 I’m not risky, not a traveler, resistant to drastic change, and a “home body.” I’m rooted in my hometown and love my job and my church, both of which are going through great shifts and purposeful change. It doesn’t make logical sense to pick up and go to Bradford, England, but that’s where I’ll be as I attend the Leadership Academy of Abundant Life Church (ALC), from September 2011 — June 2012. I first heard of this church from my parents in 2008 after they returned from attending Stronger, a conference hosted by ALC for church leaders. They encouraged me to consider attending, and long story short: this year, I am! To quote their website, “The aim of the Leadership Academy is to teach our students transferable leadership skills and practical Christian theology that helps to equip them for leadership in ministry, business or any sphere of life.”  Why go? Here are some personal reasons: Keyword: Change I would like to become someone that “holds life loosely” and is open to change. This is a great step in that direction. Most importantly, though, I hope my personal reliance on God will grow. Rather than depend on my roots, my home, my church, my family, my job, my abilities and my personality, I must rely on God. In a brand new setting, out of my comfort zone and asked to do things out of my realm of experience, I’m looking forward to changing for the better Resist Apathy As a Christian, it is far too easy to settle into a comfortable lifestyle where “coasting” is the norm. I’m very active in my church and in the Christian organization where I serve, but I don’t care about how spiritually successful or “put together” I may seem on the outside. I would like my heart to break with that which breaks God’s heart, as Brooke Fraser’s song Hosanna says —and this is the heart cry of ALC, to reach the lost. I so appreciate the purpose and vision of the church. Read it here. Learn from Leaders I’m very excited about the “crossing over” culture shift that ALC went through (and which Pastor Paul Scanlon write about in his book Crossing Over). I see similarities with my own church’s history and know that I can be equipped and learn from a great church. It’s healthy to be under the training of different pastors, teachers and mentors, so I’m looking forward to this. I recently got to hear from Academy Principal Stephen Matthew who spoke to pastors and leaders at my church and was involved in my church’s Building Dedication Service this past weeke d. It whet my appetite! Music & Creative Expression I look forward to learning more about media, artistic expression, music and songwriting in my program and at ALC. As an academy student, I’ve enrolled in the elective “Worship and Creative Arts” which will not only give me classroom training on theology of worship and history of worship expression in the church, but I’ll be challenged to develop my own gifts. I’m excited to be taught by some of the songwriters and leaders at the church who have written some great tunes on the church’s latest album “Name Above All Names.” To hear from these leaders in their worship podcast, check out iTunes.  CommentsRosanne 06/02/2011 4:57am
Liz, I shall miss you terribly but I'm SO excited for you. I know you will come back a changed woman! This is such an incredible chance for you to seek God and grow in so many new ways that will benefit you (and those who know and love you) forever! jeff 06/02/2011 5:10am
Elizabeth: Leave a Reply | Elizabeth's BlogCheck out what I'm up to: music, songwriting, day-to-day adventures in Bradford, England, and what I'm learning through it all. ArchivesJanuary 2012 |
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