Gulf South Leadership Institute Summer Newsletter

Gulf South Leadership Institute News SUMMER 2010 NEWSLETTER

THIS ISSUE Reflecting on impact - E.D. Erik Thien - Element NOLA Shane Zeringue - Pastor, N.O. Jon Collins - Pearlington, MS Joe Conforto - Slidell, LA John Wester - Biloxi, MS Dr. Stanley Helton - Instructor Laura Eastman - Slidell, LA

Reflection - Impacting ministries in the Greater New Orleans area.

Wimbai Mutonono - Executive Director The non-traditional and practical approach emphasized in our programs has allowed us to equip and encourage a diverse group of students within the last year. Most of our students have appreciated the small group learning environment, and have found it tremendously beneficial to the different ministries they represent. I am humbled, and at the same time excited, to be part of an organization that is encouraging strong, positive leadership and management practices for leaders in various ministries and organizations in the Greater New Orleans area. This newsletter serves to showcase and reflect the impact that the Gulf South Leadership Institute has had in its brief time of existence. As I look at how much influence we have had within the last year, my excitement is elevated by the thought of how much more influence we will have on the leaders and managers in our communities. Some of our students who began taking classes at the beginning of the program will soon be completing the required amount of classes for the Certificate in Christian Leadership, and I am so confident that they will be able to better serve in various ministries because of the education they received through the Institute..

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Strengthening existing churches and church plants The Gulf South Leadership Institute exists to serve as a resource center for existing churches and new church plants within the area. The stability and strength of these churches depends on the strength of the leadership base. As the Institute invests in one leader at a time, we foresee the potential of a growing movement that could soon be a force of strong, vibrant, and self sustaining churches.

My one request is for you to be in prayer for our students as they continue to make a difference in the Greater New Orleans area.

Student reflections on the Institute’s impact on their lives and ministries: We asked some of our students to share their reflections on the impact the Institute has made on their lives and ministries

Erik Thien: Element, NOLA The Gulf South Leadership Institute has been a huge help in my walk with God and my ministry. I found myself in that area post Bible College wanting to gain some real ministry experience instead of jumping into seminary. Not that seminary is bad, but it is incredibly time consuming, expensive, and has the tendency to be rigidly academic.

GSLI has provided a way for me to remain focused on real-life ministry and keep my mind sharp through weekly classes. It is a perfect environment to meet with other pastors from all ages and walks of life, and to learn alongside your leadership teams as you interact with the professors to let “iron sharpen iron.”

I am encouraged and equipped to be a better leader while implementing concepts into my ministry as opposed to merely learning about them. The professors are great and challenge us with different perspectives and wisdom in biblical thinking, teaching, and service.

Since the classes are leadership-based, they provide the perfect opportunity for me to bring lay leaders that are seeking to engage more in biblical studies but do not have time to go back to school full-time.

They are able to be with their families and gain biblical training as they serve the church and live missionally through their careers.

Taking classes together also provides great conversations as we walk through the text and interact with God’s word as a group. The classes are a catalyst for sparking interest in biblical concepts and learning, not only for me, but those who have never had any biblical training at all. _______________________________________

Erik earned a degree in Christian Ministry/ Counseling from Southwestern College in Phoenix AZ. His passion is to see followers of Jesus engage with art and culture around and us in missional ways to connect people to Christ, His church, and His mission. Erik has been married to the love of his life Emily for 3 1/2 years. He can be seen leading music at various events in the area such as Campus Crusade for Christ and Crossroads Missions.

Shane Zeringue: Worship & Youth NOLA When I first learned about the Gulf South Leadership Institute, I thought it was going to be a refresher course covering the same things I had been through in seminary. To my surprise, it has been so much more.

Even though I have been through the Bible many times before, each class is presented in a way which makes it all seem as if it’s the first time I have ever read it.

Each class is very interactive and exciting causing you to want to search deeper. By completing the program at GSLI, I feel I will be better prepared for my ministry career.

The information provided by GSLI will prepare us for leadership in ministry today by studying current situations we face in our church as well as situations faced by our early church fathers. I look forward to completing the program this year. ____________________________________ Shane earned a degree in Pastoral and Worship Ministry from Wesleyan University in San Antonio, Texas. His passion is to lead others in worship through song and to help others have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.

Shane recently married his wife Charlotte. He leads worship at various locations around the city to support local church bodies and

church plants.

Erik Thien (Left) - Element NOLA Shane Zeringue (Right) - Worship & Youth

Impacting Church Planting Serving church planters As I began a ministry at a new church, I found that GSLI has been beneficial.

I’ve been able to learn from some very educated and respectable individuals— Dr. Keith Keeran (KCU) and Dr. Stanley Helton.

An additional benefit is the fellowship of other church planters and ministers within the area, including networking

opportunities that facilitate fill-in ministers in the event that I have to travel.

Most of the courses have opened my eyes to some leadership aspects that I was not fully aware of. I would strongly recommend anyone involved in or anticipating leadership to become involved in studying and learning with other leaders in an environment such as GSLI offers.

This venue has been a blessing and benefit to me as a church planter. __________________________________________________________________________

Jon is a church planter in Pearlington, MS. He is me married to Kim and they have three kids.

Jon Collins - Church planter Pearlington Christian Church, MS

John (Pester) Wester Biloxi Christian Church, MS As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

(Proverbs 27: 17)

Joe Conforto - Christian Church of Slidell At this time in my life (age 67), I do not feel called to be a pastor or preacher. I also feel no need for a formal Christian education or degree. I do, however, love the Word of God and feel moved to share it whenever I can. I have served in a leadership position in my Church for several years.

