The South Carolina Baptist Convention is offering an innovative way for pastors and church staff to obtain leadership development training in an easy and effective way. EKG-U (Empowering Kingdom Growth-University) is a leadership development community offering professional learning opportunities, coaching and leadership resources to South Carolina Baptist pastors and church staff.
EKG-University is a premier learning experience that focuses on leadership development for church staff. “EKG-U isn't a ‘cure all’ for any challenge that a minister confronts. It’s more like a toolbox with access to the specialized tools a minister needs and to other practitioners with whom they can share expertise and experiences. That is a winning combination,” said Dave Rogers, Lay Ministry and Learning Development Director of the SCBC. “EKG-U can help church staff by providing a community for learning and resources such as learning junkets, message boards and online video. We bring in and dialogue with some of the best leaders and trainers in the country,” continued Rogers.
Around 80 pastors and church staff attended EKG-U Reboot on October 26, 2004 at the South Carolina State Museum. Dennis Welch with The Gallup Organization was the guest speaker for this learning junket. Mr. Welch discussed, “Living Your Strengths: A New Curriculum for Congregations,” aimed at helping church leaders build a strengths based culture.
The participants that enroll in EKG-U can look forward to up to 30 satellite seminars in 2005. These seminars will be led by recognized leaders in American Christianity, such as George Barna, John Ortberg, and Rick Warren. Participants will also have access to online learning courses developed and produced by South Carolina Baptist leaders addressing such issues as building/managing facilities, technology in ministry and discovering, nurturing and engaging leaders. EKG-U participants will have access to special learning junkets with Bob Roberts, Eric Swanson, and Bob Cushman. The theme of these junkets will be “Turning the Church Inside Out.” Each of these junket leaders brings a kingdom perspective to church life. EKG-U members will also have exclusive access to discussion boards, material through Christian Communications Network, cluster groups, and time spent with high capacity leaders.
“EKG-U and CCN are two important new leadership development initiatives,” commented Reggie McNeal, director of leadership development for SCBC. “Becoming part of EKG-U is an important decision by a leader to participant in an intentional learning community.”
To register online for EKG-U, go to www.scbaptist.org; click on ministry groups, pastor/leadership; articles; and look for the EKG-U registration article. For additional information about EKG-U, or CCN, contact Sara Guyton at (800) 723-7242 (in SC) or (803) 765-0030, extension 3001. Information is also available online at www.scbaptist.org.
