STARTUP KIT Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 1
Who is Joshua Nations and what do we do: Joshua Nations is an international ministry that is committed to training the next generation of church leaders around the world. We accomplish this vision through a variety of initiatives that have an emphasis of equipping national leaders to fulfill the Great Commission in their own nation. These initiatives include Joshua Nations Bible Training Centers, Church Planting Training, and Ministry Leadership Training. Joshua Nations is a worldwide movement that is making disciples in dozens of nations! The ministry of Joshua Nations began in 2007 after a series of God-orchestrated appointments and a clear call to the needs of the nations. Joshua Nations Statement of Faith: That the Bible is the divinely inspired, infallible, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God. That there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, His deity, His sinless humanity, the eternal, all-sufficiency of His atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to the Father s right hand, and His personal, future return to this earth in power and glory. In the ministry of the Holy Spirit who convicts, baptizes, indwells, enlightens and empowers believers for godly living and imparts spiritual gifts for the edification of the Body of Christ. In the resurrection of the human body and the eternal existence of all people in heaven or hell. What makes Joshua Nations different: Joshua Nations is a non-denominational ministry that focuses on equipping national leaders. Our initiatives are designed to be lead, directed and propagated by national leaders instead of Western Missionaries. Joshua Nations offers training to establish Bible Training Centers and Church Planting Initiatives that are totally indigenous. As an organization the approach is simple and encouraging with minimal restrictions and requirements to maintain ongoing relationship. The goal is to see you succeed in developing a plan to reach your city, your nation and your region for Christ! What is a Joshua Nations Bible Training Center (BTC): Joshua Nations Bible Training Centers are autonomous church based bible schools that offer solid discipleship training, thorough biblical study, and practical ministry experience. Each BTC contains the Joshua Nations 2 Year Bible Curriculum. The Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 2
program is designed to be a self-sustainable school enabling long-term growth and independence from outside funding. Each BTC has the option and ability to produce additional revenue for compensation of school leadership and teaching team. Each BTC is unique and different. How the BTC is led, taught and facilitated can vary based on the location and needs of the students. Joshua Nations provides the tools and training to determine how best the BTC should be implemented. Each BTC is designed Equip, Empower and Engage every student, every church member, every leader to minister the word of God wherever they are. Each BTC creates a large labor force for the local church and body of Christ. Every student is required to serve 3-5 hours a week in his or her church or under some mentor or spiritual Father. Each BTC is a mechanism to release students and leaders in the Five Fold ministry of Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers. Each BTC raises up church planters, counselors, the gift of helpers, support persons to minister in the local body of believers. Each BTC disciples people of all ages and spiritual maturity levels. Each BTC allows the student to study at home, not interrupting their vocation or family life. Each BTC is led and taught by indigenous pastors, teachers and leaders. Each BTC is convened in churches, homes, businesses, fellowship groups, etc. A building is not required to convene and study. Each BTC grants a Joshua Nations Diploma after the student has attended the classes, passed their exams and completed their discipleship/internship requirement satisfactorily. Master Plan for Starting a Bible Training Center (BTC): The Joshua Nations Master Plan contains five primary elements; Vision, Mission, Goals, Strategies and Assessments. 1. Vision: A Picture of the future that produces passion in people Without a vision the people perish. Proverbs 29:18 Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 3
People are dependent upon a vision. Therefore, you as a leader must have a vision for a Joshua Nations Bible Training Center and then subsequently cast that vision into the lives of your churches, students and community. Training and discipling students should be the focal point of this vision. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 2. Mission: The heartbeat of all we do. Mission defines the primary purpose and function in reaching the vision. Simply stated, the mission gives clarity on how to accomplish the vision. Joshua Nations mission is to lead: Unbelievers to become Believers Believers to become Disciples Disciples to become Leaders Leaders to become Fathers Fathers to become Leaders of Leaders 3. Goals: The mark or standard for the determined outcome. Goals pull people into the future and motivate people to action. Joshua Nations goals include discipleship, reproduction of healthy followers and leaders, and transformation of nations for Christ s glory. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 1 Corinthians 4:15 Our goal is to redeem the culture of cities and nations through Christian influence in Education, Government, Education, Arts, Family, Business, Sports/Entertainment. This is accomplished by training and commissioning Christians into all of these realms of influence for God s purposes. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 4
