Leadership Training Program
The Leadership Training Program (LTP) is our structured approach of being intentional to raise up men and women to lead in the biblically appropriate spheres God has called them to.
Developing & Training Leaders
The Leadership Training Program (LTP) is our structured approach of being intentional to raise up men and women to lead in the biblically appropriate spheres God has called them to.
Under a complementarian view of biblical manhood and womanhood, we believe the Bible casts a vision for both men and women to do “the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,” (Eph 4:12) within the local church according to the gifts and spheres God has given them (Rom 12:3–8; 1 Cor 12:4–31; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Pet 4:10–11). We also believe the Bible calls both men and women to exercise leadership. That said, the Bible is clear that leadership within the home and the church is exercised differently by men and women. From our Confession of Faith, “...churches are led by qualified men called pastor/elders, who have been gifted by Christ. These men are to be recognized by and accountable to fellow members of their local church, and will ultimately give an account to Jesus, the head of the church for how they led and shepherded the flock of God in their local church. All members—both men and women—are called to be subject to the loving sacrificial leadership of their elders.” (1 Cor 11:2-16; Eph 5:22–33; 1 Tim 2:11-13; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
Our desire for those who complete the LTP is for them to first and foremost be more mature in Christ, but also for them to be better equipped to serve Christ wherever He may use them.
For men, completion of the LTP will ordinarily be required for future elder nominees to satisfy our eldership training requirements, as stated in the GBC Handbook for Elders (Section 2.a). The LTP is also ordinarily the pathway for our future Home Group leaders.
For women, the LTP is designed to better equip them as Women’s Bible Study leaders, and disciplers of women, children, and youth within various church settings.
Under a complementarian view of biblical manhood and womanhood, we believe the Bible casts a vision for both men and women to do “the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ,” (Eph 4:12) within the local church according to the gifts and spheres God has given them (Rom 12:3–8; 1 Cor 12:4–31; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Pet 4:10–11). We also believe the Bible calls both men and women to exercise leadership. That said, the Bible is clear that leadership within the home and the church is exercised differently by men and women. From our Confession of Faith, “...churches are led by qualified men called pastor/elders, who have been gifted by Christ. These men are to be recognized by and accountable to fellow members of their local church, and will ultimately give an account to Jesus, the head of the church for how they led and shepherded the flock of God in their local church. All members—both men and women—are called to be subject to the loving sacrificial leadership of their elders.” (1 Cor 11:2-16; Eph 5:22–33; 1 Tim 2:11-13; 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9)
Our desire for those who complete the LTP is for them to first and foremost be more mature in Christ, but also for them to be better equipped to serve Christ wherever He may use them.
For men, completion of the LTP will ordinarily be required for future elder nominees to satisfy our eldership training requirements, as stated in the GBC Handbook for Elders (Section 2.a). The LTP is also ordinarily the pathway for our future Home Group leaders.
For women, the LTP is designed to better equip them as Women’s Bible Study leaders, and disciplers of women, children, and youth within various church settings.
Overview
Coures
The LTP comprises of three courses:
(Note: The current syllabi for each course can be found by clicking on the course name above.)
- Systematic & Practical Theology (12 Classes)
- Hermeneutics & Homiletics (12 Classes)
- Biblical Counseling (15 Classes)
(Note: The current syllabi for each course can be found by clicking on the course name above.)
Duration
The duration of the LTP lasts 1.5 years, with classes on Tuesday nights, from 6:30pm - 9:00pm. The first course is in the Fall (August–November), the second course in the Winter/Spring (January–April), Summer is off, and the final course in the following Fall (September–November). Classes are held at the church building.
Cost
The LTP costs around $150, which is the cost of the books that will be read during the three courses. Other than the cost for books, there is no additional cost to participate in the program. Limited scholarships are available.
2026-2027 Program
The first course for the upcoming program will be Systematic & Practical Theology. The course begins on Tuesday, 9/1/26 and ends on Tuesday, 11/17. Class are held on Tuesday nights, from 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM, at the church building.
Application
The LTP is designed for anyone who is willing to take on the commitments to complete the program. That said, to ensure we can offer meaningful, personal investment, the cohort size for each program is limited (preference is given to GBC Covenant Members). The registration is capped at six—three spots for men and three for women. There will be a waiting list and remaining spots will be filled based on first come first serve.
The program is a big commitment, and we ask all students to attend each class and complete any work required outside of class time. In other words, please count the cost as you consider submitting an application.
Application acceptance opens Sunday, 7/12 and will close on Monday, 8/3.
Lord willing, the plan is notify of acceptance status no later than Friday, 8/7.
The program is a big commitment, and we ask all students to attend each class and complete any work required outside of class time. In other words, please count the cost as you consider submitting an application.
Application acceptance opens Sunday, 7/12 and will close on Monday, 8/3.
Lord willing, the plan is notify of acceptance status no later than Friday, 8/7.
