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The Vision...

A Biblical Small Group Within Walking Distance of Every Person on the Planet.


05.22.2013

Small Groups or Mid-Size Communities, My Interview with Daniel Im Day 2

 
 
Today is Day 2 of my interview with Daniel Im, the Community Life Team Lead at Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Daniel has chosen to switch his group system from small groups to mid-size communities. During yesterday’s blog interview Daniel answered the question, “What were you trying to accomplish in your small groups that was not being achieved and why do you think the smallness of group life was keeping you from accomplishing that?” If you haven’t read that blog post, I’d suggest you do that before reading this one. Click on this sentence to arrive at the link. 
 
My question for Daniel today is… “When you met with your leadership team, especially your senior pastor to consider the move from small groups to mid-size groups, what questions arose (and/or what conversation took place) that drove your church to move to mid-size groups?”
 
Well, first of all, I try not to use the phrase "mid-size groups," since most people like to create acronyms and this movement would become…well, let's just say that the Asians would like the flavor of it. But getting back to your question, my senior pastor and the leadership team knew about the problem, as I mentioned in the previous post (link). The statistics showed that our small group system was good, but not great. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, our small group system was so successful, that we even hosted our own small group conference with Willow Creek's Bill Donahue. This conference happened even before small group conferences were popular. However, as our church continued to grow, the percentage of individuals in small groups didn't. There were spikes here and there, but no sustained growth.
 
Since the senior leadership knew about the problem, they were open to suggestions, but the ideas had to be well thought out and processed through before any trigger could be pulled. After all, small groups had been such a powerful part of many our church member's spiritual journeys.
 
The change management process was long and arduous, but it was well worth it. I could have done my research, written up a proposal, and brought it straight to the senior leadership, but I decided to take the better approach. This approach involved praxis, extensive conversation, and collaboration amongst staff, key lay leaders, and the unconnected in our church.
 
Here are the change management steps that I took to implement mid-size communities at my church:
  1. Research and compile information regarding mid-size communities from current and theoretical models. Contact other churches who are doing some variation of this model.
  2. Explain the model to key stakeholders and staff members and ask for their feedback.
  3. Compile a comprehensive document to present to the leadership team of your church. This document should contain all of the research done on current and theoretical models, in addition to the feedback from the staff and key stakeholders.
  4. Begin a pilot group experimenting with this community size.
  5. Go through this comprehensive document with key staff members, then receive feedback so that the document can be increasingly contextualized to your setting. Repeat this process until every area is covered.
  6. Summarize the document and present to all ministry staff for feedback.
  7. Present the model to the board for the purpose of introduction and feedback.
  8. Explore organizational and ministry-planning implications with staff members, while continuing to revise the document based on research and praxis.
  9. Present the revised document to the board for feedback.
  10. Reveal aspects of the model to all small group leaders.
  11. Create training materials to provide support and systems to run this model.
  12. Reveal the entire model to all small group leaders.
  13. Run the first round of a leadership training course for mid-size community leaders, then launch those mid-size communities.
  14. Run the second round of a leadership training course for mid-size community leaders, then launch those mid-size communities.
  15. Have a leadership forum to introduce this model to all of the leaders in your church, before introducing this model to the entire congregation.
  16. Preach a sermon series on community life and introduce this model to the entire congregation.
  17. Advertise and sign individuals up for existing mid-size communities.
  18. Have another leadership forum to celebrate successes from these mid-size communities to all of the leaders in your church.
  19. Run the third round of a leadership training course for mid-size community leaders, then launch those mid-size communities.
  20. Have a banquet for all leaders in your church to celebrate them and the successes of mid-size communities.
  21. Continue on…
 
This process took me 24 months, but since beginning the process, we have now connected over 400 people into mid-size communities and we only went public with the concept at month 21. The fascinating aspect of these mid-sized communities is that over 90% of the 400 were not in any other form of community before hand. It seems like we are onto something viral.
 
What are your thoughts on this change management process? What would you do differently?
 
