E  I N S T I T U T E

Shaping Effective Ministry Leaders

Table of Contents • A  bout

G r o u p ’s Equipping Institute

Our Story .............................................................. 1 Our Difference ..................................................... 2 Our Approach ...................................................... 3

•

Our Courses in...

Leadership Excellence.......................................... 5

Volunteer Selection, Training & Engagement....... 6 Professional Development ................................... 8

• D  iscover

L o v e l a n d , C o l o r a d o ................ 10

For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

About Equipping Institute For more than 40 years, Group Publishing has been working closely with churches all over the country to develop innovative resources that positively transform ministries. Group’s Equipping Institute exists solely to share our expertise with ministry leaders like you. We use a collaborative approach to training; from beginning to final implementation, we are by your side. Every course will provide you with the tips, tools, plans, and insights you need to be an effective and innovative ministry leader. We bridge the gap between inspirational learning and practical application.

Our Story Equipping Institute is a division of Group Publishing. As such, we serve the majority of the reported nearly 350,000 churches in North America in some way. Group materials reach more than 40 countries around the world. Millions of children, youth, and adults are recipients of our resources, whether they realize it or not. Our resources work within the entire spectrum of Christian faith traditions. Our team of more than 250 dedicated staff share in a united mission: “We create experiences that help people grow in relationship with Jesus and each other.”

1 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Our Difference Group’s Equipping Institute serves ministry leaders. Group’s Equipping Institute exists for one reason—to help ministry leaders. Because of the breadth of our ministry experience and the fact that we live the philosophies we teach, we are uniquely equipped to develop educational courses to help ministry leaders conquer the challenges they face. From wondering how to recruit and engage great volunteers to transforming your church culture—and even if you want to learn our approach to creativity and innovation—we provide you with the tools you need to be an effective ministry leader. With Equipping Institute on your ministry team, you get more than just a presentation on what to do; you get a ministry partner from insight to implementation, a new perspective on ministry leadership, and a strategic roadmap for how to make the positive transformations you want to see in your church.

Friends in Ministry You’re not a student; you’re our friend in ministry. A great friendship includes time together, learning, conversation, encouragement, and more. And after you attend training, our friendship doesn’t end there… we are here to support you throughout the process of implementation. We’re just a phone call or email away. We talk with thousands of church leaders and volunteers every week. We live and breathe “church”—serving churches of every denomination, size, location, tradition, and ministry. Group’s Equipping Institute is a safe, prayerful place for our friends in ministry to grow, discover, innovate, and learn how to implement positive change in their church.

Biblically Based Courses Our courses work within the entire spectrum of Christian faith traditions. We focus on what Christians agree on, not what separates us. (And there’s a lot we Christians agree on—Jesus, for example.)

“This is the best training I’ve ever attended. It has empowered me to make the appropriate changes needed to help my ‘ministers’ succeed with children’s ministry.” ASHLEY DYE Children’s pastor, Pinon Hills Community Church, Farmington, NM

2 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Our Approach We’re experience creators. We’re not traditional educators. You won’t be receiving a lecture or filling in the blanks in a workbook. You’ll make discoveries along the way as you learn and integrate the content into what is needed most in your leadership. Our training is designed with our R.E.A.L. philosophy of learning:

Relational—Learner-to-learner interaction enhances learning and builds Christian friendships.

Experiential—What learners experience through

discussion and action sticks with them up to 9 times longer than what they simply hear or read.

Applicable—The aim of Christian education is to equip learners to be both hearers and doers of God’s Word.

Learner-based—Learners understand and retain more when the learning

process takes into consideration how they learn best. “Learning by experiencing” permeates all our courses, curriculum, books, magazines, online resources, training, mission trips, and more. “Do” is embedded in everything we create. We provide materials and experiences that immerse people in environments designed for them to encounter God and for their faith to grow. First Corinthians 3:6-7 says, “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.” The experiences we design are all about planting and watering.

“The Equipping Institute training at Clemmons United Methodist Church has transformed the culture of our congregation. It has moved us from a membership culture that asks, ‘What can the church do for me?’ to a discipleship culture that asks, ‘What can I do for Jesus in the community and world?’ ” DR. J. MATTHEW BURTON, JR. Senior pastor, Clemmons United Methodist Church, Clemmons, NC

3 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Equipping Institute Courses Invest in your ministry. Equipping Institute offers coursework in:

  Leadership Excellence   Vo l u n t e e r S e l e c t i o n , Tr a i n i n g & E n g a g e m e n t   Professional Development As ministry needs change…so do our courses. Equipping Institute’s courses change every year to reflect the need of our friends in ministry. Check our website regularly to see the latest course calendar: group.com/equipping.

