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The Purpose of Equipping Churches
Just before Jesus left this earth he prayed that all believers would be unified so that a lost world could be brought into a relationship with a loving God. (John 17) Jesus’ greatest desire was that Christians would work together. Not only WITHIN churches of Christ, but also AMONG churches of Christ.
 At Church-Based Training International (CBTI) we believe that churches of Christ need to work together and be an equipping resource to smaller churches that need help and assistance in their journey to become the church of God’s intent.
The Need for Equipping Churches
The majority of churches of Christ, some 75%, are under 100 members in size. Church leaders in these smaller churches do not have the same opportunities of training and mentoring that leaders do in the larger churches of Christ. This is a desperate need as over one-half of all Christians within our fellowship of believers are members of these smaller churches. For that reason CBTI is developing a network of “equipping churches” to serve as regional training locations to present annual "Church Leader's Conferences" for other churches of Christ to come to for opportunities of equipping, training, mentoring and fellowship together.
These “equipping churches” are strategically located in cities throughout the Eastern United States and Puerto Rico. Church Leader's Conferences are scheduled at the following locations in 2001:
March 8, 9 & 10, 2001:
Southeastern church of Christ
6500 Southeastern Ave.
Indianapolis, Indiana 46203
Local contact: Jim McFarland & Bob Herndon
Elders: Jim Brantley, Bob Cole, Jerry Colglazier, Jerry Hallet,
Jack Jackson, Dan Spiceland, Keith Stillinger
May 10, 11 & 12, 2001:
Conestoga Valley church of Christ
2045 Horseshoe Road
Lancaster, Pennsylvannia 17602
Local contact: Bob Sproles & Jeff Werkheiser
Elders: Jim Bledsoe, Daniel Curtis, Paul Tustin
July 5, 6 & 7, 2001:
Park Gardens church of Christ
G-11A St. de la Independencia
Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico 00926
Local contacts: Juan Colon & Pedro Gelabert
September 6, 7 & 8, 2001:
East Brainerd church of Christ
7745 East Brainerd Road
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421
Local contact: Glen Gray
Elders: David Gilbert, Bill Sampson, Jim Wood
November 8, 9 & 10, 2001, 2001:
Jenks Ave church of Christ
3332 Jenks Ave.
Panama City, Florida 32405
Local contact: Jack Reece
The Role of Equipping Churches
Each year, in the month of their choice, equipping churches host a two or three day Church Leader’s Conferences at their facility. CBTI works with the elders and staff in these local congregations to develop a training program that will meet the needs of the church of Christ elders, deacons, ministers and ministry leaders in their area. Instructors include CBTI training professionals (all active ministers and church leaders in local churches of Christ) and qualified ministers and church leaders in the equipping church’s area. All workshop materials and speakers are then approved by the local elders before plans continue.
Here's an example of the program content from a recent Church Leader’s Workshop held at the East Brainerd church of Christ on October 22 & 23, 1999:
Selection & Appointment of Deacons
Selection & Appointment of Elders
Instilling Passion in Members and Leaders
Leading a Small Church
Involvement Toolbox-A variety of speakers sharing a potpourri of ideas for involvement
Biblical Eldership
Wondrously Made
Growing Through Transitions & Change
Entry Points: For New/Non-Members to Find Identification with the Local Church
The Biblical Role of Church Involvement
Leadership Toolbox- A variety of speakers sharing a potpourri of ideas for leadership
Shepherding Leadership
Strategic Planning for Churches
Late Night Questions & Answers
Attendees to the Church Leader’s Training Workshops pay a registration fee which covers most all expenses incurred by the equipping church for brochure mailings, workshop materials, food and beverages and speakers fees. Equipping churches are responsible for mailing informational brochures to a selected group of churches within their area. They will also handle setting up of their facility for the particular training workshops to be held, as well as food and beverage needs. They should also contact several local hotels to secure the most competitive rates for lodging. CBTI handles all registrations and correspondance with attendees.
Thanks for your interest in becoming an equipping church. If you would like more information please contact Archie Luper, Executive Director, Church-Based Training International. E-mail: aluperjr@hotcom.net. Telephone: (615) 835-7571.
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