4. Strategies: an integration of plans and resources to accomplish your goals. Strategy is meant to be flexible and adjustable as you work towards the goals God has directed you. The implementation of strategy will insure your short term and long-term success. Joshua Nations strategies are emphasized through Leadership, Discipleship and Stewardship. Leadership: Joshua Nations is committed to leading people and raising up leaders who have a spirit of excellence. Leadership character must match our leadership gifting. Leadership is a spiritual gifting. he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Romans 12:8 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28 Leadership is influence! Some people are natural leaders and have been given a gift of leadership by God. Others learn leadership and grow in this skill throughout their life and ministry. God will make you into a leader as you remain humble, teachable and faithful. Discipleship: Joshua Nations is committed to discipleship. Every Bible Training Center and training initiative revolves around healthy discipleship. Jesus method of leadership strongly emphasized discipleship. Through discipling the 12 and also 70 more, Jesus displayed how to train and multiply your efforts through the principle of discipleship. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2 Although discipleship can happen in groups, the best method is one-on-one. Personal discipleship is the most effective! For this purpose, every Joshua Nations student must serve in the capacity of a disciple/intern. Stewardship: Managing time, resources, talents and gifts that have been entrusted. As leaders for Christ and His purposes, we are responsible for all that He has entrusted to us, including our own nations! Time, treasure and talents are to be used to touch and transform the lives of others. Jesus collects on His investment in our lives. Tithing: The tithe is God s portion, the first fruits of our increase in finance, time and resources. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 5
Talents: The talents that have been given to us should not be buried, but invested into eternal purposes. The Lord of the harvest will look for His return. Law of Increase: It is God s desire to bring increase to the resources He has entrusted. Those who steward well and bring increase will be given more! For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. Matthew 25:29-30a Spirit Led Giving: Through the Holy Spirit, people are directed to give generously. This giving is beyond the tithe and is inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit. Obedience to the Lord in this manner is imperative. Read 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. 5. Assessments: Measuring the fruit and success of the Bible Training Center A Joshua Nations Bible Training Center is only effective if it yields good fruit, successful graduates and new leaders being launched into ministry. It is important to assess if the BTC is accomplishing the Vision, Mission and Goals. Is the fruit measurable? Is there accountability? People do what you inspect, not what you expect! Joshua Nations provides the training, guidance and tools to properly assess the fruit of the Bible Training Center. 6. Practical aspects of what is needed to start a BTC Recruitment of Students: Where do you get your students? Students can be recruited from local churches, ministry leaders, family, friends, youth groups, and denominations. Recruitment of Leadership Team: A. Administrator The Administrator sets the standard of spiritual, moral and ethical excellence by providing leadership and oversight in directing all staff, student body, planning, and management of finances and operations. The Administrator reports to the designated global team leader. An expanded role description is in the addendums. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 6
B. Discipleship/Internship Director The Discipleship/Internship Director places the students in their internship places after talking with the students to see what their gifts and abilities are. Meets periodically with students to monitor their progress and fulfillment of their discipleship/internship requirements. Shares the student reports with the Administrator of the BTC. He or she guides students in their spiritual progress and insures the students are submitting their in discipleship/internship reports each class. * Students may only graduate if they have completed all of their discipleship/internship requirements. An expanded role description is in the addendums. C. Secretary/Records Keeper The Secretary/Records Keeper commits to spiritual, moral and ethical excellence in keeping all financial, office and student records. The Secretary/Records Keeper reports directly to the Administrator. An expanded role description is in the addendums. He or she will build a file for each student containing detailed information on each student and their progress. The student file will be explained in further detail in the next section. D. Support Team The Support Team consists of people who can be called on occasionally for special events or additional help when needed. These team members can help with hospitality, printing, clerical assistance or anything else of need. The support team serves the other Leadership Team at the request of the Administrator. An expanded role description is in the addendums. E. Teaching Team The Teaching Team commits to spiritual, moral and ethical excellence in teaching a love for truth and understanding in the spirit of