Strategic Cluster Launch

By Brad Franklin

On September 8 Next Generation Churches will take a major step forward. That is the day we will launch our first Strategic Cluster of Pastors and Churches. Let me give you some background:

When I came on board as the Transitional Executive Director of NextGen last fall, the vision of the Transition Team inspired me. Their hope was to see a network of missional churches transforming lives with the grace and truth of Jesus.

I was also inspired by the mission of our association: to empower churches and their leaders to discover and achieve their God-given mission.

Finally, I loved our values:

            Healthy Churches

            Relationally and Strategically Connected Churches

            Strategic, Cooperative Church-Planting

            Effective Leadership Development

But Visions, Missions and Values don’t mean anything unless they’re implemented. Implementation is the focus and intent of the Strategic Cluster of Pastors and Churches.

For the next year the Strategic Cluster will meet together each month for training and implementation. The goal is growth in the life of the pastor and in the life of the church.

The pastors who are part of the Strategic Cluster will also meet with a pastoral coach once each month for personalized mentoring.

The goal of these sessions is to strengthen the ministry of our churches, one cluster at a time. Next year we would offer another cluster or two. Hopefully within a few seasons, we will gain some great momentum and strength for reaching our region for Jesus’ sake.

We are currently accepting applications for the Strategic Cluster. We are looking for motivated pastors who are eager to lead their church to reach their community. Church size, location, and length of history are not limiting factors. Nor is the pastor’s educational background or length of tenure in the church. We simply want to begin with pastors who will apply biblical principles within their church to advance the kingdom of God in their community. A willingness to change and grow will be our top values in selecting the first participants in the Strategic Cluster.

If you would like to be considered for the Strategic Cluster, complete the on-line  application form and submit it via email back to me. The cost to participate in the Strategic Cluster is $700, plus food and travel expenses for the coach. If finances are a problem, write that on the application. We will consider financial needs and provide scholarships where appropriate. The deadline for applying to the Cluster is August 1, 2010.

If you have questions, contact me at these numbers:

            brad@nextgenchurches.com

            916.673.1278

I’m eager to see what the Lord will do next as we seek to serve him well. I hope you’ll be a part of it.

The Global Leadership Summit

August 5-6

San Jose or Folsom, CA

One of the best leadership training tools available in the church world today is the Global Leadership Summit. Two of our NextGen Churches (The Church on the Hill in San Jose and lakeside Church in Folsom) host the Summit in northern California. Because of our relationship with the Willow Creek Association, we are able to offer a substantial discount for NextGen Churches. This year’s speakers include: Bill Hybels, Jim Collins, Andy Stanley, Tony Dungy and Blake Mycoskie, among others.

The regular rate for an individual to attend the Leadership Summit is $265. With the NextGen discount the price is $200 per person. To obtain the NextGen discount, log on to http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2010/locations.asp Click to register on the site for Church on the Hill or Lakeside Church. The priority code for the NextGen discount is TGLSDNA.

In addition to this great discount, a limited number of scholarships are available through NextGen Churches. Contact Jeff Kreiser at Lakeside Church (916.985.3245) for information on the scholarships.