Equipping Local Leaders for Global Impact

by | Sep 11, 2013

Australia Southern District LDI

Participants in the Leadership Development Initiative, held on the Australia Southern District

Australia: Eighteen young leaders from across eastern Australia recently gathered in two locations to engage in an intentional process of leadership training and ongoing mentoring.  These emerging leaders, between the ages of 18 and 35 were chosen by local and district leadership, for concentrated investment and mentoring over the next two years and onward.

The first Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) event was held at Nazarene Theological College on the Australia Northern Pacific District, August 8-12th, with the second being held on the Australia Southern District  (Woolongong, New South Wales) August 14-17th.   Both events were sponsored by the Australia New Zealand Field in partnership with local district leadership.

“The genius of LDI is that it offers an intentional and methodical pathway for emerging leaders to be mentored into personal growth and greater levels of personal effectiveness,” said Dr John Moore, Field Strategy Coordinator (FSC) of the Australia New Zealand (ANZ) Field.  “LDI follows the patterns of Jesus and the Early Church and can be adapted to any context where disciples desire to become servant leaders in kingdom work.”

anpd participants

Each participant or protégé was linked with a more experienced mentor who also participated in the events, the aim of which was to “equip local leaders for global impact,” each day focusing on the ministry theme of, “in Christ, like Christ, and for Christ.”

“The event changed my life in so many ways,” said Emily Richardson, participant from the Australia Northern Pacific District.  “I am glad to have someone to help me and share struggles with me now along the way, and also teach me new things.”

Dr Ron Benefiel

Dr Ron Benefiel

Guest presenters were Dr. Ron Benefiel, dean of Point Loma Nazarene University’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry who presented the spiritual formation components and Dr. Ron Lush, founder of Global Initiatives, Inc., who provided Christ-style leadership development aspects.

 

 

Dr Ron Lush

Dr Ron Lush

 

 

 

As these two Leadership Development Initiatives were the first of their kind to be held on the ANZ Field,  additional guests came to observe the program and consider how the LDI could be implemented elsewhere.

These visitors included Asia-Pacific Regional Director, Rev. Mark Louw, Dr. Neville Bartel, District Superintendent of the New Zealand District, and Pastor Vipul Kharat, Senior pastor of the All Nations Church of the Nazarene in Auckland, NZ.

“This Leadership Development Initiative, modeled after similar programs already employed across the Eurasia Region, is both practical and replicable across the Asia-Pacific Region,” observed Louw.  “Through the mentor/protégé relationship, the initiative addresses one of the greatest challenges that we face in the church today, namely that of the transition of leadership from the existing pool of leaders to that of the emerging leaders of the emerging culture.  While this transition is critical, the process must ensure that the values and message that are central to our identity as the Church of the Nazarene do not get lost in the process.”

The events included seminars for spiritual formation and leadership training as well as times for small group debriefing, community building and conversation.  The goal of these sessions was to provide opportunity to digest and process the information presented.

The mentors and protégés will meet together at least two times each month, whether in face-to-face encounters or via Skype or other electronic methods.  A significant challenge in Australia is dealing with the vast distances that separate the churches and participants. A follow-up event is currently being planned for each district in November, to coincide with District Assemblies.

A special thanks is extended to John Haines who designed the content used in earlier Eurasia events and who assisted in the Australia LDI by providing materials and encouragement.

Contributors: John and Vicki Moore, Mark Louw

Todd & Connie Lou Aebischer

Todd and Connie Lou Aebischer served as Regional Communications Coordinator - Regional NMI Coordinator respectively for over 4 years. They are now serving in Papua New Guinea under Mission Aviation Fellowship as Country Director / Program Director.

Related Posts

Rebuilding Lives: A Community Response to Trauma in Myanmar

Rebuilding Lives: A Community Response to Trauma in Myanmar

Sein Pan Evacuation Center, Mandalay, Myanmar: From 15 to 17 April 2025, a trauma-informed care initiative provided essential psychosocial support to 139 to 150 children under 15 and their families at the Sein Pan neighborhood evacuation center in Mandalay. This...

read more
Philippine Nazarene College Holds Commencement Exercises

Philippine Nazarene College Holds Commencement Exercises

La Trinidad, Benguet Philippines: On 11 April 2025, Philippine Nazarene College (PNC) held its Commencement Exercises with the theme “Dare to Lead”, inspired by 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be...

read more
The Journey of Grace in Refugee Camp through Jesus Film Team

The Journey of Grace in Refugee Camp through Jesus Film Team

After the military coup in 2021, Myanmar has faced severe civil war in all regions. This crisis continually drives citizens to neighboring countries. It is estimated that 15 million Myanmar people are in exile. Nearly 10 million migrants have migrated to Thailand, and...

read more
APNTS welcomes its new Academic Dean

APNTS welcomes its new Academic Dean

On 10 April 2025, Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary announced its new Academic Dean, Dr. Marie Joy Pring-Faraz. She will begin in her new role on 3 May 2025. She will succeed Dr. David Ackerman, who has served with distinction and excellence. Dr. Ackerman...

read more
Myanmar recovery efforts underway after deadly earthquake

Myanmar recovery efforts underway after deadly earthquake

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on Friday, 28 March. The disaster has claimed more than 3,100 lives in Myanmar, with thousands more injured. The tremors were felt as far as Thailand, where at least 18 people lost their lives. Many...

read more