Leading an ELCA school or learning center means more than managing logistics—it means cultivating communities of grace, collaborative leadership, and healthy relationships rooted in faith. One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your team is by intentionally developing how we understand ourselves and others.

At ELEA, we recognize the importance of nurturing not just our students, but also our staff, teachers, administrators, and pastors. Below, you’ll find a curated collection of books, tools, and training resources to help your team grow in emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration—each selected with our shared Lutheran values and ministry context in mind.

Do you have resources that you have used that didn’t make the list? Share them on our social media pages or send them to [email protected].

Books

• Personality Plus by Florence Littauer – Faith-based personality types with biblical applications.
• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman – Understand how people give and receive affirmation.
• Crucial Conversations by Patterson et al. – Navigate high-stakes conversations with empathy.
• The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero – Combine emotional intelligence with spiritual leadership.
• Strengths-Based Leadership by Tom Rath & Barry Conchie – Leverage team strengths for effective leadership.

Assessments & Tools

• DISC Personality Profile – Understand personality types and communication styles.
• MBTI (Myers-Briggs) – Explore how people perceive and decide.
• Enneagram – Deepen empathy and spiritual understanding of personalities.
• Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni – Discover how individuals contribute to team efforts.

Training Resources & Curricula

• ELEA National Pastor and School Administrator Conference – Annual leadership event with ongoing resources. Bienniel event in collaboration with the Naional Association of Episcopal Schools.
• Peacemaker Ministries – Christian-centered conflict resolution training.
• Lead Like Jesus – Leadership training rooted in servant leadership principles.

Free Articles & Online Resources

• MindTools.com – Wide array of leadership and communication tools.
• Faith & Leadership (Duke Divinity) – Case studies and articles for church leadership.
• Faith + Lead Acedemy – an ecosystem of theological resources and training designed to equip Christian disciples and leaders to follow God into a faithful future.