Join us next time as we explore the tension between small groups and mid-size communities.
Mid-Size Communities, Interview, Daniel Im
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05.21.2013

Small Groups or Mid-Size Communities, My Interview with Daniel Im, Day 1

 
 
A few months ago I was contacted by Daniel Im. Daniel is the Community Life Team Lead at Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The moment our conversation began I realized I was talking to one very impressive pastor. Daniel wanted my thoughts on Mid-size communities. I gotta tell ya’… his asking me questions very quickly turned to me asking him questions. I’m a small groups guy, not a mid-size groups guy. But as our conversation continued I began to realize that mid-size groups were right for his context.
 
I asked Daniel if I could do a blog interview with him about what is taking place at his church through mid-size groups. I was thrilled when he said yes. I was concerned when my bias toward small groups reared its ugly head. In trying to write the questions I would ask of Daniel I found myself at a loss. So… I simply asked him four questions. His answers are so substantial that this blog interview will be a four day series of posts.
 
The question I asked of Daniel today… What were you trying to accomplish in your small groups that was not being achieved and why do you think the smallness of group life was keeping you from accomplishing that?
 
If someone were to tell you that 25% of their church was in some form of community life (i.e. small group or mid-week programming), how would you react? Other than a slight, "Yeah, that's pretty typical" response, you probably wouldn't think much of it. Well, what if someone were to tell you that their church had grown by 31% over the past 10 years, but that the number of people engaged in community remained the same? You'd probably think that was pathetic, and move on to learn from someone else.
 
That was the case at my church, and I was hired to do something about it.
 
Being a learner, entrepreneur, and systems thinker, I quickly learned and piloted every small group technique and method under the sun (not all at the same time though - I'm not that crazy). I wanted to experience the astronomical growth that the books promised me. I tried everything from a semester model to a sermon-based group model. I even launched new groups every month, in addition to piloting online groups. Sure, I saw growth and new people getting connected regardless of the method that I used, but there was always a bottleneck and people who didn't want to join. The growth wasn't exponential, it was additional - and that wasn't good enough for me.
 
Now I know about the myth of the silver bullet - and it's not that I was trying to debunk that myth like they do on the TV show "MythBusters," but there had to be a better way. After all, isn't God a God of multiplication? Doesn't God long for the unconnected to find connection, and for the lost to be saved, even more than any of us do? But what kind of small group structure actually does that well?
 
Sure, small groups can be "missional," but most of the time, any "missional" activity is relegated into a one-time service project that is only organized by a couple of the individuals, and attended by half of the group. Small groups just don't have the critical mass to embark onto sustainable "missional" activity.
 
Sure, small groups can have an "open chair," but how many times have you been stood-up by people who you invited, but just didn't come? Or maybe people came once, but didn't return. Why do you think that happened anyway?
 
Lastly, let's talk about the elephant in the room. We all know the beauty of spiritual multiplication and how compelling that vision is. But when is the last time you've seen a small group multiply and both groups thrive? Let's say you've seen that. How often have you seen the multiplied group then multiply again and all four groups thrive? I'm Korean and I have pastored in Korea, so I know what a cell church model looks like. And to be frank with you, let's stop being so idealistic about the small group model.
 
Something had to change if I really wanted to see my church getting into community and being the church in the community - that's when we embarked on this idea of mid-size communities.
 
Have you experienced any of the same tensions?
 
Join us next time as I reveal what happened when I approached my senior pastor with these findings.
Mid-Size Communities, Interview, Daniel Im
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05.20.2013

Disciple Making on Sunday Morning… Resources for All Ages the Church Has Been Waiting For


 
 
I’m often asked if disciple making can take place in Sunday School driven churches. My response… “It’s already taking place.” Discipleship happens any time the church gives someone authority to teach the word of God to someone else or lead them. You see, discipleship is intuitive. Anytime the church gives someone authority over another believer or the responsibility to teach another believer, that believer is intuitively learning from the teacher or leader and being transformed due to the leader or teacher’s influence in their lives. The question is… Does the curriculum your church uses on Sunday morning make disciples or just give teachers a plan to espouse biblical information and attendees a place to make friends?
 
