Transforming Mission: Leadership Development

CBM Certificate of Integral Mission

Kenya Cohort - Module One

Grassroots leadership development is an integral part of the work of Canadian Baptist Ministries. Leadership development takes many forms from informal mentorship to high level training programs, such as the doctoral and masters program that CBM and Carey Theological College are completing with our African partner churches. Many of our Canadian colleagues dedicate energy and time to such informal and more structured initiatives. Whether taking an African colleague out for tea, or teaching in one of our partner Bible Colleges, CBM's field staff are continually investing in present and emerging leadership.

But it would be wrong to assume that these are one-way interactions. At every level, leadership development is about mutual learning and encouragement. Mentorship, for instance, strengthens both the Canadian and the African leader as they share perspectives on culture, faith and ministry. Leadership development is about both giving and receiving from one another. The same experience of co-learning shapes what takes place in the class room, or in training events, as we recognize and honour the knowledge, expertise and wisdom brought from all participants.

In CBM's latest leadership training initiative, the certificate of integral mission program, we are learning together with our African team and partners -- what does integral mission mean and what does it looks like on the ground. In no way are the Canadians "the experts", but through peer-to-peer learning we are strengthening one another in our understanding and practice of fruitful ministry.

Erica, Geoffrey and Samuel at the

Africa Brotherhood Guesthouse, Machakos

This past week, Erica and I had the joy of facilitating the first CIM module in Kenya with our CBM team and partner representatives from Faith Evangelical Baptist Church (South Sudan), the African Christian Church and Schools (Kenya), and the Africa Brotherhood Church (East Africa).

We are very appreciative for the work of our lecturers and facilitators for the Kenyan cohort: Aaron & Erica Kenny, Wayne Morgan, Margaret Kisilu, Sharlene Craig and Ruth Munyao. It was a week of great content, reflection, and strengthening.

Wayne facilitating a discussion group

Peter, Wilson and Elizabeth

Martha, Erica, Pauline, Sharlene and Maureen

Although the days were full, we appreciated great times of 

fellowship and laughter. Building bonds of friendship

and camaraderie are essential for leaders to find support 

and encouragement as they move forward together.

As we had written in our blog post about the May 4-8 module in Kigali, the CIM program is designed as a praxis learning approach where participants return once every six months in a cyclical process of action and reflection. The training is practical, learner-centred, and affirming as we seek to strengthen one another for more effective ministry.

The marriage of active leadership and intentional reflection is a powerful approach as leaders become more attentive and critical in their understanding and practice of ministry. We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and vulnerability that the first two CIM cohorts are demonstrating. Please join us in praying for this program and for the ministry of leadership development in Africa.

You can learn more about the the CIM program and Integral Mission on a recent post by our friend and colleague Jonathan Mills at their blog cbmrwanda.ca or by using this link:

http://cbmrwanda.ca/Rwanda_Update/2015/05/09/learning-about-integral-mission/

"Where there is no guidance the people fall, 

but in abundance of counsellors there is victory."

Proverbs 11:14