2027 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.
What Network Participants Are Saying
- "The Forum is the most inspiring event that I have ever attended. I was able to learn so much biblical wisdom and meet and mingle with people who are walking their talk. Being around people with such a heart for serving the Lord, both in words and practice, was amazing and inspiring. Also, the multicultural aspect of people from Europe (and worldwide) coming together to worship the Lord and looking to serve him more wholeheartedly was terrific. Here I can meet with experienced leaders and grow so much in my own role as a young leader to my fellow countrymen. The Forum had a huge impact on my life last year and has been fruitful in so many areas."
- Anton Liljedal, Theology Student, Denmark - "Being at the European Leadership Forum is a huge blessing to me. Through the Disciple-Making Leaders Network I have received important inspiration which will define the future of our ministry. I have been motivated to build a disciple-making system. I would like to make discipleship a key part of our ministry with volunteers and counsellors."
- Laszlo Beregi, Executive Officer of Grace Ministries Foundation, Hungary - "Being part of the European Leadership Forum has been an incredible experience and a great blessing for me, as I am able to learn from other leaders and disciple-makers across Europe, receive encouragement for my walk with the Lord, and receive many resources, including great books, which will equip me the other Christians in Slovenia to walk with Christ more faithfully and boldly."
- Sara Stikovic, Youth Leader, Slovenia
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
Andrew Dickson lives by the sea on Northern Ireland’s world-famous Antrim Coast with his wife, Katherine, and their two young children. After spending over 13 years in local church and para-church ministry, Andrew now serves as the Congregational Life Development Officer for the Presbyterian… Read more
Marty Gray is the Minister of Knock Presbyterian Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is passionate about helping churches become healthier, more outward-looking communities. He particularly enjoys helping churches turn biblical convictions into practical plans that can work in ordinary local… Read more
Heather Holdsworth is a Bible teacher, author and artist. Her focus is on the Spiritual Formation of people of all ages. As a teacher she developed a keen interest in how people grow. Following a 2-year diploma in Practical Theology, she completed an MA in Spiritual Formation & Discipleship… Read more
Ján Máhrik is a church planter pastoring Za Kostolom church in Žilina, Slovakia. He is passionate about bringing the Gospel and truths of the Bible to the unchurched - sceptic, secular, and post-Christian. He is a host of the award-winning podcast… Read more
Zuza Onasoga is a theologian and pastoral mental health professional for individuals, couples and families. She has been in the ministry for the past 30+ years beside her husband who is a church planter and pastor. Besides serving in church ministries for women, discipleship, children/youth and… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 23 May
Many Christians faithfully attend services and participate in church activities but struggle to see themselves as participants in God’s mission. This session explores how churches can help people move from being consumers of ministry to active servants, disciple-makers, and co-workers in the kingdom of God.
I was living in a way that would have messed up my marriage or family – or both. My mentor told me this and helped me learn how to follow Jesus more faithfully and change. Many leaders struggle in isolation, unaware of the damage that can result without wise guidance and accountability. This workshop addresses why people resist being mentored and how intentional relationships can bring restoration and growth. Drawing from Scripture and lived examples, the session will unpack practical biblical principles of mentoring and how God uses mentorship to strengthen marriages, families, and ministries.
Monday, 24 May
Too often, discipleship becomes a results-based programme instead of a relationship based in Christ-like love. This session will explore the discipler’s call to be a solid, trustworthy presence in the life of another, guiding others according to God’s truth while adopting an attitude of ‘open palms’ and remaining non-judgmental, accepting that the scenarios in another's life might be totally different from their own.
We want to help people follow Jesus, but do we give them the tools and support to put what they learn into practice? This seminar will explore two often neglected elements of discipleship: equipping people for everyday obedience and nurturing relationships of loving accountability. We’ll consider how to build a culture of discipleship where people are equipped to obey Jesus and lovingly encouraged to keep going.
Tuesday, 25 May
We want to be happy! We spend our lives on this simple quest. Jesus addresses our search, but His vision of what is good challenges our ideals. As disciple-makers, how can His message become ours? Join us as we ponder the shape of Christ’s kingdom – inside us, between us, and all around us.
One of the subtle dangers of ministry is creating people who rely heavily on leaders while remaining passive in their own discipleship. This session explores how we can help believers take increasing ownership of their spiritual growth, ministry, and witness, becoming disciples who depend on Christ and actively invest in others.
Wednesday, 26 May
We learned that there is no shortcut to maturity and there is no shortcut to mature leadership. All of us embark on life’s journey with a variety of backgrounds and experiences that affect the progress we make in our growth. All of us are led by God to make disciples in different contexts. One thing is sure: no matter how much we know, or what our spiritual, psychological, or emotional heritage might be, it takes time to mature and it takes perseverance in the long term to make disciples. In this last session, we will explore:
- How can we continue to grow as disciple-makers?
- What are the next steps to springboard to fruitful ministry?