TRELLIS OF DEVELOPMENT
We are all called to grow, and continually be transformed (Romans 12:2). And as pastors and leaders, we’re challenged to “to equip his people for works of service,” (Ephesians 4:12).
Our hope is the following resources help you consider how you want to invest in your own development and the development of others.
Check out our tools and resources we’re calling a “Trellis of Development.” Let us be clear – not every opportunity is for every person! Instead, the Trellis is meant to be a customizable menu, supporting a faith-based growth mindset for every believer in our churches.
You will find a variety of opportunities in different categories, all aimed at fostering holistic growth.
Emotional + Mental
To grow as effective leaders, we must prioritize our mental and emotional well-being. This journey requires the right tools and resources to build a strong foundation, allowing us to lead with clarity, resilience, and authenticity
Emotional Healthy Leader Cohort
Run by Pastor Trey Abney, these virtual cohorts are with other pastors across the nation and happen multiple times a year.
Emotional Intelligence Assessment + Coaching
Doing an EQI with a coach is a great way to learn more about how you navigate your emotions, the emotions of others, and how that combination impacts how you act and respond, including in times of stress and conflict. Contact the District Office for recommendations.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World
by John Mark Comer
Winning the War in Your Mind
by Craig Groeschel
The Cost of Control
by Sharon Hodde Miller
Center for Spiritual Renewal
Every licensed minister is offered one free week per year at CSR East, including personal counseling during that time. This week can also include rest and play in beautiful SW Virginia.
Individual Counseling
Through CSR, licensed ministers are offered 3 free virtual counseling sessions with a therapist.
Physical
Exercise Can Boost Your Memory and Thinking Skills
Get Motivated to Exercise, Especially as You Age
How to Start Working Out if You’ve Never Exercised Before
Six Simple Ways to Smarter, Healthier Eating
Spiritual
Eden to Eternity: Bible Reading Plan and Companion Podcast
There are a lot of great Bible reading plans out there. A chronological plan by Daily Grace Co can be found on the YouVersion app, and has a daily 8-10 minute podcast that provides a variety of context and cultural information on the passage.
The Gift of Being Yourself: The Sacred Call to Self-Discovery
“Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.” ―AugustineMuch is said in Christian circles about knowing God. But Christians throughout the ages have agreed that there cannot be deep knowledge of God without deep knowledge of the self.
The Bible Study: A One-Year Study of the Bible and How It Relates to You
Covering both the Old and New Testament. Each book provides you a roadmap of what to read and how to break down His Word with powerful inquiry questions, taking you deeper into your relationship with God.
Professional + Purpose
Discovery Cohorts
Led in a discussion format, this coach-led curriculum is designed to help you discern and articulate your God-given calling. Discovery consists of looking at your life through the lenses of your gifts, your passions, and your story. *NWD Fall 2025 Cohort – more info coming soon!
Pastoral Licensing
If you’re feeling called to serve in ministry, a great next step is to pursue a pastoral license. This process includes coaching, practical training and theological development. Start by talking with your Lead Pastor.
Elevate Cohort
Help high-capacity female leaders develop specific organizational leadership skills. We will focus on practical leadership development, which will increase leadership capacity and encourage leadership excellence in every participant.
Pastoral
Certificate of Chaplaincy Program, Life Pacific University
This certificate program is full of practical tools for being more presence, and navigating the challenges of life with people. It’s all online and designed to work at your own pace, and only costs $340.
Equip Discipleship: Coaching for Developing and Discipleship Making Culture
Based in Tacoma WA, this organization works with churches around the world to help them assess, develop and implement a proactive disciple making culture in their church. They have close Foursquare ties and a Foursquare licensed pastor on their team.
Unstuck Church Podcast
The real-time conversations our team is having about getting churches unstuck. We explore common challenges in ministry and practical steps for tackling them.
Research Paper: “Principles of Effective Discipleship”
In the Spring of 2024, the NWD Team embarked on an extensive research project, with the goal of supporting our pastors with direction for pursuing more effective disciple-making in their churches.
Leadership
Teams that Thrive: Five Disciplines of Collaborative Church Leadership
By Ryan Hartwig and Warren Bird
The Resilient Pastor: Leading Your church in a Rapidly Changing World
By Glen Packiam
The Resilient Pastor Podcast
Join Glenn Packiam, Rich Villodas and Sharon Hodde Miller as they invite leaders to think out loud together about the challenges and opportunities of leading a church in a rapidly changing world.
Immersion Women
The Immersion Women Cohort provides the opportunity to connect with other female leaders, gain wisdom, and engage the unique purpose God has for your life.
Immersion Men
The Immersion Men’s Cohort provides the opportunity to connect with other male leaders, gain wisdom, and engage the unique purpose God has for your life.
Empowered (Women)
To coach and connect with key female leaders in a relational learning environment for the purpose of multiplication of women leaders, development of core competencies, future sponsoring, and to create a cultural commitment to the holistic development of Women in Ministry Leadership.
Cultivate (Women)
Cultivate is a seven-month cohort experience in which participants develop core leadership competencies, strengthen their ministry call, and create a community of holistic development. The purpose of Cultivate is to coach and connect women leaders within a relational learning environment.
BUILD (Men)
Vision + Development Coaching
This non-profit organization has strong Foursquare ties and seeks to serve pastors and churches through training, coaching and community. They have a variety of engagement opportunities and are Kingdom-minded.
Crucial Conversations Training
Gain tools for navigating challenging and difficult conversations.
Discipleship Litmus Test
This simple tool gives a leader the opportunity to self-evaluate from a variety of faith-based perspectives.
Foursquare Healthy Culture
Future Planning
Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life
By Arthur C Brooks
Retirement Intelligence: Personal Retirement Readiness
By Robert Laura
Aging: Growing Old in Church (Pastoring for Life: Theological Wisdom for Ministering Well)
By Will Willimon
Flourishing in the Third/Third of Life
Offered by Fuller Seminary, this six-session course is designed to help participants understand how to flourish in the third/third of life.
Personal Finance Course
This course offered by Portland Community College will prepare you for a lifetime of worthwhile personal financial planning. The tools you will learn are useful, realistic, and easy to work into your regular routine. They will help you gain control over the financial impact of the choices you make.
Rejuvenate Your Retirement
For those who are close to or currently retired. Offered by Portland Community College, discover financial strategies designed to achieve retirement objectives such as tax-efficient income planning, estate planning, social security options, investment choices and more.