I can’t begin to tell you how psyched I am to let you know about Life Bible Studies for all ages. The ministry I work for, NavPress, has been working on creating Bible studies for all ages that are more than just Sunday School teaching lessons, they’re disciple making experiences. And we now have them for all ages.
 
If we’re going to accomplish Jesus’ expectations of making disciples, we must use resources that include a disciple making mindset and plan. NavPress now has Sunday morning resources for all ages that will not only save your church money, they’ll aid your Sunday morning teachers in Preschool, Kids, Students, and Adult classes in making mature disciples.
 
Please click on the link below.  You’ve got to see this stuff!
 
Sunday School, Life Bible Study
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05.16.2013

Churches Within a Church, Age Based Ministries and the Markers of Success

 Okay... I know I'm about to be crucified (metaphorically speaking that is). Last week I led a session at a conference. My topic was intergenerational groups. One of the points that I made was that many churches, especially churches of meaningful size, are actually four churches within a church... 1) children’s church, 2) student church, 3) young adult and mid-adult church, and 4) senior adult church. I then asked myself this question, “If we are really honest with ourselves, what are the markers of success that the average church member judges each of these age group ministries by?” After typing my responses to this question under each category, I was astounded and I must admit… disheartened. Below you’ll find my thoughts.
 
I’ve listed each category, what I believe the average church member believes is the goal of that ministry, and, under each of these statements, what the average church member may be using as markers of success.
 
 
Children’s Church – Information based (the goal is to instill biblical stories and knowledge)
 
Parents whose kids who are excited to go to church
Parents whose kids are happy while at church
Parents whose kids are learning how to relate to other children
Parents whose kids are learning right from wrong.
 
 
Junior High and High School Church – Entertainment based (the goal is to have as many as teens as possible involved in the ministry and so we draw them through big bands, big events, and big activities)
 
Parents whose teenagers are excited to come to church
Parents whose teenagers are involved in substantial and wholesome friendships
Parents whose teenagers stay away from dangerous people, places, and substances
Parents whose teenagers are “pumped” about God
           
 
Young and Mid-Adult Church – Worship and Friendship based
 
Young and mid-adults with kids and teens that attend church without much pushback
Worship service that excites the senses
Preaching that connects with a felt need
Friendships with people of the same affinity
           
 
Senior Adult Church – Program based
 
A safe place to re-engage with past spiritual memories
A place to gather with others in the same life stage
A place that aids in connecting seniors with other seniors by taking them on trips, hosting banquets, etc…
A place that shows them honor without asking much of them
 
After I read these I realized that the children’s pastor, junior and high school pastor, and pastors of adult ministries have completely different markers of success.
 
Might I suggest that, if you lead any of these ministries, that it is important to redirect the thinking of parents as well as adults so that the markers that mean something have to do with making disciples, not making and keeping children, students, parents and other adults happy. This is the only way that any church is going to become a disciple making church.
 
One last thing… I realize that I'm stereotyping. If your age based ministry looks nothing like what I’ve outlined… Congratulations!!!
Children, church, leadership, Student, Adult
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05.15.2013

Disciple Making Small Groups... Really

 
 
I continue to grapple with the church's responsibility to make disciples vs. making church members or simply hosting small groups so that people are assimilated into church life. Today I asked myself what might be a good definition for a group that is a disciple making group. After considering that a disciple realizes and allows the discipler to shepherd him or her, has counted the cost of discipleship, and has acknowledged that a disciple’s lifestyle is a new lifestyle than that of the average person, the following definition makes sense to me.
 
A group of twelve or less people being discipled by a discipler whose goal and responsibility is to see each person he/she is discipling become a mature follower of Jesus Christ who will then make disciples.
 
The roles of the discipler as as well the one being discipled might be...
 
