Training the Called
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By Pastor Scott Thomas
Director of Acts 29 Network
Executive Elder of Mars Hill Church
A church planter is a uniquely gifted pastor with a passion to proclaim the gospel to those who are unchurched with the goal of establishing a new community of believers on mission in their community for the glory of God.
But just because a man is called to plant does not mean it is easy to do without some help from those who are actively involved in birthing new churches. Acts 29 and Mars Hill Church want to humbly offer to help.
We are launching a Pastor Training Center to help equip potential church planters. The vision is to prepare men to effectively pastor new gospel-centered works through the Acts 29 Network.
Our valued outcome at the end of 12 months is to prepare men who 1) clearly articulate a gospel-centered theology, 2) shepherd well in the complexities of the church, 3) are competent in many practical skills and 4) are above reproach in personal and family life.
The training being used for the PTP is personalized for every man and can be applied for seminary credit. The goal is transformation, not just information. Each of the components will serve the participant as he prepares to plant a church. The work will be very practical and integrated into his personal church-planting prospectus.
Two Options
A participant can either stay in his community where he will plant the church and travel to the training events (expenses paid) or he can move to Seattle area and participate intimately with the area Acts 29 churches and with Mars Hill Church while he is training (stipend to assist).
Qualifiers
If you desire to apply for this program you must be able to attend training intensives on the following dates in Seattle (there will be funding for travel and training if accepted into this program):
July 25-28, 2008
Sept. 19-22, 2008
Nov. 7-10, 2008
Jan. 16-19, 2009
March, 6-9, 2009
April 21-24, 2009*
May, 22-24, 2009 (w/ wives)
Elective Date for personal interaction
*Training in Chicago in conjunction with Gospel Coalition
To diagnose your readiness to apply by the April 30th deadline, you must answer yes to the following questions:
- Are you willing to be assessed by the Acts 29 Church Planting Network, if not already completed?
- Are you teachable?
- Are you in agreement with Acts 29 and Mars Hill Church doctrine?
- Are you in agreement with the vision of Acts 29?
- Are you about one year away from planting a church?
- Are you willing to make all the above travel dates?
Pastor Gary Shavey (PhD student) and I are facilitating this training that will integrate several Mars Hill Pastors as well as consultation and participation with Dr. Gerry Breshears, Dr. Bob Logan, Dr. J. Allen Thompson and Mark Driscoll. We are in collaboration on our materials with Redeemer Church Planting Center, Global Church Advancement (GCA), Glocalnet, Radstock, Dr Ed Stetzer and our Acts 29 member churches.
The deadline for this program is April 30 and we have limited number of spots remaining _ apply here.
Additionally, other Acts 29 churches are launching these types of training centers. If interested, contact them directly. Soma in Tacoma WA, Kaleo in San Diego, in St Louis, in Orlando, and in Dallas.
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Stephen Murray on Apr 16, 2008 1:46pm
Hi Scott. Stephen Murray here from South Africa - we met briefly at the Resurgence Conference. I'm just wondering if you will have something like this available for potential international planters who are hoping to (and in the process of) joining up with Acts29 - like myself?