To learn more about the Global LEAD Alliance please contact:

Transcription

1 To learn more about the Global LEAD Alliance please contact: Rev. Jon Byler LEAD Director 315 W. James St. #202 Lancaster, PA GlobalLEADAlliance.net

2 Around the world, Global LEAD Alliance is a catalyst and a resource to launch locally-owned and sustained leadership development programs. The Alliance empowers local church leaders to use their own resources to develop Christ-like leaders. These transformed servant leaders influence their world and train others. Rapid multiplication of well-trained, Christ-like leaders is the result. Our approach is unique both in what we do, and in what we do not do: We do not. Fund or own local programs Export a one size fits all approach Develop programs that require outside funding to continue Travel repeatedly to an area for training Invest in physical structures We do. Empower the local church to train her own leaders Train those who will train others Provide models and materials that can be locally contextualized Focus on all Christian leaders, not just clergy Encourage development of Christian leadership in all spheres of society Target those unreached with the Gospel by building Great Commission leaders Use non-traditional forms of education Develop an alliance committed to cooperation and collaboration Connect and mentor developing programs Work inter-denominationally Serve as a catalyst to initiate local programs that are: o Based on character, knowledge and skill o Mission-focused o Contextualized o Reproducible o Self-sustainable Global LEAD Alliance 1

3 The Priority of Leadership Development The fulfillment of the mission our Lord Jesus has given us will require believers who are capable, Christ-like leaders serving in the global body of Christ and in all spheres of society. Leaders will determine the church s health, growth and effectiveness in mission. Yet, around the world there is a leadership vacuum. In many parts of the world, the body of Christ is growing faster than leaders are being developed. Many pastors have little or no training for the work they are doing. Bible colleges and seminaries are working hard to fill the need for theological training and are doing a commendable job. The Global Leadership Equipping and Development (LEAD) Alliance seeks to complement this training with models that are producing effective leaders, integrating the Biblically-based but often overlooked components of character formation and leadership skills along with Biblical knowledge. Within the community of believers are many who are in positions of influence in their professions and who desire to spread the influence of the Kingdom in their own spheres of society. Christ-like leadership principles and skills are equally important for these persons in business, education, government and other realms of society. Our Philosophy of Leadership Development Global LEAD Alliance sees Christian leadership development as a specific and deliberate process of equipping disciples of Jesus Christ to be effective change agents in their spheres of influence. Leaders are ultimately servants, first of all serving God and then serving His people in the world. Leadership development flows out of discipleship, the process of becoming Christ-like in heart, motivation, character and relationships. Leaders are disciples who develop themselves and are called to a higher level of influence than others. Jesus commission was to I am convinced that the cause of focused Christian leadership development took a huge leap forward on December 2, 2005, when seven training programs formed the Global LEAD Alliance. Having been involved in leadership training in many cultures for twenty-five years I became convinced that the churches and institutions were not doing an adequate job of raising up new leaders and nurturing those already in leadership. I felt there is a compelling need for better thoughtthrough, longer-term training programs which are high quality, stand-alone programs geared specifically to the development of servant Christ-empowered leaders for all aspects of community life. This is precisely the vision of the Global LEAD Alliance. - Dr. Don Jacobs, anthropologist, author and leadership trainer make disciples; however, His disciple-making process developed effective leaders that changed the world. We are called to do the same. Leadership development is a process, not an event. Events are useful in this process but cannot replace a lifelong journey of growth as a leader. We choose to use the word development rather than training to reflect this distinction. Leadership development has a purpose: to speed the fulfillment of the mission of Jesus. Strong leadership is needed in the church if we will reach the billions who are still waiting to hear the Good News we possess. Leadership development has a specific focus: helping persons lead more effectively. Much training being done is called leadership training. Indeed, many current and future leaders experience various kinds of academic or technical training. However, they are not necessarily being trained in character, the skills of leadership, or how to influence others to enthusiastically work towards a common goal. Our observation is that in many parts of the world, Biblical knowledge or technical information has been the primary focus with the assumption that this qualifies a person to lead. We believe Christian leadership development includes life transformation encompassing all three essential areas: character, knowledge, and leadership skills. We represent this as a three-legged stool with Christ at the center. Character Christ-like leaders demonstrate a lifestyle of consistent integrity. Character and integrity are foundational in the life of a credible leader. Character is the sum total of the moral qualities that define a person s life and is foundational to leadership. Character sustains leadership by providing credibility and trust. When a leader demonstrates a lifestyle of consistent integrity, people follow more enthusiastically. Credible leadership begins on the inside and flows outward. Character thus shapes the motives and call of a leader in profound ways that greatly determine effectiveness. Effective leaders develop Christ-like character as they grow in five key areas: Intimacy with Jesus Developing a deep, personal relationship with Christ Leading with the heart of Jesus Incorporating Jesus model of servant leadership into everyday practice Family life Establishing a strong foundation for leading others Attitude Creating the environment from which a leader influences Integrity Building character and trust Global LEAD Alliance 2 3 Global LEAD Alliance