Testimonies
The Leadership Training Program provided the opportunity to not only learn theology, but also its practice in an enriched environment of shared perspectives from peers and instructors. The experiences the instructors brought to bear on our learning were particularly enlightening, and it all contributed to a fuller understanding of how spiritually-healthy and well-trained leaders are necessary for the feeding and caring of God‘s people.
— Vashon Moore (21-22 Cohort)
Each week I looked forward to gathering with my fellow brothers in Christ for the Leadership Training Program to think through and discuss many complex and engaging theological topics. The program helped equip us to properly study, handle, and then preach God’s word—a challenging yet rewarding experience. I can easily say that all these men, by God’s grace and the help of our teachers, can not only better serve and lead the body of believers, but our respective families as well.
— Elliot Louisos (22-23 Cohort)
Being a part of the Leadership Training Program is a complete blessing; truly iron sharpening iron. Partaking in back and forth discussions about theology, I am able to steward what I leaned to teach others. I can now see what it takes to be a leader in the church and how proper training is key for Christian growth, both on an individual and church level.
— Rick Cardenas (22-23 Cohort)
The Leadership Training Program has been such an incredible conduit of God’s grace. This program has both broadened and deepened my love for the Lord, for His Word, and for the body of Christ. Having the opportunity for deeper study of the Word, gaining perspective through readings and expositions, and intentionally engaging with other brothers in Christ week in and week out is a gift. You will work and apply yourself week in and week out, and the Lord will bring that work to fruition! Through this program I have gained a better appreciation for right doctrine and right theology; more importantly, I’ve been challenged and encouraged to both savor and steward the beauty and truth of the Gospel as I’ve learned to study, teach, and preach the Word. Thank you, GBC, for thoughtfully and carefully obeying 2 Tim 2:2!
— JJ Morgan (23-24 Cohort)
The LTP stands among one of the most enriching, edifying, and challenging programs that I, and many of the other men in my cohort, could engage in on a weekly basis. The class not only challenged us to study deep theological concepts, but then take those concepts and apply them to preaching and teaching the Bible. In addition to the substance that the class offers, I immensely enjoyed the bonds that I formed with my fellow brothers in the class. Overall, this class helped me grow in my personal walk with God, to lean on my brothers in Christ for help, and handle God’s Word with the care that it requires. I encourage my fellow brothers of GBC to consider taking this class as it will push you to work hard and diligently focus on the curriculum, which will ultimately benefit you personally in your own relationship with God, but also help develop our church with a multitude of men that are trained in sound theology that can effectively preach and teach God’s Word.
— Mike Henry (23-24 Cohort)
— Vashon Moore (21-22 Cohort)
Each week I looked forward to gathering with my fellow brothers in Christ for the Leadership Training Program to think through and discuss many complex and engaging theological topics. The program helped equip us to properly study, handle, and then preach God’s word—a challenging yet rewarding experience. I can easily say that all these men, by God’s grace and the help of our teachers, can not only better serve and lead the body of believers, but our respective families as well.
— Elliot Louisos (22-23 Cohort)
Being a part of the Leadership Training Program is a complete blessing; truly iron sharpening iron. Partaking in back and forth discussions about theology, I am able to steward what I leaned to teach others. I can now see what it takes to be a leader in the church and how proper training is key for Christian growth, both on an individual and church level.
— Rick Cardenas (22-23 Cohort)
The Leadership Training Program has been such an incredible conduit of God’s grace. This program has both broadened and deepened my love for the Lord, for His Word, and for the body of Christ. Having the opportunity for deeper study of the Word, gaining perspective through readings and expositions, and intentionally engaging with other brothers in Christ week in and week out is a gift. You will work and apply yourself week in and week out, and the Lord will bring that work to fruition! Through this program I have gained a better appreciation for right doctrine and right theology; more importantly, I’ve been challenged and encouraged to both savor and steward the beauty and truth of the Gospel as I’ve learned to study, teach, and preach the Word. Thank you, GBC, for thoughtfully and carefully obeying 2 Tim 2:2!
— JJ Morgan (23-24 Cohort)
The LTP stands among one of the most enriching, edifying, and challenging programs that I, and many of the other men in my cohort, could engage in on a weekly basis. The class not only challenged us to study deep theological concepts, but then take those concepts and apply them to preaching and teaching the Bible. In addition to the substance that the class offers, I immensely enjoyed the bonds that I formed with my fellow brothers in the class. Overall, this class helped me grow in my personal walk with God, to lean on my brothers in Christ for help, and handle God’s Word with the care that it requires. I encourage my fellow brothers of GBC to consider taking this class as it will push you to work hard and diligently focus on the curriculum, which will ultimately benefit you personally in your own relationship with God, but also help develop our church with a multitude of men that are trained in sound theology that can effectively preach and teach God’s Word.
— Mike Henry (23-24 Cohort)