“Group Publishing does an exceptional job on all they do and the Equipping Institute is no exception. Thank you, Group, for empowering me to move forward into successful ministry.” KARRI WHATEN Marrieta, CA

4 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Leadership Excellence Courses Becoming an Equipping Leader:

Developing a personal leadership style that empowers people for ministry

Develop a proven style of leadership that will help you grow new leaders, create excitement, and connect people to ministry. During three days, you’ll go through 10 deeper learning workshops that will equip you with the tools, competencies, and abilities to sustain your leadership for the long haul. This course will challenge you to look beyond yourself and imagine the possibilities of what could be in store for those you lead. Course Benefits Gain insight into the Ephesians 4 model of equipping leadership. You’ll discover six essential behaviors of leaders who help others live out God’s call for serving. You’ll develop a plan for transforming your leadership style from “me” to “we.” You’ll learn how to:   • Understand your leadership style and how it impacts how you lead others   •  Manage multiple projects and facilitate action teams   •  Develop a proven style of leadership coaching   •  Implement systems needed to connect people to ministry   •  Empower staff teams   • Sustain the momentum for equipping in your church and in your personal growth Who Should Attend  • Pastors  • Ministry leaders  • Volunteer directors   • Church staff teams   • People who lead volunteers

“This conference has been uplifting, encouraging, organized, spiritual, and beneficial. I feel very equipped to go back to our leadership, staff, and ministries to start our equipping process.” SHARON ROWE Ministry director, Woodland Hills Christian Church, Abingdon, VA

Course Calendar 5 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Vo l u n t e e r S e l e c t i o n , Tr a i n i n g & Engagement Courses

Building an Equipping Church:

Creating a culture that moves people from sitting to serving

Transform you church with an Ephesians 4 culture, where serving is a “get to” experience…not a “have to” obligation. In three days, you’ll go through 10 high-impact workshops that will equip you with the vision, tools, and systems needed to create a doable plan for empowering people to BE the church. Course Benefits You’ll understand the biblical foundation that calls leaders to equip people for ministry. Throughout this experience you’ll see the big picture for creating a culture at your church that moves people from sitting to serving. You’ll learn how to create realistic strategies for:   •  Fully equipping your ministry teams   •  Implementing proven connection systems   •  Creating a church-wide culture of gift-based service   •  Releasing and empowering God’s people to BE the church Who Should Attend  • Pastors  • Ministry leaders  • Volunteer directors   •  Church staff teams   •  People who lead volunteers

“Equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” —Ephesians 4:12 “I leave “Building an Equipping Church” with a clear-eyed realization of the challenges ahead, but also inspiration to do all that’s necessary and tools with which to begin the work.” DWAYNE BAGLEY Mason, WI

Course Calendar 6 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Vo l u n t e e r S e l e c t i o n , Tr a i n i n g & Engagement Courses

Creating a Thriving Volunteer Culture Course Benefits The statistics are clear: The American church is in decline. And so are the number of people who are volunteering within the church. This course will examine the four key reasons people—and volunteers—are staying away from church. You’ll also understand four ways you can change your church culture to be a place where volunteers want to serve. You’ll learn how to:   • Recognize trends in the church today that impact attendance and volunteering   • Implement four Jesus-centered responses to create a positive church culture to increase volunteer engagement   •  Assess church barriers that keep people from serving   • Explore coaching myths and a simple process to coach volunteers to success   •  Fire a volunteer—in a way that honors God and the volunteer   • Move people from thinking “I’m just a volunteer” to “We’re all in ministry together” Who Should Attend  • Pastors  • Ministry leaders  • Volunteer directors   •  Church staff teams   •  People who lead volunteers

“This seminar helped me look at volunteering not just from the viewpoint of my ministry, but how the church as a whole is being perceived, and how that perception is affecting us.” NIKKI CROSSON Fort Collins, CO

Course Calendar 7 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Professional Development Courses

Next Level Speaker Training: Create and deliver messages that WOW

This 3-day intensive training uncovers must-know insights from the pros on how to fully engage your audience with a memorable presentation. Through interactive workshops, you’ll discover powerful keys to motivating an audience. Then you’ll prepare and give your own 20-minute presentation before a panel of peers and a seasoned coach. You’ll receive instant feedback and a personal one-on-one session with your coach who will review your videotaped presentation and offer a professional appraisal. Course Benefits Through a variety of activities and experiences, you’ll be able to create a message that captivates your audience. You’ll learn:   • How to design a presentation that impacts your audience (and includes more than a lecture or speech)   • The latest methods on delivering messages that stick   • How to create powerful openings and closings for an unforgettable message   • How technology can help or hurt your message   • Ways to get people thinking and talking   • What to wear for maximum impact   • How to avoid common speaking pitfalls   • How to speak to an interdenominational audience   • How to refine and improve your speaking abilities Who Should Attend  • Pastors  • Ministry leaders  • Worship directors