            Discipler:
                        1. Is fully aware that he/she is responsible for the nurture of, spiritual                                                                        maturation of, protection of, and ongoing shepherding of those being                                                                        discipled.
                        2. Never lords over the disciple as the discipler is to instill the principles                                                                   and practices of a disciples' lifestyle without creating a legalist.
                        3. Models the principles, practices, and teachings he/she is espousing.                                                            
            Disciple:
                        1. Is fully aware that becoming a mature disciple will demand a change of                                                                lifestyle and much sacrifice.
                        2. Has counted the cost of discipleship and is willing to do whatever it                                                                     takes to follow Christ wholeheartedly and grow in Christ to full maturity.
                        3. Has given the disciple-maker permission to hold them accountable and                                                               speak wise counsel to them.
                        4. Is committed to someday, when ready to do so, be a disciple                                                                             maker.
 
Would love your opinion. What do you think about what you see above? 
Small Groups, Discipleship
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05.09.2013

The National Discipleship Conference… Join the Discipleship Revolution!

 
 
I am so very honored to be leading sessions at the first National Discipleship Conference taking place June 18 – 20 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Many of us are praying that this event will start a discipleship revolution that will sweep across North America and the world. Below you’ll find some information that may help you as you consider attending. I hope to see you there.  
 
The National Discipleship Conference will provide an opportunity for leaders to evaluate and sharpen their discipleship story. A discipleship revolution has begun. The church of the next generation must make Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” the driving force behind all she does. If we will seize this Sovereign moment the people of God will obliterate biblical illiteracy, raise up spiritually mature believers passionate to take the Gospel to the world, and set the western church back on the path Jesus designed for her.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS include Jim Putman, Jerry Bridges, Bill Hull, and Sal Sberna
.
 
WORKSHOPS:
 

Personal Coaching - Church Discipleship Ministry - A Ministry of the Navigators
Join us for an hour of one-on-one coaching. We will help the Pastor/leader do an assessment of their current reality in life and ministry and then zero in on their number one need. Pastors/leaders will experience coaching by developing a clear action plan on how to move forward in this area of their life. From there the coachee can determine if they would like more coaching like this in the future.

A Woman’s Journey of Discipleship – Women’s Ministry – Gigi Busa
A Woman's Journey of Discipleship will take you deep into a relationship with Christ. We will focus on spiritual disciplines, daily time in God's Word, making decisions using Scripture, and discovering the value of being and making disciples in a way that leaves a legacy of spiritual generations.
Every Man a Warrior – Men’s Ministry – Lonnie Berger
No man wants to fail. Yet in our culture men are struggling to succeed in life. The battles they fight at home, at work, with their finances and in their walk with God can be overwhelming. When marriages starts to unravel or children begin making bad choices, a lot of men withdraw; they just don’t know what to do! Men need someone to coach them how to fight and win in the battles of life. That’s the purpose of Every Man a Warrior.
 
Hybrid Bible Study Groups - Dr. John Herring
Have you ever wondered why your adult Bible study groups are so dry and dull? Do you need some ideas on how to engage your adult Sunday School class in meaningful conversations? What are you doing to encourage relationship building in your medium to large groups? What’s better – small groups or large groups?
 
Hybrid Bible Studies may be just what the doctor ordered for you and your church. 
We will look at:
  • Large group/small group dynamics·        
  • Creative teaching
  • Conversational teaching
  • Storying in the large group environment
  • Resources for creative teaching that make an impact
Inside/Out - For the Wives of Pastors/Ministry Leaders - Diane Nix
Some of the meanest people sit in church pews. Much of our teaching is relegated to the head. We puff ourselves up with the knowledge that we have concerning the Word, theology and how we are to serve or live out this Christian life. We struggle with victory over secret sin and spend most of our time concerned with how we look on the outside rather than living from an over flow of what is happening on the deepest level. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Relational Small Groups That Make Disciples... Really – Small Groups – Rick Howerton
Small Groups are known for being relational. In fact, the idea of being in community has so impacted the small group world that oftentimes the making of disciples has taken a back seat. This session will guide those attending to understand the components of a relational small group that makes disciples... Really.