Monitoring the courses at the GSLI has greatly benefitted me in two ways. First I have learned much about leadership in a Christian setting as opposed to a secular setting. I had spent the last thirty years of my working life in management and I am afraid I had brought some habits that were not particularly conducive to Church leadership with me.

The GSLI classes opened my eyes to the way leadership should be handled in the Church. Courses such as “Dynamics of Servant Leadership”, “Missional Leadership”, and especially “Leading Like Paul” have helped me in so many ways.

Second, and maybe more important, the more recent courses such as “Getting Our Stories Straight”, and, in particular, “The Survey of the New Testament” and “Acts Alive” have not only given me a fresh insight into these books, but have shown me a whole new perspective in studying all of scripture. Although I have been in The Word for many years this fresh viewpoint is very exciting.

I would recommend this second type of classes to anyone who desires to follow the ”Great Commission”. I know several people who hesitate to share Christ, or “witness” to others because they are afraid that they don’t have enough Biblical knowledge to do so. I am

convinced that these last three classes which I cited would be of benefit to any Christian, by giving him or her the confidence to be bold in their approach to non-believers.

There is no way to express my gratitude at the opportunity to be involved with the GSLI and I wish others would realize what they are missing. I think there should be a way to make people aware that many of these teachings are not only for those called to lead, but for any Christian who wishes to learn more about His Word. ___________________________________ Joe Conforto spent the majority of his working life n the car sales industry.

Eight years as a salesman and twentytwo in different aspects of management.

Joe came to the Christian Church of Slidell about sixteen years ago. He has enjoyed studying the Bible as a Christian and is passionate about studying to be more equipped for service. __________________________________ John Wester has been the preaching minister at Biloxi Christian Church since March, 2005. Prior to that John had worked with the US Air Force and the Veterans Administration. He assumed administrative leadership roles in both organizations. Since his calling to ministry, John has served as a deacon, an elder, a Sunday School teacher. John is glad to be glad to be enhancing his education through the Institute.

As the proverb states we will always have a need to share in Christian fellowship. The Gulf South Leadership Institute classes have fulfilled this need for me. The opportunities to share and study scripture, have challenged my perspective on interpretation of scripture. This is partly due to having instructors from different international backgrounds.

I found, that I would naturally apply an American perspective and cultural bias in my reading and interpretations of scripture text.

Also, the need to examine the recipients and the main themes of text has been fulfilled through the classes.

These studies have been very beneficial in the preparation of sermons, study classes, and the daily challenges of living. Due to the relaxed class atmosphere, it is easy to ask questions, to offer and to get different viewpoints. The outlines provided are very useful for classes and further studies, and the self evaluation studies I found helpful in identifying my strengths. These classes help me stay sharp and committed in my love for fellow Christians.

John (Pester) Wester—Minister, Biloxi Christian Church, Mississippi

Impacting diverse ministries: In May 2009, I journeyed from rural Indiana to Slidell, Louisiana, as a volunteer with plans to work at a couple of Gulf South churches while completing my Masters degree.

I had few expectations, but I did (and still do) expect to discover where God is working, and join Him in that work.

This was especially true if it meant meeting the needs of people that others were unable or unwilling to serve.

Upon my arrival, it became immediately clear that leaders with solid spiritual and leadership training were needed in every area of ministry. Fortunately, the realization of those needs is found in the Gulf South Leadership Institute.

When I first moved to the Gulf South, I couldn’t help but notice the range of people who called this place home. In the same way, the Gulf South Leadership Institute caters to a diverse population. During each class session, community and church leaders from a variety of backgrounds come together regardless of how much or how little experience each one has in their area of ministry. I personally find the varying perspectives to be refreshing, and as a result, I am challenged to reflect further on my own beliefs. Listening to others who have served longer than I in this area, which truly is unlike any other area, has also proved encouraging. In short, I believe the Gulf South Leadership Institute courses would be nothing but beneficial for anyone, as the principles that are Laura Eastman—Slidell, LA taught will last nothing short of a lifetime. ____________________________________________ Laura is currently completing her M.A. in Christian Leadership from Kentucky Christian University. She can be found working with children, with Latinos, and leading worship in area churches.

Planting A School:

Dr. Stanley Helton teaching a class (Acts Alive) with Gulf South Leadership Institute in Slidell.

Over the past year, I have been privileged to work with Wimbai and Lena through the Gulf South Leadership Institute. Wimbai has graciously made room for me to teach several classes (Missional Leadership, Getting Our Story Straight: OT Survey, and Acts Alive: Study of Acts). I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the students and to hear of their ministries in difficult settings. I have taught pro bono because I believe in the vision and mission of the school and believe it serves a critical role in the future of the church in the Gulf South.

Have you ever noticed how strong the church becomes near a Christian college or university? Historically, our churches are strongest around educational institutions created to serve those churches, some of which exist now because of the work of the school. Today there is a great deal of buzz around church planting, which I certainly encourage. I also believe that the Institute can help train and nurture church planters. However, if we want to do more than to plant a church, but, say, begin a church planting movement, then maybe we should plant a school. Remember that historically our churches thrive around Christian educational centers. This is why I strongly support the Gulf South Leadership Institute.

Stanley Helton (D.Min.) serves as senior minister at Tammany Oaks Church of Christ in Mandeville. Stan is marred to Patricia and they have a daughter who is a student at Oklahoma Christian College.

Upcoming Events Gulf South Leadership Institute First Annual Golf Tournament

GULF SOUTH LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE 57030 Allen Road Slidell, LA 70461 July 24th, 2010 @12:00 P.M Hosted by Oak Harbor Golf Club, Slidell 201 Oak Harbor Blvd. Slidell, LA 70458

985.641.8427 ph.

985.641.8427 fax www.gulfsouthleadership.org gsli@gulfsouthleadership.org