(Heb 13:7)
God brings a variety of people with many different gifts to the Burnt Hickory church. Often people are gifted far beyond their own awareness. Through leadership development, members have a wonderful opportunity to discover, enhance, and use their talents to the glory of God. Emphasis is placed on developing leadership from childhood up. Deacon and ministry leader training, and teacher equipping are all designed to help us grow and develop. This ministry works closely with our shepherds and ministerial staff to create meaningful seminars, structured lessons and occasional retreats....all designed to expand the participants knowledge of appropriate Christian leadership models.
Teacher Training
We recognize that it is very important to equip our teachers with the resources to reach out with a positive message of mercy, hope and love. A big part of that is training teachers (and those with a passion to teach) the best methodologies to implement in the classroom. On-going leadership programs happen year-round at Burnt Hickory.
Christ's Men
This aspect of leadership training lasts for 12 months. Participants are selected by the class leader and must commit to participating by reading a prescribed series of books, meeting monthly as a group to study and pray and also meeting monthly with an accountability partner. At the conclusion of the year, every participant leaves with a greater understanding of what Christ wants in his life and how he can impact his family and those around him through greater spiritual development.
Deacon Training
The New Testament provides for us the best examples of Deacons and their role in the church. They play a vital part at Burnt Hickory! Without these dedicated servants of God, this family would have a void in service and committed leaders. Each year, men are asked to become deacons in order that the family and community needs be met. However, we believe that in order for these men to be effective leaders, they must be properly trained and encouraged. Our leadership development team spends countless hours working with these new (as well as existing) church leaders to insure that they are the best servant they can possibly be!
Elder/Shepherd Training
Our elders, or shepherds, are the spiritual guides for this church family. As new shepherds are identified and placed before the congregation to be affirmed, the leadership development team works with them to insure that they not only have a full understanding of their challenge, but also have a healthy view towards shepherding. This study is biblically based and strives to better equip our shepherds so that they in turn may better watch over the flock here.
