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Leadership Development and the Great Commission
Leadership development must stay in the forefront of our responsibilities as we journey with Christ toward heaven.
While scribing these thoughts, I participated in the annual meeting of The Historical Society of Church of God Movements with a focus on Education in Church of God Movements, as well as the graduation of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, Tennessee. It’s interesting to hear how the fires of leadership development have burned through generations, within our church and other churches that are so close to us in doctrine and practices. I am blessed to be around others who share this desire for healthy, effective leadership development.
I have learned that many churches lean heavily upon their church college to assist in quality leadership development. I am glad to be working with a great team (The Tomlinson Center Board) who are working toward that end, a healthy church college.
This question must stay before us, “Are we properly preparing our future leaders to fill pulpits and lead the lost to Christ?”
The task of developing leaders is a main focus of the church. In the Great Commission, “Go . . . make disciples” (Matthew 28:19 NIV) means more than just making believers. The simplest definitions of a disciple involve active following, living out the doctrines of Christ.
How do we transmit these eternal truths to our successors and develop leaders that can lead mankind into eternity to be with Christ? There are various learning theories and models. I will use one model that offers seven key components as a backdrop.
The Teachers
Just as sheep produce sheep, shepherds are to produce shepherd boys and shepherd girls. The Tomlinson Center uses teachers that can develop other teachers, ministers, leaders and effective Spirit-filled Christians. We recognize that the Holy Spirit is the teacher (John 14:26). We are working with Him. Jesus identified errors or mistakes are made when we do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24). Our teachers use the Bible and are Spirit-led. Just as Moses mentored Joshua, Elijah—Elisha, Paul—Timothy, our instructors are used to mold and shape our future leaders.
Presently, Tomlinson Center’s online instructors are seasoned Church of God of Prophecy members or ministers who are actively involved in discipleship and leadership development. Each instructor has been vetted by Lee University to comply with the highest standards of the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). Classes fall in the areas of disciplines such as Bible and Pastoral. (Disciplines will be added as we grow, such as counseling, theology and more).
For CIMS courses (Certificate in Ministerial Studies), the instructors are among the best from Lee University and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. The facilitators are our own Church of God of Prophecy pastors and appointees that help shape the recipients.
For LDI (Leadership Development Institute), the instructors are our top leaders and special guests who offer expertise due to their education, practical experience and divine giftedness.
The Learners
The Bible gives us a clear charge to be a life-long learner in Paul's interaction with his younger protégé, Timothy. While we read a leader must be able to teach (2 Timothy 2:24; 1 Timothy 3:2), the original language uses the passive voice, which implies a dual meaning: a leader must be able to be taught.
Every serious profession requires ongoing education to maintain competency, staying current with new technology, methods and more. Are we serious as we profess Christ? It will require ongoing education, being a life-long learner. Think of the licensed professionals you may have in your congregation. Each of those is required to have ongoing education to maintain a license.
Though we may not have mandatory ongoing requirements demanded upon us from our leaders, we are required to do so in our service to Christ. We must, again, be life-long learners.
The Tomlinson Center, to date, has had approximately 750 students globally. Most of the Church of God of Prophecy students (we have many Lee students in the program) have been overseers, pastors, youth directors and other leaders.
Church of God of Prophecy leaders may receive half their tuition as a scholarship reimbursement. These are learners that want an accredited degree as well as useful leadership development.
The CIMS students are interested in “Bible school” courses that offer flexibility that can be converted into the Tomlinson Center for full college credit. This would be great for youth, high school students wanting dual enrollment, and licensed ministers who may have limited income. (Those making less than $4,000 a month may qualify for a grant.)
LDI learners are church leaders in various forms. They are state, regional, national and local church staff. These learners are looking for the practical, hands-on approach. Though LDI does not lead to a terminal degree, it does introduce the learners to some of our other offerings and partnerships that do provide these needed degrees.
The Purposes, Goals, or Objectives
You may be familiar with “Bloom’s Taxonomy.” We focus on the “knowledge” we want to pass on. We help our students to “comprehend” (by listing, labeling, naming, assisting them to be able to recall, etc.). We help them “apply” what they are learning. This is the “so-what” factor. Letting them know the value. We teach students to “analyze” (by examining, questioning, and testing). This is to help students to “synthesize” (by collecting, composing, creating, designing, or producing for others). As in the Bloom’s model, we finally “evaluate” by helping them appraise, compare, and defend what they have learned and received.
Tomlinson Center—Each TC course comes with a syllabus listing the goals and objectives. Testing is used as one component to ensure these goals have been accomplished.
CIMS—These courses make up the heart of a Bible school degree. For those taking the courses for credit, testing is used.
LDI—These courses are theme-based as well as need-based and offer practical application. While tests may not be used, practical application is a must.
The Content of Instruction
The Bible is the main textbook. We are focused on passing on “these things.” We are to remember “these things” (1 Timothy 4:6). We are to command and teach “these things” (v. 11). We are to meditate (KJV), be diligent (NIV), take pains (NASB) with “these things” (v. 15). We are to persevere in “these things” (v. 16 NASB). What are “these things?” It’s the important goals and objectives outlined in the Bible. We teach “these things.”
Each approach (TC, CIMS, LDI) is in place to support the overall mission of the Tomlinson Center, and to compliment the overall mission of the COGOP by providing relevant academic and practical leadership development to the international church within the context of our church theology and doctrinal tenets. Theologically speaking, we are Armenian (believing in salvation), Wesleyan (believing in sanctification) and Pentecostal (believing in the Baptism of the Holy Ghost). The different approaches are used to support these beliefs.
The Methods of Instruction
Methods change. Various authors state that during the time of Christ, the literacy rate was between 1.5–4 percent. The best method of instruction was speaking. Today we have a myriad of methods. Utilizing technology is a must.
Tomlinson Center—At this point, TC is online, so lectures are web-based. Other methods are used: lecture/discussions (via discussion forums), case studies, journals, blogs, guided assignments (sermons, lessons, and more). Courses are available in English and Spanish.
CIMS—The teacher of record instructs via DVD or Internet video. The facilitators also have opportunities to share from their wealth of information on the subject. Many of these courses are in various languages.
LDI—Ministers share via lectures using other methods as well. These offerings are archived as we continue adding to the leadership development library.
The Social or Relational Environment for Instruction
Tomlinson Center—Your fellow online students may span the globe geographically. The ages could represent high school students to retired pastors. This program is more “student- driven” than “teacher-driven.” Interaction plays a great role. Once you post your work, you must respond to fellow students. This is where iron is sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17). We learn from one another.
CIMS—After the lecture is given, you work in a group or interact with the workbook. This is where you “rub in” the lesson.
LDI—These events are live or you can witness the interaction (question and answer) in the archived material. This event has scheduled breaks for fellowship and interaction.
The Physical Environment or Context for Instruction
Tomlinson Center—While our first phase is online, the Tomlinson Center Board has projected returning to a campus-based program by the year 2014. (You will notice that the Tomlinson Center will appear on the financial report form from the local church to the International Office.) After returning to a campus-based college, we will spread this as global as possible.
CIMS—This is designed for your local church or could be used in a district, region or more. You can take these courses in your home or via the Internet as well. The idea is to bring the instruction to you.
LDI—Initially scheduled in Cleveland, Tennessee, LDI operates in partnership with local churches (Peerless Road, etc.). The idea and desire is to spread the essence of LDI globally.
As I travel and spend time with many of our developing leaders, I am encouraged that some of our greatest leaders are waiting for our leadership development outreach.
For more information, visit www.tomlinsoncenter.org
—H. E. Cardin, D. Min,
Tomlinson Center Director
