Kingdom Leadership in the Model of the early Church

Event Information

• Date: Jan 11, 2025
• Time: 8.30 AM - 5 PM
• Location: 6329 Arlington Boulevard, Suite H, Falls Church, VA 22044, USA

Speaker Introduction

Rev. Dr. Tu Anh Truong is recognized for his leadership within the Christian community, mainly through his role in Converge Worldwide. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to discipleship, evangelism, and fostering unity among diverse congregations. Below are some key aspects of his leadership:

1. Visionary Leadership

• Focus on Church Growth: Dr. Truong emphasizes planting and growing healthy churches that can reach diverse communities with the gospel.
• Strategic Thinking: He actively develops long-term strategies for church sustainability and leadership development.

2. Cross-Cultural Ministry

• Connecting Communities: As a leader, Dr. Truong bridges cultural and generational gaps within the Vietnamese diaspora and beyond, fostering collaboration and mutual understanding.
• Inclusive Leadership: His approach ensures that people from various backgrounds feel included in the mission of Christ.

3. Discipleship and Mentorship

• Raising New Leaders: He invests in mentoring the next generation of pastors and ministry leaders, equipping them with both theological and practical tools.
• Commitment to Spiritual Growth: His leadership is centered on helping believers mature in their faith and become effective witnesses for Christ.

4. Advocacy for Education

• Promoter of Theological Training: Dr. Truong advocates for rigorous theological education, ensuring that leaders are well-prepared for ministry challenges.
• Support for Seminary Programs: He plays a key role in developing seminary curricula that address the unique needs of diaspora communities.

5. Pastoral Heart

• Compassionate Leadership: Known for his humility and empathy, Dr. Truong deeply cares for the spiritual and personal well-being of those he serves.
• Encourager in Trials: He provides guidance and encouragement to congregations facing challenges, emphasizing faith and perseverance.

6. Evangelistic Zeal

• Reaching the Lost: His leadership prioritizes sharing the gospel, with a passion for reaching unreached and underprivileged groups.
• Global Perspective: Dr. Truong’s work reflects a global vision for missions, partnering with other leaders and organizations to advance God’s kingdom.

7. Servant Leadership

• Christ-Centered Leadership: He models humility and servant-heartedness, following the example of Jesus.
• Empowering Others: Rather than centralizing authority, he empowers others to step into leadership roles.

Rev. Dr. Tu Anh Truong graduated with

• D.Min, Fuller Theological Seminary, CA

• Th.M, Fuller Theological Seminary, CA

Part 1. Opening Session (8.30 AM - 9.00 AM)

Topic: Leadership Rooted in the Gospel
Key Verse: "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."(Mark 10:45)

• Content:
  • Introduction to servant leadership.
  • Biblical foundation for leadership modeled after Christ.
  • The example of Jesus Christ as a contemporary servant leader.
• Application: Reflect on your own leadership style and its alignment with the gospel.

Part 2. Session 1: Visionary Leadership for Kingdom Growth (9.00 AM - 10 AM)

Key Verse: "Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it." (Habakkuk 2:2)

• Content:
  • Developing a clear vision for ministry that aligns with God’s purposes.
  • Practical strategies for long-term church growth and sustainability.
  • Case study: How Jesus fosters healthy church planting and growth.
• Application:
  • Write a one-page vision statement for your ministry.
  • Identify one area where your ministry lacks strategic focus.

Part 3. Session 2: Cross-Cultural Ministry and Unity (10 AM - 11 AM)

Key Verse: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

• Content:
  • Overcoming cultural and generational gaps in ministry.
  • Building inclusive congregations that reflect the diversity of the kingdom of God.
  • Practical lessons from Jesus’ cross-cultural leadership.
• Application:
  • Develop an action plan for increasing cultural sensitivity in your congregation.
  • Assign leaders to reach out to underrepresented groups in your ministry context.

Part 4. Session 3: Discipleship and Mentorship (11 AM - 12 AM)

Key Verse: "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2)

• Content:
  • Principles of effective discipleship.
  • Building a culture of mentorship in the church.
  • Equipping emerging leaders for ministry, following Jesus’ example.
• Application:
  • Identify one person you can begin mentoring in the next month.
  • Create a 6-month discipleship curriculum for small groups in your ministry.

Part 5. Session 4: Theological Training for Ministry Leaders (1 PM -  2 PM)

Key Verse: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

• Content:
  • Importance of theological education for church leaders.
  • Developing Bible-based teaching for congregations.
  • Promoting seminary education and continuous learning, inspired by Dr. Truong.
• Application:
  • Plan a workshop or class in your church to teach foundational theological concepts.
  • Research local or online seminary programs to recommend to your leaders.

Part 6. Session 5: Evangelistic Zeal and Global Missions (2 PM - 3 PM)

Key Verse: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

• Content:
  • Prioritizing evangelism and missions in ministry.
  • Strategies for sharing the gospel in diverse contexts.
  • Insights from Dr. Truong’s commitment to global and local missions.
• Application:
  • Develop a community outreach plan for your church.
  • Identify a missions organization to partner with in the next year.

Part 7. Closing Session: Servant Leadership in Action (3 PM - 4 PM)

Key Verse: "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26)

• Content:
  • Characteristics of Christ-centered, servant-hearted leadership.
  • Empowering others through humility and trust in God.
  • Encouragement to emulate Jesus’ leadership values.
• Application:
  • Write a personal commitment statement about how you will implement servant leadership in your ministry.
  • Pray for God’s guidance and empowerment to lead effectively.

Assignments for Kingdom Growth

1. Vision Implementation Plan: Write a 2-page paper outlining how you will implement the vision and strategies developed during the seminar.
2. Cross-Cultural Outreach Project: Organize an outreach event to engage a specific cultural or generational group within your community.
3. Discipleship Challenge: Begin mentoring one individual and submit a progress report in 3 months.
4. Evangelism in Practice: Partner with at least one other leader to organize an evangelistic outreach in your community.

Recommended Bibliography

1. The Bible – Focus on passages related to leadership, discipleship, and missions.
2. Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
3. The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E. Coleman
4. Church Planting Movements by David Garrison
5. Cross-Cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer