Healthy Church & Emergent Leadership Development
Development throughout GCI is shaped and driven by Healthy Church vision. GCI’s vision for healthy church is focused on healthy ministries and healthy leadership. Healthy leaders drive healthy church. Healthy churches raise up healthy leaders that drive healthy church and so the cycle of meaningful participation in Jesus’ ministry continues.
Within the focus on healthy leadership the development of emergent generations of leaders merits unique attention. Why? Apprenticing and mentoring the next generation to participate meaningfully in Jesus’ ministry is an act of stewardship for the future. It presents an opportunity for mutual learning and fresh expressions of ministry in response to the Spirit. Ultimately, investment in emergent leadership is a natural outflow of healthy church rhythms.
Ministry Training Centers will bring increased focus to the development of emergent leaders in GCI. It is a space that provides academic learning while gaining practical hands-on experience in ministry in the life of a healthy church.
What is a Ministry Training Center?
a site dedicated to the development and multiplication of young emerging leaders through provision of strategic ministry equipping within the life of the church.
Examples:
- a GCI church identified to develop an MTC brings an additional layer of focus, formality, and reach to rhythms of leader development and multiplication in a manner that represents the culture, character, strengths, and needs of the local church context
- Remember, MTCs are NOT the only place where leadership development and multiplication happen. Healthy churches are always developing healthy leaders!
The Three M’s of MTCs
- Ministry training programs: multi-year programs designed to provide cohorts with immersive ministry experience and education
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- A “Learning Community” is formed from members who are displaying commitment to the church and actively serving in one of the established ministries. These students are invited to engage in formal Ambassador College of Christian Ministry classes offered on-site. The goal is to provide them with foundational Christian education that will enhance their ability to serve. It will take 2.5 years to complete an ACCM certificate.
- Pastoral resident program: apprenticeship in pastoral ministry for those who, in community, have discerned a calling to pastoral ministry and are able to be accepted into Grace Communion Seminary. The residents will engage in a 7-course program with the seminary and complete a Pastoral Diploma in 2.5 years.
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- Ministry training experiences: support to emerging leaders, existing pastors, and ministry leaders across the region for the building up of the church
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- On-site participants will apprentice under the tutelage of the MTC Coordinator and other experienced church leaders. Educational tracks, seminars, hands-on experiences, and exposure to Faith, Hope and Love Avenues make up the package for immersive learning.
- Ministry seminars will be offered at the MTC site and pastors and leaders from surrounding area are welcome to participate. Pastors who need opportunities for professional development can sit in on classes offered at the MTC.
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- Multiplication: multiplication of healthy GCI leaders, ministries, and churches
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- Emerging leaders released into best fit ministry participation
- Fresh expressions of avenue ministries
- Sending of church plant teams
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While MTCs are a new development in GCI, they embody a spirit of participation in Jesus’s ministry that goes all the way back to the early church. The Antioch church we bear witness to in the book of Acts provides a Biblical image of the spirit of participation that MTCs are modeled after. Consider the following commonalities between the MTC model and the Antioch church. Acts 11:19-30 & 14:21-28
Supporting MTC Development
Want to learn how to support the efforts of Ministry Training Centers? Contact the US Superintendent or other members of the National Ministry Team for more information.