This month, The Cove will host the first 2009 leadership training opportunity designed to meet these needs. Pastors and other church staff have been getting renewed at the Cove for several years – thanks to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to begin these programs.
In 2002, the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove decided it was time to address the particular needs of those in full-time church ministry. A group of pastors were invited to a series of forums to discuss the unique needs of those in church leadership.
Those conversations revealed the pastors’ greatest needs – connections with other pastors who understood the struggles of ministry, and mentors who could speak into the struggles of a leader’s life.
The pastors were encouraged and wanted more, so Pastor’s Institutes were created in 2004. Pastors were encouraged to bring their spouses and core ministry teams to a full day of training, facilitated by well-known teachers. Pastor’s Institutes have continued to grow, averaging 350 pastors, spouses and ministry team members attending.
“As a staff, we have sensed God using The Cove and these leadership events to encourage these participants. Because these are frequently pivot points in the life of a pastor and their ministry, we get a lot of great feedback,” said John Parrish, Director of Programs for the Cove. “Sometimes pastors will confide they came in the door anticipating handing in their resignation the next Sunday and walk out with a new sense of calling and vision to continue on.”
In 2008, the Cove began offering Leadership Forums, in addition to the Pastor’s Institutes. These are one-day seminars related to a topic of current ministry, but limited to 30 participants. Along with having a seasoned ministry veteran speak concerning a specific area of ministry, these forums allow dialogue with the teacher as mentor.
Featured mentor guests have included Dr. Henry Blackaby from Blackaby Ministries, Pastor H.B. London from Focus on the Family, and Dr. Erwin Lutzer of Moody Church.
Through leadership training over the years, attendees have done more than enhance their ministry skills. Their hearts as leaders have been transformed. They have tasted of community with other pastors and received encouragement from mentors who have been in ministry and understand what church leadership faces.
Most importantly, they have been afforded time to reflect and to listen to God.
“Being a pastor and the need for feeding from people who are instrumental and faithful in teaching the word was fulfilled,” said one pastor who attended leadership training.
The attendees are not the only ones benefiting from the Pastor’s Institutes and Leadership Forums.
“The staff has the blessing of praying by name for each participant,” said Parrish. “And we have the joy of seeing Him answering prayers throughout the day.”
This month, the Cove will kick off its 2009 leadership training series with a Pastor’s Institute conducted by Haddon Robinson, former president of Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. His topic, “Preaching So Your Listeners Can Hear,” will discuss the essentials of effective preaching: knowing the topic and sharing it in a way that relates to the audience. Pastors are encouraged to get more details and register by visiting the Cove Web site.
