Let me first relieve some of your fears…it's NOT based on:
Bible knowledge
Talent mix or level
Gifting
Background
Family
How long you've been a Christian
Whether or not you've ever had a leadership position
We believe that every follower of Jesus Christ is commanded to be a leader in terms of disciple-making based on the mandate of the Great Commission. Therefore, we can train you in all areas above to be equipped to do exactly what God has called you to do! In fact, we don't really care how much of the above you feel competent or qualified in.
What we DO care about is the following:
Humility
Faithful
Teachable
Humility
Willingness to serve
Positive attitude
Humility
Hunger to know God's Word
Willingness to take risks and adventure for Christ
Humility (yes, I realize I have written humility 4 times!!)
In other words, we don't need smart, talented, Bible scholar theologians; we need open books. We need sponges. We need humble hearts and teachable spirits who are ready to grow in ways never imagined and who are willing to put their training to immediate use to make a real difference for Christ!
Jesus changed the world with 11 guys no one else wanted…11 fishermen! These guys were the JV team; they never lettered in varsity in their day, and yet Jesus chose them. Why? Because He simply wanted men who would be faithful followers, who would soak up His life and teaching and then pass it all on once He was gone. We seek those same kind of men and women, humble and hungry, and willing to be faithful for a lifetime.
In order to be accepted into the Emerging Leaders program, you must fill out an application on-line, or download and mail in, as well as get your 2 recommendations filled out and returned to DL. These recs give us an idea of whether or not you have proven that you possess the qualities above that we deem necessary for any EMERGING LEADER for Christ!