Learn and Lead

Key Thought: An Effective Leader is a Life Long Learner.

Introduction

When we are in school or in a training system we can not wait for it to be over so we can get busy with ministry. Once we start out in ministry we realize (hopefully) that we have a lot to learn. We also realize (again hopefully) that the world is constantly changing and old ways of doing things are no longer as effective as they used to be. We also realize (again hopefully) that we need continual growth to become what God desires us to be. An effective leader therefore develops a growth plan. This plan should include both personal growth and ministry growth. A variety of topics are necessary. A few that come to mind are continued understanding of the scriptures and theology, cultural awareness, ministry skills development, leadership skills development and personal spiritual disciplines. 

An essential component of any growth plan is to attend regular training events  including seminars, workshops and conferences. The benefits of attending training events is three fold. First they give you a break away from your ministry context. Getting outside of your context even for a day or two can give you a different perspective on your context. Second they provide an opportunity to learn. I always seek to come away from a training with one action point from every training I attend. Thirdly they provide opportunities to network with others outside of your usual circle. Recently I attended the Free Methodist Multiply Conference held in Michigan. This is outside of my usually geographical area and I meet many new people. It also expanded my view of what God is doing in the world. To give you an idea of what you can learn or be reminded of by attending a seminar the next section has some bullet points from a recent seminar I attended at the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove in Asheville NC. 

Bullet Points from a Recent Seminar I Attended

Seminar: Breakthrough Ministry with Pastor Jim Cymbala

• Pastors are supposed to do the work of an evangelist even if they are not evangelists
• Satan's strategy is to strike the shepherd and scatter the sheep. His weapons are discouragement, confusion and distraction.
• Breakthrough ministry - Be led by the Holy Spirit and have prayer as a priority
• Remind God of His word to you - what He has said will happen - Psalm 119:49
• Ministry is facing problems and finding solutions
• Unity among the church staff is essential
• Paul did not say, "I have danced the good dance" he said "I have fought the good fight."
• If you see God's hand on someone's life spend time developing them
• First lesson to learn if you want to be led by the Spirit is to accept that you could be wrong

Opportunities for Growth

1. The Free Methodist Church in general and the Acts 1224 conference have many opportunities for growth.  Go to the web site for information. www.fmcusa.org 

2. The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville North Carolina has 5 conferences each year that are free to pastors (room, board and conference all free). The speakers are always of the highest quality. You must reserve space in advance. Go to their web site for more information  http://www.thecove.org Look under pastoral renewal Retreats.

3. Keep your ears and eyes open training opportunities are abundant.

 

Upcoming Seminar at the Ministry Training Center of Metro NY/NJ

Hospitality and Encouragement: Biblical Skills for Leaders - May 12, 2018

For more information and to register please email: ministrytraining1224@gmail.com