Training

Dr. Sam Warren

far more consulting began with a deep passion for the local church

Trained or not to be trained?

One of the clearest commands given by the apostle Paul to the leadership of the church is that they should equip the saints to do the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-14). The primary reason for this command centers on Paul's desire that the church would be stable and relationally connected to the head of the church (Jesus Christ, Ephesians 4:14-15).

To achieve this goal, leaders must be trained. Not simply in doctrinal truth, which is absolutely necessary, but in the basics of how to move believers to maturity in their faith. Check out the information on this page for FMC's proposed path of accomplishing this goal. It is the belief of FMC that we pass on our DNA. Therefore, maturity passes on maturity and immaturity passes on immaturity.

FMC is committed to helping each church determine the path that they will pursue as they move their church toward maturity. We call it the Pathway to Maturity. It begins with a clear emphasis on knowing How to Study the Bible. Without the ability to accurately understand the Scriptures, little can be accomplished in our effort to become spiritually mature. Next, the believer is shown the strategic role of the Holy Spirit in being able to take the Word of Truth and apply it to life and ministry (Ephesians 6:17).

This equipping phase leads to having a Biblical Christology. Sadly, many churches have derailed due to the idea that man is in charge. The Scriptures clearly place Christ as the head of the church and makes crystal clear how the body is to connect to the Lord of the church. Having a clear understanding of Christology, the believer is properly positioned to build a biblical picture of the church (Ecclesiology). At this point in the journey to maturity, the believer is helped by understanding those things that might negatively influence their ability to lead the church effectively, through a careful study of Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. This is based on the belief that it is impossible to become spiritually mature when you are emotionally immature.

Properly positioned under the head of the church, a follower of Christ can now discover his/her giftedness and where they fit within the broader ministry of the church. Having reached a point in his/her journey of faith where they understand how to study the Bible, the role of the Holy Spirit, Christology, and Ecclesiology, the maturing believer turns their heart and mind toward the lost (4 Chair Disccipling). By doing so, the church can consistently live out God's mandate of making disciples who make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20).

4 CHAIR DISCIPLING

How did the message of the gospel saturate the entire ancient world in less than 30 years without cars, the Internet or smartphones? It spread from person to person as early Christians obeyed Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples.” These believers followed the disciple-making method and model of Jesus, the Master Teacher. As they did, others came to know Him, not just about Him! And they, in turn, became Christians who disciple others, multiplying a movement.
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PATHWAY TO MATURITY

Have you ever wondered about what happens to people once they are baptized? Do they just grow spiritually on their own? Or, is it someone's responsibility to help them grow? Is it only the pastor's responsibility?The Pathway to Maturity training is designed to answer this very important question. One thing's for sure if the church that has no plan to guide new believers in the development of their faith is the same as having a plan to do nothing.This training will help pastors, church leaders and the church as a whole determine what they are going to do when it comes to helping believers grow to maturity in their faith.
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STRATEGIC PLANNING

"Why does this church exist?" It seems like this would be a simple question to answer, however, many churches come up empty when they are asked. But what exactly is strategic planning? More importantly, why should we do it?First, and foremost we find in the Scriptures that Christ has made clear the missional mandate for the church (Mt. 28:16-20) and each local church must discover how they fit into the fulfillment of this command. Beyond this, the church needs to formulate its vision for the future, which will demand that they commit to living out their core values in everything they do.Strategic Planning is the process of praying and thinking through the day by day, as well as the future priorities for their ministry. FMC is equipped to come alongside the local church in order to create, communicate and integrate these priorities in all that they do.
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CHURCH HEALTH ASSESSMENT

How do you define success when it comes to the church? I am often asked a variation of this question, but over the years I’ve discovered that this is the wrong question. A church can appear “successful” because a lot of people came to an event, but the proof is in the “pudding.” That is, what is the purpose of the event and where are the tangible results of putting on such an event.A careful reading of Scripture reveals that it is not about the success of the church but the health of the church that we are to pursue in all that God calls us to do. For this reason, I am thrilled to recommend the use of Leadership Transformation’s “Church Health Assessment Tool” resource to evaluate the overall biblical health of your church.There are many reasons that C.H.A.T. is a great tool for the church. Do you want to know your strengths? Do you want to get a read the thoughts of your leadership versus your laity? Do you want a picture of what health looks like biblically and assistance in moving your church toward a greater level of health? If so, then C.H.A.T. is for you and your church.
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DEMOGRAPHICS

If you are a church leader in the 21st Century, knowing your world is not an option. Expert knowledge of your ministry environment is expected and necessary if you are leading others in mission today. Demographics are the cornerstone of this contextual knowledge. Whatever else you learn about your world should build upon the knowledge and insight you gain from your demographic foundation.One of the great advantages of demographic information is that you can easily adjust its scope. You may profile the entire country. . . or zoom in and look at the local ministry area of your church.Percept provides a full spectrum of information products, from an introductory FirstView report for a single ZIP Code area to a comprehensive PeopleArea study of the United States or any other uniquely defined region or ministry area in-between.
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