What Is a Chapter Leader, GFM-Style? - Ministry Exchange (MX)

What does a Chapter Leader [Exec. member] Commit to?

Discipleship – the goal for each member . priority – not simply empowerment, but development . internship – an opportunity to further develop how to work with others in leading a group . formation – both in skill and character Leadership – within the chapter . servants – hospitality at meetings; doing the things that need to be done; administration . investors – giving generously out of your resources (time, money, energy, and affection) to the fellowship . shepherds – discussing pastoral concerns of specific individuals and teams, challenging and encouraging fellowship members in their discipleship . overseers – discussing issues, making decisions that effect the fellowship’s culture and specific places of shared leadership – leadership team, new student outreach, large/small group, conferences – deciding upon and articulating a fellowship theme/emphasis for the year (i.e. community, outreach, various topics) – any innovative ideas of your own design Partnership – with the staff team . mutual submission – learning from staff team out of their experience and connection to the fellowship, offering insight to staff team out of connection to the fellowship and experience . mutual trust – freedom to communicate honestly, humility to explore and follow staff proposals . celebration & evaluation – assessing the impact of fellowship structures / ministries; suggesting changes for the future; enjoying God’s faithfulness in leading us as we lead the fellowship . shared experiences – monthly meetings (about 2 hours per month), 1-2 extended training sessions per semester (i.e. weekend retreats, vision & planning week in preparation for New Student Outreach) . opportunity of summer missions Friendship – with one another . trust – banking on benefit of the doubt; believing in the best of intentions from the others . dependability – following through on the things we say we’ll do . vulnerability – sharing our lives with each other in increasing measures . availability – opening our schedules to one another throughout the weeks . accountability – getting by with a little help from our friends . flexibility – in how we lead meetings . intentionality – offering team-building exercises, placing a priority on hang out times Cornerstones – basic foundations . keeping “short accounts” with all team members, reconciling conflict before the next meeting/as soon as possible . attendance (physically in the room) & presence (actively participating) at all executive meetings (discuss absences with the group) and the majority of chapter functions (large/small group, monthly events, etc.) . personal prayer & meditation for fellowship throughout the week . ministry to a group of students in some intentional, structured way It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires [to do]. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 4 [He must be] one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 [and] not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside [the church], so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise [must be] men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, 9 [but] holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 Women [must] likewise [be] dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of [only] one wife, [and] good managers of [their] children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:1-13, NASU) What is a Chapter Leader? . AUTHENTIC: has integrity & a genuine responsiveness to God – the inside and the outside match up, honest with themselves and others – lifestyle choices & kingdom values match up, faithful to the community – affirms the InterVarsity Statement of Faith . RESPONSIBLE: is disciplined in commitments & reliable in promises – stewardship of academics, relationships, spiritual authority – generous with resources – invested in the community and the church as a whole (part of a local church) . INFLUENTIAL: has concern for fellowship as a whole – vision for growth & willingness to take risks – serving friends and small group members as shepherd – willing to confront only in love . COMPASSIONATE: has sacrificial love & a burden for the lost – emotionally engaged by the needs of others (gentleness) – tangibly dedicated to reaching out beyond comfort zone (evangelism) . TEACHABLE: has humility & a willingness to learn – reflective about life’s circumstances and experiences – receptive to truth & influence from others – values regular devotional times with God What are Chapter Leader roles? . President/ Servant Team Leader – leads SLT meetings (sends out agenda beforehand) – liason from staff to students – helps shape yearly vision during planning – follows up with SLT members regarding their roles – encourages a sense of community on the SLT . Vice-President/ Large Group/Small Group Leaders(s) – coordinates/leads weekly Bible studies – works with Treasurer on events such as conferences, speakers, etc. – liason between small group leaders and SLT (if there are multiple small groups) – provides accountability for small group leaders and other non- SLT leadership positions . Secretary/Outreach Leader(s) – takes notes at SLT meetings and sends them out to SLT – works with President and staff on InterVarsity and campus paperwork – coordinates database of chapter members and sends out emails and other notices – promotes evangelism training and awareness . Treasurer/Community Leader(s) – manages any chapter funds (if necessary) – manages other chapter resources (meeting places, faculty contacts, etc.) – oversees planning and delegation of monthly events (including publicity) – keeps up on chapter members lives and oversees prayer and mercy ministries – works with Secretary on evangelistic events