Center for Church Health
Encouraging and Equipping Church Leaders
For this cultural moment, God has called your church as a gospel witness, and you as its leader.
We can help. Connect with us today!
Pastoring is a high and holy calling, lived out amidst challenging realities.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
The Center for Church Health encourages and equips pastors through events, resources, and relationships.
The Center is vital to the mission of Jessup University: educating transformational leaders for the glory of God, in partnership with the Church.
“Jessup University and a local church were planted at the same time by our founder. We are convinced that was not an accident. Jessup and the Church were tied together in the womb and remain connected at the deepest level. Our Jessup Center for Church Health encourages and equips pastors and church leaders with relationships and resources. If you are a pastor or church leader, we are here for you!”
John Jackson
President of Jessup UniversityThe Jessup Center for Church Health is doing an incredible job bridging divides in the culture and the church and encouraging and equipping pastors for resilient leadership. I’m grateful for the way they are joining God in His mission in the world.”
Glenn Packiam
Pastor, Author & Barna Group Senior Fellow
Get Connected
Events
Gather and be inspired.
The Worship Conference 2025
📅 Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 9am – 5pm (includes lunch)
📍 Jessup University
Resources From Worship Leaders Conferences
Lead Gathering 2025 – In Planning
Resources From Past Lead Gatherings
2022
2023
2024
Lead Gathering – September 26, 2024 – Glenn Packiam
Resources
Jessup maintains a list of vetted and trusted resources for church leaders.
Relationships
Change happens in community. Click below to learn more about Pastoral Cohorts.
“The Jessup Center for Church Health provides vital support to pastors facing church and cultural challenges. I am grateful for their partnership in the gospel in our region!“
Don Proctor
City Pastors FellowshipOur Director
Derek Zahnd is the Director of Jessup’s Center for Church Health. In his first days at the University of California, Davis, he started a dorm Bible study. Since then, he has served as a church planter/pastor in Guaymas, Sonora, México, a mission pastor in Elk Grove, CA, and a senior pastor in Fair Oaks, CA.
Derek earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Fuller Theological Seminary. At Jessup, he serves as the Associate Dean for the School of Christian Leadership and the Program Director of the Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) degree. He is married to Alyse; they have three adult sons.
Explore Jessup Centers & Offerings
“Too often, pastoral preparation is inadequate for today’s pastoral demands. The Jessup Center for Church Health brings life and lift to pastors and churches. I am grateful for their contribution to the Kingdom!”
Tod Bolsinger
Senior Congregational Strategist & Associate Professor of Leadership Formation, Fuller Theological Seminary; Author of Canoeing the MountainsSupported by
