Day 5: Training Church Leaders

One of the four goals of the General Board of Global Ministries is to strengthen, develop, and renew Christian congregations and communities. By working mutually with mission partners in growth and development of spiritual life, worship, witness, and service, this work continues to play a vital role in disciple making around the world.

The Academies for Evangelization and Church Growth uses a train-the-trainers model in building strategies for discipleship formation. The leadership in the geographic region for each academy determines that academy's theme. Trainers include bishops, district superintendents, university and college professors, lay and clergy people, and community leaders.

After each regional academy, participants are encouraged and supported to conduct subsequent trainings at their conference and district levels. This helps multiply the effects of the training and further the mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

In the fall of 2009, academies were held in West Africa to equip, empower, and strengthen new leaders in the Central Conferences of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Nigeria. In the spring of 2010, academies were continued in southern Africa for pastors and lay leaders from Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. An academy is planned in Southeast Asia for the fall of 2010.

Another aspect of training church leaders includes worship development, planning, and building upon music skills. The Global Praise Program of Global Ministries works collaboratively in a team environment to train pastors, church musicians, and Christian educators. The training includes study in Wesleyan sacramental theology, creative worship planning, development of curriculum for children and youth, and specific music skill building such as keyboard, vocal and choral technique, and instrumental ensembles. Since 2007, training events have been held in East Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nicaragua, with plans for a training event in Laos/Thailand in 2011.

Academies for Evangelization and Church Growth, Advance #3020947

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Quick Facts

• The Academies of ECG are Global Ministries’ primary tool for providing effective and contextual leadership training in Africa and Asia for long-term holistic impact.

• An Academy for ECG is a four-day regional and residential training experience for clergy and lay leaders in Biblical, theological, contextual, and practical models for effective leadership development, disciple-making, long-term congregational vitality, and community impact.

• Trainings are planned by a regional group of clergy and lay leaders to ensure cultural relevance and ownership.

• Connects the church with the world and the world with the church in song! Global Praise: Singing the Church Together.

• Engages persons in mission education through music and worship. (globalpraise.org)

• Trains church musicians all over the world on how to become effective leaders of Global Song.