The Role of Prayer in Discipling Others - John Franklin
If we are to make disciples of all nations, that means two things. First, we must know how to pray for others as we disciple them. Second, we must teach them to pray. This one hour session examines how Jesus prayed for His disciples, and how He taught them to pray.

The Strategic Impact of Making Disciples Among the Next Generation – Student Ministry – Joe Sweetman – University of Minnesota Navigator Staff
Ominous headlines and studies show that far too many young people are abandoning the church. Perhaps the entertainment-driven youth group culture needs a discipleship wake-up call. Imagine what would happen for the cause of Christ if this cause-driven, passionate, connected generation caught a vision to be robust disciples of Jesus and to be personally engaged in making disciples. How do we do it? Come learn from a practitioner who is seeing disciples rapidly multiply at the University of Minnesota.

Ways of the Alongsider - Discipleship -Bill Mowry
The Ways of the Alongsider paints a new picture of disciplemaking that moves this vital ministry out of the hands of ministry professionals to everyone who wants to participate in the great commission. You will learn a new pathway to disciple people in life2life ways.

Why Become a Disciple-Making Church? - Barry Sneed
We are thrilled that you have decided to join the discipleship revolution. Churches across the globe have begun to realize the importance of this biblical mandate (Matt. 28:19–20) and are imagining the transformation of lives and the culture where their church exists. Church leaders like yourself are dreaming of a congregation and community saturated with mature followers of Christ willing to do whatever it takes to further God’s Kingdom. Together we will talk about the "next steps" and "starting where you are" to become a disciple-making church. 
National Discipleship Conference, Discipleship
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05.08.2013

The Key to a Healthy Church... Elder Board or Elder Body?

 
 
Biblical leadership is the key to a healthy church. And biblical leadership principles are, in most instances, quite different than leadership principles that are exercised in most corporations. But, there is a plague that is sweeping through churches nationwide… elder teams that utilize business practices in the oversight of Christ’s church. And when that occurs, the church is more an organization than an organism, more a business than the body of Christ, and more prone to look like the world than the church Jesus died for.
 
There’s a difference between an elder board and an elder body. An elder board and a body are not the same animal. There are enormous differences in the two.
 
An elder board utilizes business principles and practices to manage the church.
An elder body systematically seeks out biblical principles and practices then utilizes them in the protection and oversight of Jesus’ bride, the church.
 
An elder board asks the question, what will the majority think of our decision?
An elder body asks the question, what is God directing us to do in this situation?
 
An elder board works hard to “keep the right people happy.”
An elder body will do what’s right even if it means some prominent individuals leave to join another congregation.
 
An elder board sees themselves as the supervisor of the senior pastor.
An elder body sees themselves as confidants, co-laborers, and trusted friends of the senior pastor.
 
An elder board tends to suck the life out of senior leadership through unnecessary scrutiny and an unwillingness to consider methodological modification.
An elder body encourages senior leadership to freely seek God’s direction and to continually pursue new methods that will aid the church in being missional.
 
An elder board separates themselves from the staff and tends to analyze the staff member’s work from a distance oftentimes asking for revision without understanding.
An elder body partners with church staff seeing them as co-laborers with a different but vital responsibility and trusts them to carry out the ministry they are called to do.  
 
An elder board and a elder body are not the same animal. One of these animals eats away at the organism Christ died for, keeping her from the freedom and joy that Jesus’ offers His body, the church. This group is known for rules and regulations, They keep those who are the church from experiencing the ride of their lives. The other breathes life into those who make up her ranks. This type pursues and brings nourishment from God to her constituency. These types exhibit the exuberance of those who don’t just know about Jesus but know Him personally. They are on the ride of their lives and are inviting everyone else to discover the thrill of it themselves. 
leadership, elders
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05.07.2013

My Interview With Ron Edmondson… Small Groups and Church Planting

 
 
Ron Edmondson is one of the leading Christian bloggers in North America. His blog, RE, Thoughts on Leadership, Church and Culture, as of today, is #17. What many people are unaware of is that Ron is also a very successful church planter having founded Grace Community Church in Clarksville, TN, a church that grew from 0 to 3,000 in less than 6 years.
 
