STEP #2 TRAINING

The first step of evaluation is like a physical check-up with a physician, while this next step is the first stages of treatment or starting a health plan. Diagnosing a problem is an excellent start, but it’s not enough. There needs to be specifically designed steps to address areas where the church is unhealthy, and find new strategies to excel in a structured way. The term here of “training” is chosen specifically because this idea is about helping to stretch and grow to reach a new level. Of course, any training plan can be harmful if it is not properly tailored to fit the particular situation. The training described in this step is collaboratively designed, based on the initial expert assessment, and combined with the perceived needs of the church leaders to find individualized areas of learning and development for the congregation.

Ignite’s organizational history and connections are most valuable at this step, as longstanding relationships, a network of experts, and many qualified individuals can be brought to bear to address individual church needs. This step could be considered a “menu” of seminars and training. Some examples of what could be offered may help to better understand this part of the program.

The training could be individual coaching, seminars, general church member classes, or covering topics ranging from immigration issues to cross-cultural ministry efforts. Other examples of this training would include traditional areas of church ministry and spiritual growth. These topics include prayer, navigating relationships, hospitality, leadership training, and other issues connected to helping church members grow in many ways. Leveraging outside expertise, especially in areas where the church is maximizing a strength or improving a weakness, can be a pivotal step in thriving in a changing world. A variation of these kinds of traditional topics, and another area where Ignite has a proven track record is with community outreach and service. From physical resources to training and new idea generation, Ignite has long helped Christian Churches to find ways to serve their local communities. This kind of training relates to missional effectiveness and helping churches reach their neighbors through service and outreach.

The possibilities here are quite extensive, but they need to be to provide for the multitude of church situations congregations are facing today. The best way to understand this training is that Ignite serves as a kind of repository of resources, connecting individual resources with programs and experts. Many are in-house or with Ignite, but many more are affiliated with Ignite in some way, like an outside contractor, providing training where needed. These varied programs meet specific needs and provide resourcing, but are fully brought to the next level when church leaders are being coached well in a community of peers and mentors. One of the ways the needs of minister are met is with the next step of coaching.