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About GLI

Grace Leadership Institute

Leadership Matters. Our Region Matters.

We believe when a leader gets better, everyone wins. When one of us rises, we all rise. That’s the heart of the Grace Leadership Institute. When we talk to local community leaders, we hear different versions of the same thing, “I wish we had trusted, quality, local training at free and affordable prices for the people in our organization.” We want to be a resource and encouragement to the leaders in our region who are making a difference.

A Unique History

Grace Leadership Institute is found at 701 Holland Street. The site and building have both religious and historical significance. The property was purchased in 1897 by the Swedish Baptist Church. The existing house was removed, and a red brick gothic-style church was erected in 1906. In 1939 the name was changed to Grace Baptist Church and services were changed to be held in English so that more effective outreach would occur. The church relocated to 38th and Colonial in 1959 to further enhance outreach, and the property at 701 Holland passed through several hands.  

Erie Insurance (ERIE) acquired the 701-703 Holland Street parcel in October 2016 after Lake Erie Ballet moved to its new location. From October 2017 to June 2019, ERIE leased the property to Grace Church. As part of the lease agreement, Grace Church renovated the building over a nearly two-year period. When exterior work was completed in the summer of 2019, ERIE gifted the building back to Grace Church.

“Grace Ministries has brought this building back to life and will be putting it to great use as the Grace Leadership Institute,” said Jeff Brinling, ERIE’s senior vice president for Corporate Services. 

The Grace Leadership Institute exists to provide experiential leadership education that inspires people to enrich and serve their communities.