I asked Ron if he’d be willing to answer some questions about small groups and church planting. I was thrilled when he gave me an affirmative response. Check out his insights. If you’re planting a church or are early on in the process, you’ll want to pay close attention as Ron unearths some astoundingly important insights.
 
Rick: Ron, I've talked with some small group pastors who are seriously considering planting a church. I'd like to ask you a few questions about that. 
 
What area of ministry were you doing prior to becoming a church planter? 
 
Ron: I was a Sunday school teacher, Sunday school director and deacon of a large Baptist church before entering ministry. Immediately after I surrendered to ministry I was called into church revitalization. It was studying how to do that that I "stumbled" into church planting. 
 
 
 
Rick: How did you know that you were called to plant a church? 
 
Ron: It was really like the frog in the kettle starting to boil gradually. I was in it before I realized that's what God was calling me to do with my life. Even now that I'm back in an older established church, I'm working with church planters, considering ways we can be involved in church planting. I think many times the activity of God is around us and we can't see clearly at the time. As we walk with Him daily, He reveals as much as we need to know for the next step. 
 
 
 
Rick: I talk often with small group pastors who lead me to believe that the primary reason they want to plant a church is because they sense they could be a better senior pastor than the one they are presently serving alongside. What would you say to the small group pastor who is living in this awkward space?
 
Ron: Well, as a senior pastor, I can say it looks different from where I sit than from other seats in the church. Until you wear the hat of senior leader you really won't understand all the pressures that come with the role. I'm sure our staff often thinks the same of me at times. A senior leader has to think not only about the small groups role, but the youth role, the administrative role, the community and missions role, the church growth, worship, and vision casting roles. There are so many hats a senior leader wears. That said, I wouldn't go into church planting with only this as a motivation, but a desire to lead better certainly can be a part of it. I'd ask bigger questions though...like am I willing to lead lonely at times. Am I willing to risk everything? Am I willing to walk solely by faith and know others are depending on me to follow Christ closely enough that they can follow me? Church planting is hard on the best days and shouldn't be entered lightly, but if you're being called to it...it's a great life. 
 
 
 
Rick: When you planted your church, what was your vision for small groups in the church you were planting?
 
Ron: I saw small groups as the lifeblood of the church. Sunday mornings are a door many times, and corporate worship is very important. But to keep people connected, to engage them in true discipleship, requires smaller venues of community. To connect people to the church, and keep them connected, we need small groups and service opportunities. 
 
 
 
Rick: Was that vision realistic or did you find out that what you had envisioned was too difficult to accomplish when starting a church from the ground up? Please explain? 
 
Ron: Well, it was realistic, but it didn't happen overnight. We were intentional though. We launched every new initiative small. So, for the first 6 months, only future leaders were in small group together. Once we had "practiced" together, we felt ready to launch bigger. We never looked back. 
 
 
 
Rick: Concerning the small group ministry in your church plant, what would you have done differently? 
 
Ron: Not a lot. I think we were very intentional with it and it worked well. We might consider doing leader training groups longer. Seems we never had enough leaders.  Also, initially we had all groups break at 12 to 18 months. I'm not sure I'd be as adamant about that next time. Sometimes there are benefits to a group staying together longer term. 
 
 
 
Rick: If you were consulting a church planter, what words of wisdom would you give that church planter concerning starting a small group ministry?
 
Ron: Bring Rick Howerton in before you start! Seriously, Rick, you were a great paradigm shaper in our early days...pre-launch. But, I also think I'd advise them to learn all they can from as many sources before launch. I don't know that we were as "up-to-date" on all the best practices out there. There are so many options. Learn from everyone, but then adapt a system that works best with your church's DNA. Don't believe you have to copycat some other church. 
 
 
 
Rick: I'm sure I left out something vital, what question do you wish I would have asked you and what would your answer be to that question? 
 
