leaders who
influence
Missional Community Leadership Development
Could this be for me?
Would you like to be part of a community sent as an authentic expression of God’s life? A community that is shaped for others to join, being formed in the likeness of Jesus and participating in His mission? To have a real role in it and perhaps even learn to begin one yourself?
Jesus’ approach:
When Jesus called Peter and Andrew to “come and follow”, he promised to teach them “to fish for people”. He didn’t just prepare them for mission. He actively engaged them in it. After modelling it himself, Jesus sent the Twelve, and then a group of seventy two, out in mission. “They learned to fish not only by watching the great fisherman at his work but also by fishing themselves.” This all led up to their final great task: to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them … and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Jesus hadn’t invited his disciples to a course, but to join him in an adventure, in a great cause. He wanted them to change the world. And he still does …
What leadership interns do:
Since the mission of Christ’s Body is to continue what Christ began, Cornerstone’s missional community leadership development aims to be in tune with His – not only in terms of its content, but also in its method. There are three main components to Cornerstone’s internships:
1 Being entrusted with real and meaningful roles in the life of a missional community, alongside experienced missional leaders:
Such communities are communities of witness – signs of Jesus’ present reign and foretastes of his coming reign. Jesus didn’t call us to a course but to a cause. Involvement in the real mission and leadership of dynamic communities of witness, enables interns to go beyond theory and to use their gifts, experiences and training to form a vocation from God, that they can shape their lives around. Fully participating in the life and ministry of a missional community is the best way to become a fruitful missional leader. After all, God doesn’t
just want us to accumulate qualifications and to forge careers, but to be part of a movement of His Spirit under Jesus Christ. Ambitious interns might even choose to form their own missional community close to an existing Cornerstone missional community.
2 Mentoring in mission by experienced, mature leaders, learning alongside them as they themselves learn:
Cornerstone has been walking the Way of Jesus for years and as a result they have learned what it means to follow. Their discipleship experiences are standout.
Mentors will do all they can to encourage each intern in their growth and fruitfulness – not only in the real and significant roles they’re given, but also in their spiritual life and mission. Jesus’ way of teaching was highly relational, and interns will have the opportunity to share deeply in the lives of their mentors. Such a relational dynamic can have a profound influence on what counts most – character, attitudes, ambitions, priorities and skills. Some of our most important qualities are caught more than they are taught. As interns are being mentored they will, in turn, be mentoring others. Whatever we are given, we are expected to pass on. Jesus invested in the Twelve so they could, in turn, invest in others.
3 Trained reflective thinkers:
… we need models of discipleship, of incarnational living, which enflesh the Gospel … The people of Cornerstone Community do not just talk of the need for such a discipling community but are actually living it.
Interns will participate in spiritual retreats and cover key readings. Practitioners with a wealth of experience in mission and ministry will deliver study intensives – for a few days per semester over three years. Topics include:
- Jesus of Nazareth – an in depth study of Jesus the Servant Leader
- Christian Spirituality – the spiritual life & character of a leader
- Strategic Christian Mission – the strategy of a missional leader
- Pastoral Care & Spiritual Direction – the discipling leader
- Engage Biblically with Cultures & Worldviews – the wise leader
- Immersion in a ministry of interns choice somewhere else in the world, alongside an experienced Cornerstone member
Completion:
The internship will reach completion after three years – when the intern has finished their studies and demonstrated the ability to be trusted with the responsibilities given.
Reflection:
Once the intern has completed their training, they will leave Cornerstone for two months in order to allow space for them and Cornerstone’s leaders to seek God’s direction about the next step, which may or may not be with Cornerstone.
Application:
Download an application form below.
References / referees and interview will be particularly important
Preferred prerequisites:
- Prior experience with Cornerstone
- Spiritual maturity
Questions?
Martin Watson
0427 723 150
martin@cornerstone.edu.au