essential Christian doctrine, and practical tools for interpreting God’s Word. You will learn to apply biblical truth with wisdom in your leadership, relationships, and everyday life.

  • Tracing Scripture’s unified story from creation to renewal
  • Interpreting biblical texts with wisdom and context
  • Connecting doctrine to work, community, and daily life

Ready to grow your leadership?

Hear Pastor David share the heart behind The Leadership Institute and why this next step could matter for your calling, influence, and future.

Leadership Institute FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions? Email us at admissions@shvlead.org.

All Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Leadership Institute?

The Leadership Institute at Celebration is a new leadership program built right here in Shreveport to equip leaders who will know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference.

Through biblical teaching, leadership formation, and hands-on development, the program is designed to help participants build the character and competence to lead in the local church, the marketplace, and wherever God calls them.

Who is The Leadership Institute for?

Anyone 18 or older who wants to grow as a leader and deepen their biblical foundation. We are launching with two certificate tracks:

  • Christian Leadership—A two-year certificate for those who want to develop personal and organizational leadership through a biblical worldview.
  • Biblical & Theological Studies—A focused track for those who want to deepen their understanding of Scripture, doctrine, and how to interpret God’s Word with confidence.

Not sure which track fits you? That’s exactly what our admissions team is here to help you figure out.

When do classes start and when do they meet?

Fall Orientation: August 12, 2026.

Fall 2026 classes begin August 19. Classes meet on Wednesday nights at Celebration Church.

Virtual Learning Rhythm: The first Wednesday of every month is a virtual learning week—you’ll join online for that session. All other Wednesdays meet in person.

How long is the program?

Our certificates run across the academic year:

  • Christian Leadership is a two-year, four-semester certificate.
  • Biblical & Theological Studies is a one-year, two-semester certificate.

You can take it one night a week while working or going to school.

How long is each term?

Each term is 8 weeks long, providing an intensive, focused learning experience while remaining manageable for students balancing work, ministry, and family responsibilities.

We offer two terms each year:

  • Term A
  • Term B

Each term runs independently, allowing students to join at designated enrollment periods.

How much does it cost?

Tuition is $400 per term. There is a $35 non-refundable application fee when you apply.

We never want finances to stand between you and your calling. Scholarships and needs-based tuition assistance are available.

What scholarships are available?

The Young Leader Calling Scholarship recognizes emerging leaders—recent high school graduates, current college students, and young professionals—who are actively serving in their local church and sense God calling them to grow. Awards may be full or partial, based on calling, character, and conviction.

We also offer confidential, needs-based Tuition Assistance for those who need extra help making it work. You may apply for both.

What is the application process?
  1. Fill out the General Application for Enrollment (about 20–30 minutes).
  2. Submit your $50 application fee.
  3. Complete any reference requests.
  4. Go through a brief admissions interview with our team.
  5. Receive a decision within 2–4 weeks.

Every application will be reviewed personally.

Do I have to be a member of Celebration Church?

No. You do not need to be a member of Celebration to apply. However, you must be a committed follower of Jesus Christ and willing to affirm our Statement of Faith.

Do I need ministry experience to apply?

Not at all. Whether you are currently leading in ministry or simply hungry to grow, prior ministry experience is not required. If you are faithful where you are and ready to take your next step, you belong here.

Can I do this if I work full-time or am in school?

Yes. The schedule is designed for real life—one night a week—so participants can continue working, studying, and caring for their families while completing the program.

What happens after I submit my application?

Our admissions team will review your application, reach out to schedule your interview, and walk with you through every next step. You are not just a number here—we are rooting for you.

I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

Email us anytime at admissions@shvlead.org. We would love to hear from you and help you take your next step.
Program Snapshot

Scholarship Opportunity

The Young Leader Scholarship

Created for emerging leaders who are actively serving in their local church and sense God calling them to grow. Awards may be full or partial and are considered based on calling, character, and conviction.

Apply for the Scholarship

  1. Called to Grow

    You sense God inviting you to grow in leadership, faith, and spiritual maturity.

  2. Faithfully Serving

    You are actively and consistently serving within a local church community.

  3. An Emerging Leader

    You are a recent graduate, college student, or young professional ready for your next step.

Leadership Institute Team
Portrait of Kristen Burdette

Leadership Institute Director

Kristen Burdette

Biblical Theology Studies

Kristen brings more than two decades of resilient family leadership, along with experience in sales, management, and nonprofit work. She is passionate about discipleship, biblical understanding, and helping others grow in spiritual maturity.

Kristen Burdette is a former military spouse and mother of four, originally from Montana and now residing in Bossier City, Louisiana. Kristen has spent more than two decades leading her family through the demands of military life with discipline, resilience, and excellence. With experience in sales, management, and nonprofit work, Kristen is driven, confident, and highly focused in leading others through consistency, commitment, and disciplined action. Her leadership is intentional, raising her children to have ownership in their responsibility, perseverance, faith, and self-control. Having walked through the complexities of military life, adoption, family leadership, and trauma, Kristen brings strength, wisdom, and compassion to her role at The Leadership Institute at Celebration Church. As Leadership Institute Director, she carries a deep heart for discipleship, helping others understand Scripture, grow in spiritual maturity, and apply biblical truth with clarity, conviction, and purpose.

Portrait of Ben Burdette

Leadership Institute Director

Ben Burdette

Christian Leadership

Ben is a retired Air Force officer and executive coach experienced in developing high-capacity leaders. His work focuses on character, clarity, practical leadership, and helping others create lasting impact.

Ben Burdette is a retired Air Force officer, executive coach, and leader of leaders, originally from Kentucky and now residing in Bossier City, Louisiana with his wife, Kristen, and their four children. After years of leading in demanding military environments, mentoring others, and developing high-capacity leaders, Ben founded his executive coaching company in 2023 to help leaders grow in self-awareness, strengthen their influence, and lead with greater clarity, character, and purpose. He is passionate about leadership practiced with excellence, integrity, and humility. Ben holds leaders to a high standard, not to criticize, but to challenge, shape, and strengthen them for lasting impact. He believes failure, when met with honesty and courage, can become a catalyst for transformation and growth. As Leadership Institute Director, Ben is committed to discipleship, character formation, and practical leadership development.

Leadership Institute Director
Final Call to Action

Ready to take your next step?

Build a stronger foundation, develop your influence, and prepare to make a lasting difference within and beyond your sphere of influence.

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