Al Sagar
Alfred V. Sagar, M.A., M.S.L
Dean of Academy
Since 2000, Alfred has been working with the Commission for Leadership of the Synod and the Transformational Leadership Team in the formation and development of the Academy. He is also Emeritus Dean of Learning Resources and Institutional Planning at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Trained in the principles of Instructional Design and Technology, he has 38 years experience as a manager, leader, professor, consultant, trainer and a Commissioned Officer of the Indian Army. Teaching is one of Alfred’s passions. Over the years he taught courses in Management, Leadership, Organizational Behavior, Organizational Development, Managerial Communication, Interpersonal Communication and Human Resource Management at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University, Sienna Heights University and Spring Arbor University. Alfred’s personal vision is to blend his knowledge of the research relating to organizations and people, with Scriptural insights provided by clergy partners, and train people to carry out the vision of the Great Commission. Al has been very involved in mulit-cultural ministry in the ELCA.
Gregg Burch
Gregg Burch, MBA
Associate Dean of Academy
Director of Development
TransformingChurch.com Editor-in-Chief
Gregg spent 25 years learning leadership lessons as he and his brother grew their family business to 325 people in 11 locations. They were chosen as the Family Business of the Year for the state of Georgia in 1996. He completed an Executive MBA at Georgia State at the top of his class in 1998, and was certified as an Organizational Structural Consultant in 2002.
In addition to his years of business leadership, Burch spent twenty years in various leadership positions at Apostles Lutheran Church in Atlanta. He left his family business to offer leadership and organization development consulting to church organizations. In 1996 he guided Apostles through to a new strategic vision, which led to a $1.875 Million building program. As Council President in 2000, he launched a transformation of Apostles to focus on discipleship and mission and reverse a long-term decline in membership.
Gregg serves on the Board of the Changing Church Forum in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Dr. Paul Ferrarone
The Rev. Dr. Paul Ferrarone, MDiv., STM, DMin.
Associate Dean of Academy
Spiritual Director
Paul is Senior Pastor of Apostles Lutheran Church in Sandy Springs (Atlanta). He spent 9 years in Philadelphia in a redevelopment church where he was instrumental in initiating many new liturgical and leadership styles and models. He has extensive academic education and experience in Liturgical Studies, having studied with the Rev. Dr. Gordon Lathrop in Philadelphia. Paul also worked for years in Tanzania, Africa and in Hong Kong, China, as a missionary. He also lived for 5 years in an English Benedictine Monastery. He brings to the Academy a wealth of experience in different leadership models, a passion for indigenous (contextual) worship, a deep spirituality, and great vision and passion for an empowered and shared lay leadership in the church today. He is also the proud father of teenage triplets!