humility, genuinely honoring their students. They shall be knowledgeable to teach the lesson. The Teaching Staff Team will report directly to the Administrator and will be responsible for each subject as well as keeping attendance, recording grades and giving exams. Teachers will be expected to communicate both progress and outstanding issues or potential issues for each class to the Administrator and turn their records to Secretary/Records Keeper. An expanded role description is in the addendums. F. Coordinator (if starting more than one BTC) The Coordinator is a person who oversees multiple schools within a city, region or nation. The Administrator of each BTC answers to the Coordinator in this situation. The Coordinator will report directly to Joshua Nations headquarters, encourage and lead the BTC s within their oversight. He or she Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 7
will visit with the leadership teams of the schools, answer any questions and help resolve any issues. The Coordinator must be available and responsive in the communication to the BTCs and to Joshua Nations headquarters. An expanded role description is in the addendums. Building the Student File The student file is to be maintained faithfully by the Secretary/Records Keeper. Without each of these elements in the Student File, accurate tracking of the student and his or her progress will not be possible. o Application for Admission Each student should be vetted before granted permission to be a student. A sample Application for Admission is in the addendums. o Acceptance Letter Each person granted permission to enroll as a student should be given an acceptance letter. A copy of the letter should be saved for reference. A sample Acceptance Letter is in the addendums. o Discipleship/ Internship Reports Every week each student should complete a discipleship/internship report. This report is to be reviewed and approved by the Discipleship/Internship Director. The student must submit the completed report each week when attending class. The report will then be entered into the student s file. A sample Discipleship/Internship Report is in the addendums. o Record of Attendance A record of attendance for each student must be maintained. Students must faithfully attend class for successful completion of the program and to be considered for graduation. A sample Record of Attendance is in the addendums. o Record of Grades A record of grades for each student must be maintained. Students must successfully understand and pass the Exams for each class. A sample Record of Grades is in the addendums. o Record of Financial Payments (if necessary) A record for all payments (if necessary) should be maintained for each student. This record maintains integrity and openness for both the student and the BTC Leadership. A sample Record of Financial Payments is in the addendums. 7. Funding the Bible Training Center Joshua Nations Bible Training Centers have virtually no cost. The cost of the school is primarily the expense of the curriculum book. Office expenses are minimal. Joshua Nations headquarters does not charge you any fees, licensing or royalties. The biggest expense aside from the curriculum books is time. The only thing you owe Joshua Nations is love and relationship. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 8
Joshua Nations recommend several different options for funding the Bible Training Center. These are options and are not intended to create wealth, but to make the BTC self-sustainable. Charge an Application Fee Charge a Tuition Fee Charge a Fee for the Curriculum Book Take up a Special Offering twice a school year Fundraise for scholarships Charge a Graduation Fee It is necessary to build a fund to keep printing books for each year of students, and to compensate the leadership team in some manner. Joshua Nations will not pay for the printing of your books each year. It is the responsibility of each BTC Leadership Team to steward the resources wisely. Joshua Nations recommends either building a relationship with a good printing company, or purchasing a good printer to print the books. Negotiate a good rate for the printing of the books, and then sell the books to the students. 8. Where do you go from here: Step 1. Study through the Startup Kit Please be sure your questions and concerns have been addressed. You can contact Joshua Nations Headquarters or the Joshua Nations Coordinator for your region. Step 2. Study through the Curriculum and take the Exams Depending on your current Bible knowledge plan for two to three months for this process. Step 3. Recruit your Leadership Team Review the different positions needed in Section 6. Prayerfully consider who would be best to fulfill these roles and then discuss their participation. Be sure they catch the vision for the Bible Training Center and are not seeking power or employment. Step 4. Make Major Decisions With your Leadership Team, discuss and decide the following: When will classes meet Where will classes be held How frequently will classes be held Who will be the students, and where will they be recruited from How will you handle the funding of the Bible Training Center (see Section 7) Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 9
