GENERATIONAL AND CULTURAL CHALLENGES

This workshop is intended to help today’s church leaders navigate the challenges posed by today’s culture and better understand how to bridge the gaps that exist across different generations. The content of the workshop was composed for elders, deacons, ministers and those who desire to fill those roles in the future. However, the material can be easily adapted and presented to adults of all ages within a congregation.

The workshop consists of two parts, beginning with a positive, detailed examination of each generation: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. We consider the defining historical events, characteristics, motivators, and key statistics of each generation. This is followed by a general review of potential sources of generational conflict within a typical congregation. Finally, the first portion of the workshop concludes with theological evidence of God’s intent for generational differences to strengthen the church and identify possible solutions to bridging the generational gaps. 

The second part of the workshop focuses on the book “Amusing Ourselves to Death” published by Neil Postman in 1985. We consider how technology has impacted and changed our ability to focus, think critically, and learn. We specifically reflect on how these changes affect our ability to think deeply about the word of God and share the gospel of Jesus with others. We seek to identify ways for the church and individual Christians to connect with others in our fast-paced world. Finally, we look at ways that church leaders can help Christians manage the challenges brought about by technology and the pace of today’s society. 

The church of the 21st century is in crisis as it relates to retaining membership and helping Christians maintain their faith. Church attendance is dropping. Congregations are closing their doors. America is suffering from a religious shift unparalleled in history. We are in the midst of what Jim Davis and Michael Graham describe in their text “The Great De-churching” published in 2023. The objective of this workshop is to help churches identify ways to bridge the generation gap, plan for leadership succession, connect with others in a world that challenges relationship-building, and retain our faith.

Have questions or want to get more information regarding this workshop?  Click on the button below to send an email or call Marty at (501) 269.0450 and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

This workshop is intended to help today’s church leaders gain a greater understanding of effective leadership. Elders, deacons, and ministers have a burning desire to follow the example of Habakkuk: “I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower.” (Habakkuk 2:1 – ESV). However, in many cases, today’s church is led by men who lack formal training in leadership. They rely on their life experience and innate emotional intelligence – their “gut instinct” – to lead the church to the best of their ability. The content of the workshop was composed for elders, deacons, ministers and those who desire to fill those roles in the future.

The workshop consists of two parts. We begin by considering the concept of meta-leadership, a framework developed by Leonard Marcus, Barry Dorn, and Joseph Henderson of the National Preparedness Leadership Institute and published in their seminal text “You’re It” in 2006. Meta-leaders are those individuals who step up, answer the call, and lead: creating influence, activating change when needed, and establishing connectivity and communication. Leadership can be defined as “authentic influence that creates value.” 

The workshop includes consideration of Biblical models of leadership. Scripture is filled with real-life examples of leadership. Interactive sessions aid individuals in determining which of these examples best fit their leadership style.

We conclude by deliberating the New Testament pattern for church leadership, including the roles of elder, deacon, and minister and how these three unique roles effectively work together.

The church of the 21st century is suffering from a crisis of leadership. Churches across the brotherhood are struggling to fill leadership roles. This crisis is largely the result of men being intimidated by the scope of church leadership or feeling underqualified and inadequate for the task. The objective of this workshop is to help fill that increasing leadership void and ensure that congregations are led by healthy, effective leadership teams.

Have questions or want to get more information regarding this workshop?  Click on the button below to send an email or call Marty at (501) 269.0450 and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

This workshop is intended to help church leaders build strategic plans for the congregation they lead. The content of the workshop was composed for elders, deacons, ministers and those who desire to fill those roles in the future.

The workshop begins with a SOAR Analysis: the identification of strengths, opportunities, aspirations, and results. The output from this structured approach provides the foundation for the development of both short-term (3-5 years) and long-term (10-20 years) strategies. Metrics are identified using the SMART technique (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). These metrics are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that incremental progress is being made and celebrated.

The workshop also focuses on the identification of resources needed to achieve the results identified within the strategic plan. A broad range of potential resource needs are analyzed, including staffing, equipping and training, facilities, and communication strategies. Assistance is provided in the development and publication of the strategic plan, as well as the presentation of the plan to the congregation. 

The majority of today’s congregations live in a reactive state, doing their best to survive in a culture and society that challenges their very existence.  Declining attendance, dwindling contributions, minimal evangelism, and the delinquency of faithful Christians leave many churches struggling remain viable. The objective of this workshop is to revive and restore Biblical vision to the 21stcentury church through the development of intentional, proactive strategic plans. 

Have questions or want to get more information regarding this workshop?  Click on the button below to send an email or call Marty at (501) 269.0450 and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

This workshop utilizes the highly-effective Birkman Method® to help church leadership teams improve communication, forge stronger bonds, develop deeper levels of understanding, and increase effectiveness.  The content of the workshop focuses on both individual Christians and leadership teams.

The workshop is preceded by the completion of a questionnaire by each workshop participant. The results of the questionnaire are provided to the individual participant during a 90-minute feedback session facilitated by a certified consultant trained in the use of the product. The individual reports focus on four key facets of personality: interests, needs, usual behavior, and stress behavior. The information is presented in a user-friendly format easily understood by the average individual. Birkman is a non-judgmental tool that avoids harsh criticism and provides actionable data that encourages personal growth and development.

Once all participants have completed the feedback session, a joint meeting – approximately three hours in duration – takes place during which team reports generated by Birkman are presented by the consultant. These comparative team reports provide insight into the collective strengths of the team, as well as a description of potential differences and how they can be managed effectively. 

Church leadership teams, like most other teams, are comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, levels of education and training, even differing professions. The Birkman Method develops better leaders by increasing self-awareness and establishing a common language of communication. The objective of this workshop is to build stronger teams of elders, deacons, and ministers, thereby strengthening the churches they lead.

Have questions or want to get more information regarding this workshop?  Click on the button below to send an email or call Marty at (501) 269.0450 and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.