As we journey with Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us share in our Lord's own ministry competency - his heart (character), head (knowledge) and hands (skill). Below are resources that help us do that.

Sharing Jesus' heart

Disciples grow in sharing Jesus' character (heart) as their hearts are entrained with his. This spiritual formation is the gracious and often mysterious work of the Holy Spirit.

Our primary role in this work is to provide nurturing environments that are conducive to the Spirit's transforming work.

Such environments have certain key characteristics that we refer to as ministry foundations. These characteristics help disciples experience God's being and activity, leading to a deeper sharing in Jesus' heart for ministry.

Sharing Jesus' head & hands

Disciples grow in sharing Jesus' ministry knowledge (head) and skill (hands) as they actively participate in Jesus' missional lifestyle.

Scripture suggests that this lifestyle has four distinctive "patterns" of loving and living (see strategy). In the four competency charts linked below, we have indexed resources that help facilitate growth in each pattern:

Each of these charts has three sections:

Essential knowledge. The knowledge that is essential for competency related to the particular pattern.
Essential skills. The skills that are essential for competency related to the pattern.
Equipping toolbox. Resources that help equippers and developing ministers grow in competency related to the particular pattern. These resources may be used in team discussions, one-on-one mentoring or coaching sessions, individual study, etc. Note that recommendations of these resources do not necessarily constitute endorsement of their full content.

A word of caution:

Approach these charts not as laws to be obeyed but as resources to be applied where growth is needed.
Take it one step at a time. Ministry development is a marathon, not a sprint.
Use the charts flexibly to fit the gifting and ministry context of each developing minister and of the coaches and mentors who assist.
While measuring growth is important, it must be done with tact, mercy and with an eye toward encouragement.
Growth in competency involves more than 'head knowledge'. Opportunity for ‘hands on’ application is vital and often precedes depth of knowledge.