Ministry Training Centers

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

Ministry Training Centers (MTCs) have been growing and learning under the guidance of our U.S. Development Coordinator, Cara Garrity. By design, MTCs are housed by healthy congregations with strong expressions of Faith, Hope, and Love Avenues. We have sites in the Philippines, Colombia, South America, Africa and the U.S. Each site has a unique flavor based on its cultural setting alongside the giftings and personalities of the congregational leaders. Our overarching goal is to have healthy churches providing a welcoming space for new and younger leaders to join a formal Christian education pathway while participating in the active ministries of the church. I am happy to have Cara provide us with highlights and updates.

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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9 NRSVUE

In GCI, we describe development as an intentional process to steward the priesthood of all believers. I am glad to be part of a denomination that strives to take seriously the priesthood of all believers. Nearly 10 years ago, I began my journey as an intern and pastoral resident with my local congregation in Waltham, Massachusetts. I was blessed to receive the investment of time, funds, giftings, and more from the members of my congregation. I received discipleship, pastoral mentorship, hands-on ministry experience, and the love and care of the Body of Christ.

In my role as development coordinator, it is now my privilege to partner with congregations and leaders in GCI who are growing in the intentional stewardship of the priesthood of all believers. Ministry Training Centers are one way we are bringing increased intentionality to the equipping of ministry leaders.

What is a Ministry Training Center? An MTC is a site dedicated to the development and multiplication of emerging leaders through provision of strategic ministry equipping within the life of the church. The intentional ministry training of an MTC is grounded within the healthy church practices of a local congregation. It is a congregational setting where established leaders are gathered to receive ongoing ministry equipping and where emerging leaders are gathered to receive equipping to step into ministry participation and discern ministry giftings. See the following GCI Buzz to learn more about MTCs.

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