Schaumburg, Ill.—A group of young Baptist leaders from around the country is meeting regularly for mentoring sessions with John Greening and Jim Vogel. The group uses Internet technology to meet online every two weeks.
“It’s like taking that class in college or seminary that you’re really excited about but you have no idea what it’s going to be like until you sit down in the first day and go through syllabus shock,” said Pastor Chips Ross before the first meeting. “I’m really excited about this, but I’m not sure what to expect.”
During the first session on Sept. 3, John Greening and Jim Vogel discussed their objectives for the new program:
- To gain an understanding of the dynamics of pastoral ministry, such as leadership, interpersonal relationships, communication, circumstantial appropriateness;
- To aspire to a godly “best practices” approach to ministry;
- To develop the competencies of Christlike pastoring; and
- To enhance ministry effectiveness through intentional involvement with other pastors, churches, and ministries within the GARBC.
After the first meeting was over, Chips said, “It will take a bit of time to get used to, of course, but I think it will be quite effective. Thank you for putting this ministry together.”