Course Calendar 8 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Professional Development Courses

EConnect:

Using online tools for greater impact This two and a half day conference will provide you with an expanded understanding of how social media and online tools can benefit and grow your ministry. You’ll learn how to use these tools to save time, reach a broader audience, build a well-connected community, and create a place for constant communication in your church. Next Course: Date to be determined Course Benefits You'll learn:   • What tools are best for building community, and helpful tools for communicating to your church.   • What communication tools can save you time and reduce your number of meetings.   • How to build a website that attracts people to your church and makes sense to your audience,   •  New ways to bring in revenue online   • What mobile means for websites, and how to build an effective mobile site   • How to use social media tools (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) and discern which ones will be the best return for your time and ministry Who should attend  • Pastors  • Ministry leaders  • Volunteer directors   •  Church staff teams

“The way that it went from very practical information that we can apply in our ministry—to a relational/spiritual focus. The speakers were engaging and easy to understand!” RACHEL MARKS McClave, CO

Course Calendar 9 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Discover Loveland, CO Loveland, Colorado is known as the “gateway to the Rockies” and offers a wonderful mix of adventurous escape with hiking and fly fishing in the beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park, sculptures for the art lover, fine dining, a variety of shopping, a western culture experience, and so much more!

Fort Collins

Rocky Mountain National Park

Loveland 34

Estes Park Longmont

Equipping Institute is located at

Group Publishing

25

Boulder

1515 Cascade Avenue Loveland, CO 80538 800.635.0404

Denver International Airport 70

70

Denver

Weather If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, just wait five minutes. The locals have learned to dress comfortably and in layers. Since Group is a very casual setting (jeans are completely welcome!), keep things like a fleece pullover, sweater, or scarf handy. Climate of Loveland, Colorado Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Average high in °F:

44

46

54

62

71

81

Average low in °F:

13

16

23

31

40

48

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Average high in °F:

87

85

77

65

52

43

Average low in °F:

54

52

43

32

21

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10 For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

Lodging We recommended LaQuinta Inn and Suites of Loveland, located right next to Group Publishing—It’s a 2-minute walk if you take your time. LaQuinta offers free breakfast and has a heated pool and hot tub. A discounted nightly rate of $85 for a Standard Room is available to Equipping Institute participants. Call the LaQuinta direct at 970-622-8600 and ask for the Group Publishing rate when making your reservation. This rate is only available through calling the hotel directly.

LaQuinta Inn and Suites

Feel Like You’re On Top of the World! Rocky Mountain National Park nps.gov/romo/index.htm Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road—which crests over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds—along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, fishing, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top! On your way up, stop at Estes Park where you can stroll the town, eat some salt water taffy, and do some shopping.

1450 Cascade Avenue Loveland, CO 80538

Get in touch with your inner cowboy or cowgirl!

Other hotel options include:

Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch sylvandale.com

Comfort Inn

1500 N. Cheyenne Avenue Loveland, CO 80538 970-593-0100

Embassy Suites

4705 Clydesdale Parkway Loveland, CO 80538 970-593-6200

Horseback riding is a must-do when visiting Colorado. Whether you’re an experienced rider or have never put your foot in a stirrup, you will find a riding experience at Sylvan Dale that fits you perfectly.

Go Hiking! Devil’s Backbone Open Space co.larimer.co.us

Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Just down the street from Equipping Institute is the Devil’s Backbone Open Space. A unique natural area with 12 miles of trails—perfect for hiking, running, wildlife viewing, and observing nature.

Hampton Inn

Explore our shopping and dining options!

1700 Foxtrail Drive Loveland, CO 80538 970-461-1000

5500 Stone Creek Circle Loveland, CO 80538 970-593-1400

Quality Inn

1639 E. Eisenhower Blvd. Loveland, CO 80537 970-635-9500

Residence Inn by Marriott

5450 McWhiney Blvd. Loveland CO 80538 970-622-7000

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Enjoy your stay in C olorado !

The Promenade Shops at Centerra, Outlet Shopping and Historic Downtown Loveland OutletsAtLoveland.com ThePromenadeShopsAtCenterra.com The Promenade Shops at Centerra feature your favorite stores including Macy’s, Ann Taylor Loft, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Banana Republic, and many more. Shop your favorite stores including Coach, Ann Taylor, and Nike at the Outlets at Loveland. Downtown is home to many local, family-owned businesses, and the shopping district features many fun boutiques, shops and art galleries. Be sure to pick up a historic walking tour map at the visitors center or museum and take a self-guided tour through the streets of commercial and residential Loveland.

For more information call 800.267.9040 or visit group.com/equipping

E quipping I N S T I T U T E

1515 Cascade Ave, Loveland, CO 80538 800.267.9040 group.com/equipping