4 Knowledge Christ-like leaders possess knowledge that enables them to serve as influencers in all walks of life. This knowledge encompasses several areas: Scripture Providing a foundational and growing understanding of the Bible and ability to correctly interpret and apply the scriptures Self Empowering the leader to embrace his/her own strengths and weaknesses and affirm the gifts of others Vocation Equipping the leader to recognize his/her work as the call of God and to do it with excellence Leadership principles Allowing the leader to develop as an influencer instead of protecting a position The impact of leadership in fulfilling the Great Commission Enabling the leader to understand the critical role of leaders in carrying out the Great Commission Skills Christ-like leaders have the ability to influence others to enthusiastically work towards a common goal. These skills are based on Biblical principles but are distinct from the knowledge mentioned above. Leadership skills are applicable in a broad range of vocations and complement vocational training. For example, a teacher must possess a basic understanding of the subject matter and know how to teach. However, this does not make the teacher an effective leader. The same is true for a church leader who has Biblical knowledge and good theological training. This does not ensure that he/she will be an effective leader in the church. The skills of leadership include a wide range of learned abilities in areas such as: Leading self Building the foundation from which leading others flows Relating to others Allowing the leader to build relationships Leading change Enabling the leader to accomplish God s vision Equipping others Allowing the leader to multiply him/herself Building effective teams Increasing the leader s ability to accomplish the goal Our belief is, therefore, that leadership development is an ongoing process of equipping disciples to become Christ-like, having a healthy balance of character, knowledge, and skills with the goal of building the church and reaching those who have never heard the Good News of Jesus. Vision and Mission of Global LEAD Alliance Vision We envision leadership programs around the world producing effective Christ-like leaders in all spheres of society who will serve, live, lead and relate in ways that give everyone the opportunity to choose Christ. Mission Our mission is to develop a global alliance of effective locally-owned leadership development programs that are cooperative efforts of groups of congregations working in a strategic alliance to strengthen and multiply similar programs around the world. How Global LEAD Alliance Fulfills Its Vision Our strategy is to assist groups of churches to launch their own leadership development programs and to bring them together in an alliance. These local programs typically meet one evening per week or one day a month for practical training in character development, knowledge, and skills of effective leadership. Global LEAD Alliance expects leadership development programs to: be locally-owned and sustained, develop material relevant for their context and provide instruction on each of fifteen core concepts. A minimum of one lesson must be taught for each concept. The core curriculum is designed to meet this requirement. The Alliance serves as a catalyst to make this happen by providing training, resourcing, connecting and mentoring resulting in multiplying leaders and programs. Training Global LEAD Alliance uses two primary training events to fulfill its vision: Leadership Consultations and Training of Trainers workshops. Leadership Consultations These one to three-day events provide leadership training to local leaders in character development, Biblical knowledge, and leadership skills. In addition, they serve as an introduction to the model of Global LEAD Alliance and challenge local leaders to be intentional about leadership development. Trainers for these Consultations include a cross-cultural team from Global LEAD Alliance. I learned the critical importance of contextualizing the program and how to set up curriculum. The conference was a totally new experience for me. I was given a sense of vision, motivation and encouragement. from a TOT participant in India Training of Trainers (TOT) This core event of Global LEAD Alliance is four days of intensive training for those who want to design their own locally-owned leadership development programs. Participants learn Global LEAD Alliance 4 5 Global LEAD Alliance