What will be the cost of the book Will you offer a Certificate of Completion for Year 1 or wait until both Year 1 and 2 are complete before recognizing students *Joshua Nations will only offer a Diploma for students who successfully complete both years of curriculum and fulfill all discipleship/internship requirements. When will the Bible Training Center start *Joshua Nations suggests starting within the next three months Step 5. Developing a Timeline The best way to develop your timeline is to set a starting date for your BTC and then work back to today s date. You should have this starting date decided after consulting your leadership team and made Major Decisions (Step 4). Sample Timeline Start at the bottom and write your projected starting date for the BTC. DATE TASK Duration Week Due Today Joshua Nations Training Event 1 Day Event Today Brochure, Advertising Recruitment 4 weeks Week 4 Recruitment of Leadership Team 4 weeks Week 4 Application Process 4weeks Week 8 Acceptance of Students 1 week Week 9 Registering Students 1 weeks Week 10 Orientation 1 Day Week 11 Starting Date of BTC 1 Day Week 12 Step 6. Orientation The entire leadership team needs to be present at Orientation. This will allow students to meet the leadership and understand the role and function of each leader. Orientation should take place two to three weeks before the first class. At the Orientation share your expectations, guidelines and how the Bible Training Center will operate. Allow opportunity for the students to ask questions and share their expectations as well. At Orientation students must be informed of the standards for studying. This includes Attendance, completion of the Discipleship/Internship Program and passing the Exams. Students should be introduced to the Discipleship/Internship Director and informed that the Director will be coordinate with their local church pastor to determine how they will serve and fulfill their requirements. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 10
Inform the students that at the first class, all students must submit their first Discipleship Report. This will insure that the students are immediately engaged in serving. After reports are submitted, begin the first lesson. Step 7. First Class The students should have already studied their lesson and written notes, questions, and thoughts in preparation for the upcoming class. This method will cause the students to study, learn, and listen to the Holy Spirit on their own. Sample Class Structure Open with prayer Collect the Discipleship Reports Take Attendance Question and Dialogue o What did you learn? o How can you apply it to your life? o Dialogue about what was said. Then the Teacher will teach the lesson When the lesson has been completed have the students take the exam *It may take more than one week to complete each lesson. Always be sensitive to the needs of the students. Do not rush them, especially in the completion of the exams. Plan for about two hours for the class. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 11
SAMPLE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION NAME: ADDRESS: PHONE: EMAIL: AGE: SEX: EMPLOYED: NAME OF YOUR CHURCH: NAME OF PASTOR: ADDRESS OF CHURCH: WHAT TYPE OF MINISTRY WORK ARE YOU INVOLVED IN AT YOUR CHURCH? EDUCATION: SECONDARY SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE: OTHER SCHOOL: _ HAVE YOU HAD PREVIOUS BIBLE SCHOOL TRAINING? IF YES, WHERE? WHAT LANGUAGES DO YOU SPEAK? DATE: SIGNATURE: Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 12
SAMPLE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (continued) Salvation/Conversion Experience (Explain) Experience/Relationship with the Holy Spirit (Explain) Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 13
SAMPLE DISCIPLESHIP REPORT Name Date Discipleship Explain the nature of your ministry opportunities this week. What lesson or Lessons did you learn from these opportunities? Did you face any difficulties or challenges? Do you have any needs? Signature Date Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 14
SAMPLE ACCEPTANCE LETTER Dear, Congratulations on being accepted as a student in the Joshua Nations Bible Training Center. We believe you have made a quality decision to attend this school, where the Word of God is taught with clarity, integrity and accuracy. You will not regret this decision, as we know the Holy Spirit will transform your life. Please mark your calendar to attend the Orientation, which will be held on the date of. It is imperative that you attend so that you are informed of all the details pertaining to the Bible Training Center including how classes are conducted, when classes are conducted and what is expected of you as a student to successfully complete all requirements to graduate. Classes will be held at the location of at the time of day and will meet every until the school year is completed. The cost of the school is per school year. Additionally, it is your responsibility to pay for your curriculum book in the amount of. You may learn more about your terms of payment through a meeting and discussion with the Secretary/Records Keeper. We look forward to seeing you grow and mature in the Lord! God bless you, Administrator Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 15
SAMPLE STUDENT GRADING RECORD Student Name: School Year: Exam Grade Discipleship (Pass/Fail) Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 Lesson 4 Lesson 5 Lesson 6 Lesson 7 Lesson 8 Lesson 9 Lesson 10 Lesson 11 Lesson 12 Lesson 13 Lesson 14 Lesson 15 Lesson 16 Lesson 17 Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 16
SAMPLE RECORD OF ATTENDANCE Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Student name Y N Y Y Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 17
