Church Leaders Training
Our church leaders training offers training and equipping for elders, deacons, ministry staff, and other lay leaders. We focus on equipping your church’s leaders in four broad categories:
Character: Spiritual and Emotional Health
Knowledge: Bible, Theology, Polity
Skills: Listening, Care, Teaching
Responsibilities: Leadership, Discipleship, Worship
We offer this training in a multi-church format three times per year (January, April, and October). Churches can also work with us to customize workshops for just their own church.
When
2023: January 21, April 22, October 14
2024: January 20, April 20, October 12
Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm
Cost
Per Church (Unlimited Participants)
$500 / workshop OR
$1500 / year (January, April, and October)
Hear from Church Leaders Training Participants
“This was so well done and helpful! The best part was the presentation itself and group discussion with the thought-provoking discussion questions. ”
Institutes of Ministry Leadership
Our Institute of Ministry Leadership cohorts aim to equip several groups of learners and leaders: those considering ordination, those already serving in ministry, AND anyone interested in learning more about Jesus, the Bible, the church, and living faithfully in our present context. The ten courses that can be completed in a two-year cycle focus on interpreting Scripture, theology, developing ministry skills, personal spiritual formation, and cultural engagement.
Each course is 8 weeks long with in-person class discussions typically every other week for 3 hours. They are participatory in style and less formal than traditional school settings. In between the times together, learners engage with readings and other resources online. This pace enables sustainable involvement in ministry and in the learning cohort.
Where
Community Reformed – Zeeland, MI
The Bridge – Kalamazoo, MI
When
West Michigan – Tuesdays 12:00 – 3:00pm
Kalamazoo – Thursdays 12:00 – 3:00pm
Cost
$500 per student per course with a maximum cost per church for 4+ learners
Next Steps
Connect with us about registering for a course or getting more information
Hear from Institute of Ministry Leadership Participants
“We’ve benefitted immensely from the coursework created and delivered by The Foundry because it’s fully focused on helping a leader develop his or her head knowledge and then apply it to how it might be utilized in ministry.”
Ministry Formation Cohorts
Our ministry formation cohorts focus on equipping leaders for ministry. The Foundry is committed to ministry formation that is church-centered and uses holistic, hands-on models of learning. Our ministry formation cohorts are for those who are actively serving in some capacity in their church or ministry context, whether as pastors, staff leaders, or lay leaders interested in being further equipped for ministry.
When
Typically twice per month
(currently on Wednesdays)
Cost
$500 for fall cohort, September – December
Hear from Ministry Formation Participants
“The content in the courses is deep and wide, meaning that participants will definitely broaden their understanding of a particular topic while at the same time getting depth in who they are and who they’ll be as a church leader.”
Spiritual Direction
Spiritual Direction is a relationship of soul care. In a world of ambiguity and distraction, we need those who will come alongside and hold silence for our spirits to rest and revive. Those who long to go deeper in their faith will find a sacred space of time and structure to engage in spiritual disciplines of listening, confession, worship, hearing Scripture or speaking with Jesus.
Next Steps
Connect with us to schedule an introductory meeting to investigate if spiritual direction is appropriate for you now and if Sarah is the person with whom you would like to engage.
Hear from Pastors Participating in a Learning Community
“I’m so grateful for what The Foundry is doing and the space to talk about hard things with other pastors. … This has helped prepared me for exact moments in life and ministry.”
Customized Workshops
Next Steps
Connect with us to learn more about creating a custom training for your church, ministry, or a group of peers.
Hear from Pastors Participating in a Learning Community
“As a pastor it is rare to have a space where you can walk through scripture, without thinking about teaching or preaching. It is even more rare to have a chance to be a participant as you are led through scripture, prayer, and community with others. My lifepod has been a safe place to connect with others in ministry, to dig into God’s Word, and to have the gift of space to reflect, be quiet, and connect with God.”