5 the philosophy of leadership development, look closely at desired outcomes, grapple with the complex question of how leaders are formed, and think about how to contextualize leadership development in their own setting. In addition, they learn practical skills for designing their own program and how to create assignments that transform lives. At the completion of the training they produce an action plan with the steps they will take to develop a local program. The diagram below illustrates the entire process. The TOT provides participants with extensive notes of all sessions, models of existing programs, sample lessons from the core curriculum and reference material helpful for launching new programs. In addition, participants receive electronic copies of Global LEAD Alliance s resource CD. Global LEAD Alliance seeks funding for the TOT event to assist the participants to attend and produce the necessary materials for the training. After the TOT is completed the participants develop their own programs using locally generated funds. One TOT event normally assists in launching between five to ten programs within one year. Each of these programs trains between ten and forty persons per year on an ongoing basis and often multiply themselves and begin other programs in nearby regions. Resourcing In addition to the philosophical framework taught in the TOT, Global LEAD Alliance provides fifteen core concepts which form the basis of curriculum development. An optional core curriculum of twenty-one ready-to-teach lessons is provided as an additional resource. These one-hour lessons have been tested internationally and include teachers notes, student handouts, and learning assignments focused on application and life change. These resources enable a program to begin quickly while encouraging further contextualization as the program develops. The translation of these materials into local languages provides an effective way for thousands of church and marketplace leaders to be trained. Core Concepts Core Concepts and Core Curriculum CHARACTER Intimacy with Jesus (The recognition that all of Christian leadership flows from an intimate connection with Jesus fostered through spiritual disciplines.) The Heart of Christian Leadership (Integration of Jesus model of servant leadership, humility, self-discipline, and brokenness into daily life.) Family life (Acknowledgement that a strong family life is foundational to leadership.) Attitude (A call to develop a Christ-like attitude and an understanding of the power of the leaders attitude.) Integrity (A recognition that character flows from integrity and is based on consistency in practical areas of the leader s life such as speech, submission, honesty, transparency, etc.) KNOWLEDGE Scripture (A basic understanding of biblical interpretation and skill for lifelong study.) Self (The awareness of personal potential, personality, strengths/weaknesses, and leadership style.) Vocation (An understanding that professions are a calling from God and that believers should work with exellence in their spheres of influence.) Leadership Principles (Knowledge of what leadership is, the difference between leading from position and leading from influence, and the distinction between leadership and vocational competence.) The Impact of Leadership in Fulfilling the Great Commission (The relationship of the Great Commission and leadership.) SKILLS Leading self (The ability to manage time, set and accomplish personal goals, make wise decisions, establish and live by priorities, and a commitment to personal and vocational growth.) Relating to others (The ability to relate well with others, communicate, understand differences and resolve conflict.) Leading Change (The ability to identify where change is needed, seek improvement, envision the future, get buy-in from others to share the vision, create strategic plans, implement and assess the change.) Equipping others (The ability to recognize leadership potential in others and provide the needed training, mentoring and motivation to develop them as leaders.) Building effective teams (The ability to effectively select, delegate, empower, and oversee subordinates, and accomplishing goals through an effective team.) Core Curriculum 1. The Leader and Intimacy with Jesus 2. The Heart of Christian Leadership 3. Brokenness 4. The Leader and Family 5. The Leader and Attitude 6. The Leader and Forgiveness 7. Bible Study Skills for Leaders 8. Potential, See It 9. Potential, Shape It 10. The Leader and Vocation 11. Lead On 12. Leadership and Ministry 13. The Basics of Christian Leadership 14. Leadership and the Great Commission 15. Goals 16. Time Management 17. People Skills 18. The Value of Vision 19. The Leader and Equipping 20. Choosing Leaders 21. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work Global LEAD Alliance 6 7 Global LEAD Alliance

6 Connecting The needs for leadership around the world demand not only new models of leadership development but also new patterns of working together. Each part of the body of Christ around the world has something significant to contribute to leadership development and something to learn from others committed to the same task. It is not accurate, therefore, to assume that a model developed in one location will be universally applicable. It is time to work together in a way that allows learning from each other and growing together. Global LEAD Alliance was formed in December 2005 by seven leadership development programs that came together in order to accomplish a common vision. This alliance is more than a network for learning; it is a strategic alliance whose purpose is to see leadership programs launched, strengthened and reproduced. Working together strengthens the quality of existing leadership development programs and accelerates the creation of new programs through the sharing of ideas and resources on a global scale. The Alliance assists the body of Christ in every nation to do their part in raising up more effective Christ-like leaders for the expansion of the Kingdom. We have joined together to: Speed the process of leadership development Provide mutual counsel and support Allow sharing of resources (human and material) Provide program evaluation Facilitate the Training of Trainers Enable cross-cultural reflection Produce global connections Enhance research capabilities Encourage interdependency Support one another in prayer As new programs are launched we invite them to join the Global LEAD Alliance which connects them with similar programs around the world. These programs pray for each other, share lessons without copyright restrictions, and meet together annually for continued training. Since I was born, this is the first time I saw a white [man] washing the feet of a black. When I saw this, I knew it was God. A Chief in Africa All Global LEAD Alliance programs share the following core commitments in leadership development. Christ-likeness. Jesus is our model for life and His leadership is the standard for all Christian leaders. We continually look at His life as the highest model of leadership. Service. The nature of true leadership is serving and empowering others. Character. Development of character is the essential component that creates and sustains trust, integrity and Christ-like relationships in the life of the leader. Knowledge. Biblical knowledge forms the framework for Christ-like leadership development. Skills. Leadership skills are needed to complement character and knowledge. Life transformation. All leadership development should focus on life change and should always include assignments and learning experiences designed for application of the principles learned. Relationships. All leadership takes place in the context of relationships. We seek to cultivate and develop healthy relationships. This includes student/teacher relationships, family relationships, church relationships, relationship of the program to authority, relationships within the Alliance, etc. Release. All leadership development is designed to empower others and release workers into effective Christ-like leadership. Cooperation. We cooperate locally and globally believing that this brings the highest good and fulfills the prayer of Christ (John 17). Therefore, we will generously share people, resources, ideas or dreams for the blessing of others. Excellence. In all we do we strive to reflect the highest standards of quality. Relevance. We strive to make all our leadership development Biblically sound, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the local context. Great Commission focus. Our goal in leadership development is to see every person given the opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel. Interdisciplinary. Leadership development is needed in all spheres of society: church, business, political, etc. The Church. The church is God s plan for making disciples of all nations/peoples and teaching them to obey all Jesus taught. We work together as congregations or local expressions of the global body of Christ to see Christ-like leaders developed. Prayer. Intercession and prayer are foundational to this Alliance. We believe that all we do should be conceived, birthed and carried out in prayer. Global LEAD Alliance 8 9 Global LEAD Alliance

