Development Process
Our denomination recognizes that we need passionate, competent and spiritual leadership in our local churches to lead well and navigate the changing Christian landscape. We understand that our leaders need encouragement and equipping if they are to be effective for the kingdom work because the work can be challenging. Therefore, we are committed to the development of our pastoral leaders and we invest significant resources to equip and empower them.
The diagram below is a visual representation of the programs that we offer to our pastors and ministry leaders for their ongoing development. These programs are divided into six types with each program serving a specific purpose so that the development cycle is holistic in nature. Research has demonstrated that a comprehensive development program is important in nurturing leaders from a variety of backgrounds and age groups.
LEAD DAYS
Our biannual LEAD days focus on equipping pastors to become effective leaders by providing exposure to guest speakers who are influencers in their respective fields. All pastors are expected to attend both the spring and fall LEAD days each year. If you are unable to attend a LEAD day you should notify Todd Lester. Please bookmark the Events webpage to ensure you have registered for all upcoming events. If you have suggestions or contacts for speakers for our LEAD days, feel free to send them to Todd Lester.
PERSONAL COACHING
Coaching fills in the gaps by providing personalized one-on-one mentoring with experienced leaders. Coaching is based upon request and can be facilitated through any of the BIC team leaders. If you or a staff member feels the need for supplemental coaching, even if it is one session, feel free to contact Charlie Mashinter, Todd Lester or Melanie Wigg.
ELEVATE COLLECTIVE
Learning cohorts provide a transformative space to develop skills and discuss ministry challenges in the safety of a small group environment with ministry peers. Elevate Collective is a cohort-based development program provided for ministry leaders who are in all stages of their leadership journey. Elevate Collective runs annually from October to May, and focuses on four areas that we consider critical to effective ministry: leadership development, spiritual formation, ministry skills, and personal development. Todd Lester is the architect of the program and Melanie Wigg is the director. If you are interested in joining, or know of someone who would benefit from the program, feel free to contact Melanie Wigg. Below is a video from our 2025 Elevate cohort that you can view to see if the program would be helpful for you.
CLUSTER GROUPS
Cluster groups are regional gatherings which are designed to provide encouragement and support for BIC pastors. The BIC believes it is important that we provide networking opportunities for pastors with other Be In Christ pastors. The challenges of ministry, especially in a solo-pastorate context, are significant. The cluster groups bring our pastors together for learning, mutual encouragement and support. Each fall at our Pastors Staff Meeting, pastors are assigned to their regional clusters. For more information about which cluster group you would be part of, visit the page Cluster Groups.
CONFERENCES
Church ministry conferences offer inspiration and meaningful exposure to leading voices and innovative ideas in ministry. We place a high value on participating in these gatherings, as they not only ignite personal growth, but also give us the opportunity to process new insights together.
LEARNING TOURS
We also offer Learning Tours to Israel and Greece. It is an amazing experience to be together and learn together. Obviously, the learning tours to Israel have been put on hold but learning tours to Greece will still be offered. For more information, visit the Learning Tours page or contact Todd Lester.