Leading Forward

Dr. Gary Loudermilk

 

Where's the Help?

In a series of commercials for Wendy’s in 1984 and 1985, Clara Peller asked the burning question: “Where’s the beef?” The implied answer was that only Wendy’s hamburgers had the right amount of beef.

While Clara made a name for herself asking that one question, church leaders ask a slightly different question: “Where’s the training for leaders?” The responses have often been either “no response” or have been such a plethora of possibilities that a thoroughly considered decision became impossible. But church leaders need answers and opportunities for practical help and training.

Leadership Training
Two opportunities are available through Denton Baptist Association during May and August. The first is specifically for church staff. Our DBA Leadership Series is hosting Blake Leath on May 28th. Under the title of Leading and Collaborating, he will facilitate a workshop for staff with a focus

on teambuilding, supervising, and influencing. The topics grow out of a recent DBA survey of church staff that resulted in these top categories of need. I personally believe this will be one of the most practical leader workshops that we have offered.

The second opportunity will be August 6-7th as DBA and FBC, Lewisville, host The Leadership Summit from the Willow Creek Association. Designed for all church leaders, this satellite driven summit is a combination of challenge, motivation, and application. Bill Hybels, Patrick Lencioni, Tim Keller, Henry Cloud, and David Ireland are just a few of the featured personalities at this year’s summit. Each year I am refreshed and invigorated by the Leadership Summit.

People often ask: “What is the role of the association?” These two leadership opportunities are a sample of the role of the association. Denton Baptist Association helps with starting new churches, providing resources for various church ministries, consulting with churches and leaders about specific needs, and offering leadership training opportunities for vocational volunteer church leaders.
The 21st Century confronts us with multiple challenges in the Christian community. The solution to those challenges does not lie in great individual achievements but in the cooperation of many churches and leaders bringing knowledge, insights, and experience together while seeking the Lord’s guidance for answers and direction. Better equipped leaders will lead better equipped churches to make the positive changes for the cause of Christ in this century.

 

 

Last Updated: April 27, 2009