7 Criteria for Membership To be a member of the Alliance a local program should fulfill the following: 1. Embrace the Alliance vision, mission, philosophy of leadership development, core concepts and core commitments. 2. Be a cooperative effort by people from a cluster of congregations. 3. Be locally-owned and sustained. 4. Be an ongoing program providing a minimum of forty hours of formal instruction per year. 5. Include some form of accountability for life transformation. (This could be a mentoring process, exams, etc.) 6. Complete the required application process. 7. Contribute a minimum of 2% of the program s total budget to the Alliance. 8. Attend Global LEAD Alliance meetings. Mentoring The Alliance recognizes the need to provide guidance to programs as they begin training leaders. To facilitate this process they are linked with a member program leader in a mentoring relationship for a period of at least one year, or until they meet the quality standards of the Alliance. Multiplying The end result of our strategy is multiplication of leaders and programs. Each program is expected to continually develop more leaders. This strengthens the local church and equips workers to move out to areas the church has not yet reached. Additionally, the programs naturally produce other programs. As leaders move out beyond the area of the initial training, they are encouraged to begin a program in a new location. Because the programs are locally sustained, this can be done without further assistance from the Alliance. New program leaders are encouraged to attend a TOT to understand the philosophy behind the training. This multiplication greatly expands the impact of our initial TOT event. (See diagram on page 11 to view the typical sequence of events.) Global LEAD Alliance Global LEAD Alliance

8 We have been enriched. This vision you ve given us is 100% Biblical. This attracted me and I m convinced that when Jesus works in our character we can bear fruit that will last. I ask, what will I do with what I received? God has given us gifts and talents through this group we need to be accountable. Participant in Paraguay TOT 2009 Patrick attended a LEAD program in Kenya and shared: I always had a passion for training leaders and after attending this leadership training program got a clear direction on where to take the people I was training. I started with training elders in my church. Later I talked to pastors in my area and started leadership training in my church for the leaders in those different churches. I also began a training class in Mwingi with 30 students that includes church leaders, school teachers and 2 chiefs. I have another class of 40 leaders in another town in Kenya. God expanded my boundaries and I now have classes going on in two places in Tanzania as well. A testimony from a graduate in a program in India in April 2009 says, Before attending this program I had a low self esteem and I always had a negative attitude, but after attending this program, I have come to know that My God has invested a lot of potential in me, which was not being utilized. Now after attending this Program my attitude is completely changed and I have decided to use the potential I have totally to the Lord s ministry. This thing is changing my life I will transfer it to my church. A text message from Kenya We have often been told to live with integrity, but the lessons in the school helped us see what integrity looks like in our daily lives. from a graduate After the lesson on authority, I realized that I had rebelled against my pastor and needed to ask his forgiveness. I tried twice to get an appointment but failed. I almost gave up but felt that I needed to pursue him and finally was able to sit with the pastor and his wife and ask for forgiveness. from a presenter in a member program The lessons have transformed my life. I now have peace at home. In my working place non-christians used to scoff at our testimony; now they see my life is changed and they come to ask for prayer. a graduating student from India As I joined the course it s like a pipe where the water tap opened and we received the blessings. from Sumatra, Indonesia October 2008