Ron: What do you do when groups aren't working? 
 
You try something else. Many people in our early days fell in love with groups by their second try. We encouraged the free look. Try it...and if it doesn't work...don't give up...try it again. We found it was necessary to give people freedom to explore within different groups until they fell in love with group life. Once they did, they would make any group work.
 
Ron Edmondson is presently the senior pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky. 


You May Also Want to Read...
Talking Small Groups With Guest Rick Howerton by Ed Stetzer
When to Start Small Groups in a Church Plant by Nelson Searcy


Ron Edmondson, Small Groups, Interview, Church Planting
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05.03.2013

Ten Random Things This Blogger Learned Because of His Surgery

 
 
This past weekend I had an emergency appendectomy. No rupture, not even a whole lot of pain PRIOR TO THE SURGERY. I thought a few random and revealing thoughts might be in order.
 
1.     Three minor incisions can create major pain throughout any given region of the human body.
 
2.     My wife is the most wonderful person on planet earth.
 
3.     People take you seriously when you say, “Please don’t drop by to visit.”, and I’m grateful they do.
 
4.     Even at 55, it’s still comforting to see your mom sitting next to the bed in your hospital room.
 
5.     Working for someone who understands real life is a huge blessing.
 
6.     Hospital food isn’t so bad after all, if you haven’t eaten ANYTHING for 24 hours.
 
7.     Walking from one room to the next is a big deal when you’re in big pain.
 
8.     Brothers can get some very interesting and ugly pictures of you when you haven’t completely awakened from the anesthesia.
 
9.     A small group can be just as exciting and revealing when the leader of the group is unable to attend.
 
10.Good friends are everywhere. Much thanks to church leaders around the country who sent words of encouragement. 
Random Thoughts
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05.02.2013

National Community Church in Washington, DC Has a One Year Protege Program… Wow!

 
 
My friend, Heather Zempel, is one of the most impressive church leaders I know. She is a communicator extraordinaire, a captivating writer, and a person who seems to exhibit the characteristics of Christ in every setting in which I’ve seen her. When she mentioned to me that her church offers a year-long leadership development experience, I wanted to make sure that anyone within arms reach of this blog had the opportunity to consider it. Below you’ll see a description of the program as it is described on the web page.
 
 The Protégé Program is a year-long intensive spiritual growth, leadership development, and ministry immersion experience at National Community Church in Washington, DC. The program is designed to focus on three core areas: character, community and calling. As an NCC Protégé, you will be given the opportunity to learn from some of the most innovative thinkers and creators in ministry, participate in the day to day activities of church staff culture, stretch yourself as a leader, and lay a firm foundation for a life-long pursuit of the passion and vision that God has placed on your life.
As a protégé, you will choose a ministry department to focus your efforts throughout the year. You will be assigned a mentor within your department that will work alongside of you throughout the year. If you love kids- we’ve got them, and we want you to help us create environments for them and teach truth to them! If you are passionate about seeing the marketplace and the church collide, we would love for you to experience the management behind Ebenezers coffeehouse. If you love creating environments where community is built and transformational growth happens, our discipleship team would love to take your passion even further! Love creating videos? Our media team wants to invest in your talent to tell the story of God through moving pictures. If you are a worship leader, we would love to pair you up with other talented and anointed worship leaders that want to take your gifts to the next level! 

In addition to your department work, you will attend weekly protégé huddles. These huddles are led by Mark Batterson (lead pastor) or Heather Zempel (program director and discipleship pastor). Huddles offer ongoing discipleship training and leadership development in a small group environment that focuses on topics such as Leading Yourself Well, Character Killers, Dreaming God-sized Dreams, and Leadership Rhythms.

If you have specific questions about the program, feel free to email us at protege@theaterchurch.com.

Applications for the 2013-2014 Protégé Class are due on May 10, 2013.
 
If you’re considering church ministry and you want to be mentored by great church leaders who make great church leaders, you really ought to consider this opportunity. 
 
 
 
 
Training, Leadership
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