“The ELN is drawing, shaping and releasing a new breed of leaders who will impact and influence 21st century young adults with the same Jesus-type of qualities that shook the 1st century’s paganized world through their Spirit-filled, Word-based lifestyle and witness.”
1. How would I go about beginning an ELN school of ministry? These are the initial steps we recommend that churches take to begin an ELN school of ministry.
A. Contact the Emerging Leader Network to request an informational packet about becoming an ELN affiliate. (Please email info@EmergingLeaderNetwork.com)
B. Attend the ELN Leadership Forum. The Forum, offered each November, is an interactive gathering that provides leaders with the opportunity to receive training and resources while spending time in conversation with the students and leaders from an ELN school of ministry. (CLICK HEREfor information about the Leadership Forum.)
C. Begin the certification process through the Foursquare Institutes Office. We recommend that this be done prior to launching a school of ministry. For certification information and the needed forms CLICK HERE. With any questions about certification, please contact the Foursquare Ministry Institutes Office at 213.989.4500.
2. What if our church already operates a certified Bible institute?
Many institute directors have discovered that they are effective at developing those in their 30s and above, but find it difficult attracting younger leaders who are looking for a different kind of training experience. Several churches that operate certified Foursquare Bible institutes have also formed ELN programs to address this issue. The ELN programs run concurrently with the institutes, and students take the bulk of their classes within the institute context. Since the ELN programs fall under the institute’s existing certification, new certification is unnecessary. Please contact the ELN office for information about affiliation. (Please email info@EmergingLeaderNetwork.com)
3. How long will it take to begin an ELN school of ministry?
There are many things to consider, plan and implement prior to starting an ELN program. It would be wise to dedicate at least nine months prior to your launch date to get ready for a strong start. (CLICK HERE for a suggested timeline.)
4. Are there resources available to help begin an ELN program?
Yes! At the Leadership Forum, each church receives a wide variety of resources, including the ELN Resource CD. The CD contains dozens of fully customizable resources, including copies of student handbooks and applications. In addition, ELN coordinator, Tim Mossholder, and the directors from several ELN schools of ministry are available for consultation. Please contact the ELN office for further information. (Please email info@EmergingLeaderNetwork.com)
5. How do ELN students integrate with the local church?
While this may vary between programs, ELN students are often highly integrated within the life, ministry and mission of the local church. Depending upon students’ gifts and abilities, along with the needs of the church, students are frequently called upon to serve alongside other leaders in every area of church life: children’s and youth ministry, worship, visitation, missions and outreach, facilities work, administration, etc. As students become woven into the fabric of a church family, they become deeply loved and appreciated.
6. What is “immersion discipleship” all about?
How does the military turn civilians into soldiers? Boot camp. How do hospitals turn med students into doctors? Residency. Both are excellent examples of immersive training environments—and remind us of how Jesus took a handful of ordinary people and turned them into world-shaping agents of redemption: He invited them into an immersive season of relationship and great growth. Jesus lived with his disciples for three years—He walked with them, shared meals with them, taught them, rebuked them, visited their homes, fished and laughed with them. Not only did Jesus see deeply into their lives, but He allowed them to see His own life at a profound level as well. This immersive season of discipleship sufficiently equipped these men to change the world.
For most, immersion discipleship is not a replacement for college or other forms of education. It’s a foundational experience that shapes who the student is becoming, and helps to bring the student’s life-trajectory into alignment with God’s plans. It’s an intense and life-transforming opportunity to share life with a community of other disciples and leaders who are dedicated to becoming more like Christ and learning how to serve Him and love others with excellence.
In each ELN school of ministry there are three basic arenas in which students are immersed: hands-on ministry training, focused academic studies, and mentoring relationships. And while hands-on experiences are indispensable, and classroom learning is of great value, it’s the personal mentoring that students receive with a focus on who they are “becoming,” that is of greatest lasting value.
