2023 Disciple-Making Leaders (Advanced) Network
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This network builds on the foundation laid by the Foundational Disciple-Making Leaders Network through expanding content depth and drawing connections as well as providing a keen focus on practical application in disciple-making ministries in the local context.
We will help envision, equip, and encourage you as a leader for disciple-making, because while Jesus’ command to make disciples is straightforward, the practice of it can be quite complex and require clear insight, skill, and understanding as well as plenty of support from fellow practitioners. Our vision is that Christ would multiply your disciple-making leadership to many others and thus impact Europe with the transforming power of the gospel. At the end of our time, you will have working knowledge of critical areas of discipleship content from people who have great experience and expertise. You will also have a clear plan of action to apply this wisdom and its facets to genuinely impact those with whom you work locally.
In order to attend this network, you must already be discipling others or be willing to commit to lead others in discipleship relationship and be held accountable to that work over the next year. Prior preparation will be set for all applicants.
Applicants should be leaders who have previously attended the European Leadership Forum Disciple-Making Leaders Network: Foundational Track. The Advanced Track will help participants move from principles to practical application sensitive to each person's ministry context.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Jay Eastman was born and raised in the US, attending The Ohio State University for undergraduate and graduate school. He has degrees in English and English education. He is married to Holly, and they have three children. He has taught English around the world and has served in Berlin, leading… Read more
Rick Hill is a speaker, author and leader based near Belfast, Northern Ireland. Having previously served in various ministry roles, Rick now oversees the Council for Mission in Ireland within the Presbyterian Church. He is also an elder in Carnmoney Church and author of Deep Roots of Resilient… Read more
Lindsay Olesberg is a Bible teacher and Scripture Engagement leader with more than 35 years of ministry experience. She has provided Scripture Engagement leadership for numerous Urbana Missions Conferences, Cape Town 2010 (Lausanne’s Third Global Congress), and Lausanne’s Younger Leaders… Read more
Kristy Williams has 17 years of experience as a full-time missionary in the context of youth ministry and leadership training. She serves primarily in Ukraine, though her love for training leaders takes her to different places across Europe with her missionary organization, Josiah Venture.… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 21 May
This session introduces the vision of the Disciple-Making Leaders Advanced Network as well as the expectations for Network participants. We will also consider what it means to shape a culture of discipleship and spiritual formation in everything we do so that it becomes a core ethos of our leadership rather than merely additional activities.
Fruitful and enduring discipleship is not guaranteed. Disciple-makers must be alert to the spiritual dynamics that can deepen or hinder growth. This session will explore the implications of Jesus’ parable of the sower as we help others to be shaped by the Scriptures.
Monday, 22 May
How can every Christian go out into their bit of God’s world confident that God can work through them? Our aim as disciple-making leaders should be to equip and empower people to serve God faithfully and fruitfully in every aspect of their lives. This session will explore ways we can awaken followers of Jesus to understand their daily duties as contexts of discipleship.
What is woe and warning to Pharisees is good news for servant-leaders. By honoring God and growing in Christ-likeness, it results in our own gospel humility, spiritual maturity and leadership as well as those we serve, lead and disciple. In this session, we'll look at Christ’s clear commands in Mt. 23 as well as helpful insights from wise Christian leaders.
Tuesday, 23 May
How we raise a future generation of disciple-making leaders is of urgent importance for the church in Europe today. Through this session, we will consider important principles for helping young people grow towards spiritual maturity as well as explore helpful practices for empowering young leaders.
This session will explore ministry scenarios to help participants observe, reflect and apply what they have been learning so far in the network. This will involve practical work with others in a small group to consider how to best respond to disciple-making situations.
Wednesday, 24 May
Taking the form of a panel discussion with contributors from the network, this session will explore the practical outworkings of the teaching offered so far. Network participants will be able to put their own questions and scenarios to the panel and learn from their reflections.
The last session together will focus on the development of a strategic discipleship plan to help you move your learning from information to action. Participants will have an opportunity to share their plans with others for encouragement and feedback. The formation of cohort groups will also help to keep one another accountable to the plans made and spur each other on throughout the year.