An amazing opportunity for our IPHC Pastors and their staff took place just recently: Three sessions of Dr. Mark Rutland’s NICL (The National Institute for Christian Leadership). Offered at no cost, thanks to the IPHC’s General Superintendent’s Office and Clergy Development Department, pastors were able to attend and bring up to three staff members. There were at least 130 pastors and leaders in attendance at each session.
A Look at the Attendees
The NICL was taught in person by Dr. Rutland at the historic First Pentecostal Holiness Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Pastor Bill Rose and the church graciously opened their campus for IPHC pastors and leaders to gather in January, February, and March 2024. Each day, the church, and their incredible volunteers, provided a delicious lunch, as well as snacks, for the attendees, totaling seven meals across the three sessions.
Volunteers from First Pentecostal Church in Goldsboro, NC Preparing a Meal
The first gathering focused on “Change Dynamics: Organizational Definition and Balance.” According to Dr. Rutland’s website, “While he addresses how to balance leadership with management to maximize your team’s potential, you’ll learn valuable principles to steer your organization toward sustained growth.” Next, Dr. Rutland moved through “Strategic Growth: Directing and Leading for Quality.” This portion focuses on the personality types of the leadership in place and how to get the best from each person in the team atmosphere. The third portion is entitled “Transformational Management: Strategic Leadership for Growth.” Focusing on how to lead your team well, the participants found Dr. Rutland touching on topics from board management to communication to finances. Lastly, the gathering looked at “Communication and Worship: Excellence in Expression.” Said to be a favorite session of both ministry and business leaders, the participants learned about the importance of the balance between worship and preaching and how to make sure they are reaching their objectives and goals for their services every week.
Dr. Mark Rutland
Dr. Jonathan Altman, Lead Pastor at Saint Paul Church and Assistant Superintendent of the North Carolina Conference, shared this about his experience following the first gathering of the NICL in January: “First class leadership training. I’m super thankful the IPHC is giving us this opportunity. A huge investment!” This opportunity truly is an investment, because those that completed all three sessions qualify for 12 hours toward a master’s degree at Emmanuel University. The university, located in Franklin Springs, Georgia, is starting a new master’s program this fall.
Other pastors and attendees were blessed by this opportunity as well. See their comments below:
It has renewed my focus while causing me to pause and reflect/reconsider previously held thoughts on leadership and development. – Zach Royer
I found the “Message, Medium, and Market Alignment” segment powerful. Food for thought on a church level and a conference level. – Jim Wall
What an amazing two days of NICL training so far! Dr. Rutland unhesitatingly wades out knee deep into the major issues facing Pentecostal leadership in the 21st century! – Wes Comer
Taking our discernment level of ministry to another dimension. – Danny Howell
So much useful and valuable information. It has challenged me to state the vision, train and set expectations for me and our team. We can always do better. Looking forward to the next meeting in February. – Rick Krietemeyer
Tremendous, great teaching. Tension is normal and okay, between the visionary and managers. Keep dreaming. – Mark Steven Bailey
It was such practical ways to identify where you are at and practical ways to align where you’re going to and where you want to be. – Trevor Clowers
WOW, what an awesome time of learning and gleaning from such practical perspectives. These past two days have been exceptional. So thankful to be a part of an organization that invests so much back into its leadership. Thankful and blessed. – Eddie Smith
Cutting edge teaching with the same message for today’s generation as was given by Bishop B.E. Underwood almost 40 years ago. “Follow the Cloud.” – Ray Faircloth, Sr.
Awesome two days of ministry. I look forward to tomorrow! Anytime you put new wine in an old wineskin it hurts at first, but the main goal is worth it all! I have been given some fresh insight on pastoral leadership. After 38 years of pastoring, it’s always good to learn! Thank you IPHC for hosting this great event! I look forward to the next two sessions. – Greg Long