SAMPLE RECORD OF FINANCIAL PAYMENTS Student Name: Date: Student Address: Phone: Email: I the student agrees to pay for the following items / fees as it pertains to my enrollment, study and future graduation from Joshua Nations Bible Training Center. I understand this document will be a commitment on my behalf and a record of my payments toward the required costs. Signature of Student: Date: SAMPLE REQUIRED FEES Application Fee: $10 Cost of Book 1: $20 Tuition Year 1: Cost of Book 2: Tuition Year 2: Graduation Fee: ITEM Cost Paid Amount / Date Paid Amount / Date Paid Amount / Date Application Fee $10 $5 / Aug 8th $5 / Aug 21st Book 1 $20 $5 / Aug 28th $5 / Sep 15th $10 / Nov 15th Tuition Year 1 Book 2 Tuition Year 2 Graduation Fee Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 18
EXPANDED ROLE DESCRIPTIONS Administrator The Administrator sets the standard of spiritual, moral and ethical excellence by providing leadership and oversight in directing all staff, student body, planning, and management of finances and operations. The Administrator reports to the designated global team leader. The administrator would be considered in some places as the headmaster. The administrator is accountable for the health and success of the Joshua Nations BTC. The administrator is not to act unethically, with corruption, greed, or overbearing. He or she should demonstrate the love of Christ in their actions. The administrator casts the vision of the BTC and makes every effort to honor God, serve the students and expand the Kingdom of God. Discipleship/Internship Director The Discipleship/Internship Director places the students in their internship places after talking with the students to see what their gifts and abilities are. Meets periodically with students to monitor their progress and fulfillment of their discipleship/internship requirements. Shares the student reports with the Administrator of the BTC. He or she guides students in their spiritual progress and insures the students are submitting their discipleship/internship reports each class. Students may only graduate if they have completed all of their discipleship/internship requirements and therefore this requirement and the role of the Discipleship/Internship Director is critical. The Director must already be in a ministry leadership position and have a Godly reputation amongst the body of Christ within that region. The Director must be in regular communication with local pastors and ministry leaders to check on the progress of the students and also to know where to place the students for service. The Director must have excellent communication skills, be punctual and have an ability to maintain records and paperwork. Secretary/Records Keeper The Secretary/Records Keeper commits to spiritual, moral and ethical excellence in keeping all financial, office and student records. The Secretary/Records Keeper reports directly to the Administrator but serves all of the Leadership Team in keeping records. Therefore, the Secretary/Records Keeper must maintain a servant heart, kind spirit, and cordial communication while performing the administrative tasks with excellence. He or she will build a file for each student containing detailed information on each student and their progress. The student file is explained in further detail in Section 6. Support Team The Support Team consists of people who can be called on occasionally for special events or additional help when needed. These team members can help with hospitality, printing, clerical assistance or anything else of need. The support team serves the other Leadership Team at the request of the Administrator. The support team can be called upon to help with Orientation, Graduation, Special Guest Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 19
Speakers, Special Conferences and any other event that may require additional help and service. The Support Team can also be called upon by the Secretary/Records Keeper to help with clerical work (if needed). Teaching Team The Teaching Team commits to spiritual, moral and ethical excellence in teaching a love for truth and understanding in the spirit of humility, genuinely honoring their students. They shall be knowledgeable to teach the lesson. The Teaching Team will report directly to the Administrator and will be responsible for each subject as well as keeping attendance, recording grades and giving exams. Teachers will be expected to communicate both progress and outstanding issues or potential issues for each class to the Administrator and turn their records to Secretary/Records Keeper. All Teachers must have an excellent understand of the Scriptures and the Lessons being taught. Teachers should plan to study and prepare for approximately three hours for every one-hour that is taught. Some lessons will require more time studying than others. Teachers should have the ability to communicate well in a public setting, demonstrate grace and humility while teaching, provide additional insight and understanding that is not explicitly detailed in the curriculum. Coordinator (if starting more than one BTC) The Coordinator is a person who oversees multiple schools within a city, region or nation. The Administrator of each BTC answers to the Coordinator in this situation. The Coordinator will report directly to Joshua Nations headquarters, encourage and lead the BTC s within their oversight. He or she will visit with the leadership teams of the schools, answer any questions and help resolve any issues. The Coordinator must be available and responsive in the communication to the BTCs and to Joshua Nations headquarters. The Coordinator will be held to the highest standards of protocol and communication as their responsibility and influence is vast. Joshua Nations headquarters can only appoint a Coordinator. Any person who claims this role without being appointed and commissioned by Joshua Nations is acting without the blessing of Joshua Nations. Revision 2017 Joshua Nations Startup Kit Page: 20