NTC’s Full Engagement Kicks Off

August 11, 2004

The National Training Center's inaugural Full Engagement: Leading a Men's Small Group training course will get underway with events in Grand Rapids, MI, Sept. 17-18, and Allentown, PA, Oct. 8-9.

The full day (or two half-day) course gives men in leadership effective strategies for building authentic, godly small groups that, according to Brett Clemmer, Director of the National Training Center, "don't scare guys off and gets them beyond the 'how-about-the-game-last-night' level of communication."

"Full Engagement,", says Clemmer, "trains participants to lead a group in which men move naturally from mere acquaintances to deep friendships and ultimately, to brothers. In the context of authentic friendships and the dynamic study and discussion of God's Word, men become truly 'fully engaged.'"

The Full Engagement course was developed in consultation with Geoff Gorsuch, author of the book Brothers! (Navpress, ©1994), and Thom Corrigan, president of SERV (an offshoot of Serendipity House). Using the analogy of a baseball diamond, pastors and lay leaders are shown how to "cover the bases" beginning with how to recognize barriers to self-disclosure, encourage emotional risk-taking and create a climate of confidentiality. Other topics addressed:

" Overcoming men's tendency to be "disengaged."
" Asking good questions that spur discussion
" Developing "active" listening skills
" Conflict Resolution & Anger Management
" Covenant & Accountability
" Recruiting new leaders
" The "Red Bandanna" challenge

If you live in the Allentown or Grand Rapids areas, it's not too late to sign up for the Full Engagement course. For more information on registering, or if you'd like to bring Full Engagement to your church or community, contact Jim Angelakos at Man in the Mirror, tel. 800-929-2536.