Our three year program provides a place for church lay leaders to find their calling and to grow into that calling. It equips leaders to grow into their potential, challenges them to see the harvest, and sends them out to work in ministries that build up God's kingdom.
ECLDN (Ontario West) will continue to offer all three years of the program as in past years. The city of Burlington (CRC Denominational Building) will continue to be the meeting place for this site.
ECLDN (Ontario East) is meeting at Fellowship CRC in Brighton, ON. We have participants from both Classis Quinte and Classis Eastern Canada.
KEY COMPONENTS OF THE ECLDN PROGRAM INCLUDE . . .
1. Monthly Interactive Sessions
Sessions at both sites are usually held on the first Saturday of every month (October - June). Led by experienced ministry leaders, participants gather together with other emerging leaders in interactive teaching modules on topics focusing on building balanced, fruitful, and spiritual and emotionally healthy ministry leaders.
Ordinarily, each session includes two learning modules taught by a variety of gifted teachers from across the region. Third year participants in the program meet together as a group for one module each month geared towards their specific needs and growth.
The program includes a rich variety of the best 'cutting edge' books that are provided as expected background reading for many of the sessions.
The background readings, some written assignments, and monthly mentoring meetings will ordinarily take 10-15 hours per month to complete outside of the sessions.
For the coming year, whenever possible audio feeds of the session will be posted 'online' on this website, for those participants who for unforeseen reasons are unable to attend a session in person to be able to access.
Some topics covered in our learning modules include:
a. Character (Your Heart):
- Spiritual disciplines
- Emotional health
- Spiritual gifts
- Understanding your life map
- Fruit of the Spirit
- Stewardship
- Integrity
b. Bible and Theological Knowledge (Your Head):
- Biblical Interpretation
- Pentateuch
- Historical Books of the Bible
- Wisdom Books of the Bible
- Prophetic Books of the Bible
- Gospels
- Acts/Mission of the Church
- Salvation
- Epistles
- Revelation/Eschatology
- Spiritual Warfare
c. Ministry Skills (Your Hands):
- Effective Leadership
- Teambuilding
- Leading Change
- Communication Skills
- Evangelism/Discipleship
- Listening to God
- Mentoring Skills
- Leading for Growth
2. Regular Personal Bible Reading Program
You'll can download a copy of this year's Bible Reading Schedule here.The reading program will allow participants to read the entire Bible during their involvement in the three year program.
3. Personal Mentoring:
As a key part of our program, each participant will be matched with a personal mentor. As a part of the new participant orientation process, ECLDN staff will assist participants in choosing a mentor who is a good fit for them. These mentors will receive ongoing training and coaching and are seen as a vital part of the ECLDN staff. The mentors will also be gathered together several times a year for encouragement and support and participate in the retreat held at the end of the year.
4. Practical Ministry:
Each participant is expected to be involved in a 'hands on' ministry in their local setting as a part of the program. This focus allows the learning to be more than theoretical, and becomes a huge part of the learning that happens.
Once each year, the participant together with his/her mentor will meet with their local pastor to gain feedback on learnings and growth, keeping the important connection between the local church and the ECLDN program healthy and close.
5. Annual Overnight Retreat:
Each year (usually the first weekend in June) an overnight retreat is held to which all of the participants and their mentors are invited. This retreat is a highlight of the year, allowing some of the personal learnings and experiences to be explored together with your mentor, and providing an opportunity to celebrate the graduation of those who have completed the three year program.
