Launch Leadership Training Program

Launch Leadership Training Program

What is launch?

A year long, part time, Christian leadership experience. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be trained in leadership skills, develop in spiritual maturity, deepen their love for Jesus and be strategically placed to serve in different parts of God’s church.

Our Leadership Training Program will seek to grow leaders, giving them the learning and support they need.

Before we go any further, what has covid done to the program?

Great question. As with so many things in 2020, things have changed and are changing. We are adapting as the situation unfolds and planning a very adaptable program that we hope will thrive in a post-covid world. Participating in the course in 2021 would without doubt require a level of flexibility and readiness to adapt should the situation with the virus change. Here are a few things we can say with some certainty at this early stage (written Sep 2020):

  • The program will be a hybrid online/in-person format. We are committed to some in-person meetings but only when it is 100% safe and sensible to do so.
  • St John’s will be joining with a small number of other Anglican churches around Melbourne in running the program. Combining our resources and expertise will increase the quality and diversity of the program.
  • The program will be more specifically focused on Youth Ministry than it was in the past.

Right now we are simply seeking expressions of interest. As we lock in more details and learn more about what 2021 will look like, things will become clearer and we will open up for official applications.

The Experience

In Team

Trainees meet weekly as a group. In these meetings the group will sharpen each other, learn from God’s word, interact with experienced Christian leaders and grow in their own Christian leadership.

Curriculum will be delivered in modules of 5-6 weeks. Each module will be facilitated by a leader from a participating Anglican Church in Melbourne.

One on One

Each trainee will have a coach with whom they regularly meet one-on-one. These meetings will help trainees navigate the challenges of leadership and grow them in their understanding of the type of leader God has gifted them to be.

On the Job

The best learning is caught, not taught. Each trainee will take on a significant leadership role in the life of their local church where they can directly apply their learning.

The Three Areas of Growth

Growth in Christian faith, character and competence. This involves diving deep into the word of God, focused reflection on who God is and a deep understanding of God’s grace.

Head

What we think. How we apply our faith to issues both big and small. To have the mind of Christ.

Heart

We don’t just want to know about God, we want to really know him. Good relationship with Jesus requires our hearts; our emotions, hopes and desires.

Hands

Leaders will have lots of opportunity to put their faith into action.

Who is this for?

The first requirement is that you love Jesus, have a desire to build your life on him and to share him with those who don’t know him.

Secondly, you need to be 18+ years of age by June 30th the year you begin the program.

Thirdly, ideally you have been a part of your church community for a minimum of 12 months.

Finally, the commitments of this part-time program would need to comfortably fit with your other responsibilities in life. For example, this program does not suit people working full time, Monday-Friday. It is better suited to full time workers with lots of flexible time, part time workers, students, retirees and those taking a gap year.

Examples:

  • A tertiary student splits their time between the Leadership Training Program and study.
  • A stay-at-home parent splits their time between the Leadership Training Program and parenting.
  • A worker works 1-4 days per week whilst participating in the Leadership Training Program on their day off.
  • A retiree splits their time between the Leadership Training Program and other responsibilities.

What topics does the program cover?

Here is a breakdown of the key topics of our program. Each topic covers multiple weeks and multiple learning styles.

  • Leadership and Character. How understanding ourselves and our relationships with God and others helps us lead well.
  • Team Leading. How to grow committment, accountability and clear communication within a team.
  • Leading Culture. Communities and teams full of grace and truth.
  • Leading Mission. Sharing the good news.
  • Strategy. Vision, purpose and change management.
  • Public speaking. From small groups to large crowds.

What are the Commitments?

Dates: Feb 1st – Dec 25th (including four weeks of no scheduled program)

Time commitments:

  • One half day of group time every week (Friday, 9:30am-1pm). Most weeks this will be online via Zoom but we will meet in person approximately once every six weeks at a physical location (Covid restrictions allowing).
  • Participation in a significant ministry role. Times will vary depending on the role.
    • Examples: Life Group Leader, Ministry Coordinator, Local Chaplain, Aged Care Helper, Coach, Mission Initiative Leader.
  • A coaching meeting at least every three weeks – 60-90 minutes (meeting time organised between you and your coach).
  • Study time as required.
  • Two Conferences/Mission Trips during the year (details TBC, there would be no group meeting those weeks).

Study Commitments:

We require all trainees to complete (or have completed) some sort of formal theological education. You may choose to do this external to our program but, for those who don’t, we provide six subjects from the Ridley College Certificate.

Note: if doing theological training outside of our program, the coordinators will need to approve it as an adequate replacement for the Ridley Certificate.

Ridley Certificate Details

Bible Overview Discover the whole message of the Bible.
Gospel & Life Hear what Jesus has to say about what it means to be his disciple.
Understanding your Bible Learn how to read and understand the Bible.
Knowing God Uncover what and why Christians believe and the difference it makes.
Electives x2 Decided during the year.

If you would like to get the Certificate of Bible Ministry (10 subjects) or Advanced Certificate of Bible Ministry (12 subjects) you can complete those in your own time.

Note: if doing theological training outside of our program, the coordinators will need to approve it as an adequate replacement for the Ridley Certificate.

Example of an average group day:

  • 9:30am Group bible reading and discussion
  • 10am Quiet time/prayer
  • 10:30am Morning Tea Together
  • 11am Leadership Development with an LTP facilitator
  • 1pm Finish

How does finance work in the Program?

We expect the the program to cost $2500-$3000 per person. We recommend seeking the help of your church to fundraise the cost of the program.

How to apply

Click here for an initial expression of interest (we’d love to have a no-commitments chat with you) or apply below.

The process consists of an application form (below), reference checks and an interview. After the interview you will either be accepted into the program or contacted as to why your application has been declined.

Contact Kirk Mackenzie if you have any questions.

e: kirk@stjohnsdc.org.au

w: (03) 9438 1264