LFI
Church Leader Formation Program
The Church Leader Formation Program is the flagship program of the Leader Formation Institute (LFI). It provides the framework in which the vision and formation model developed over the years take shape through an intentional process of preparing leaders, translating biblical principles of formation into the practice of life and ministry. The program follows the three levels of the LFI model — Leader, Leadership, and Leader–Mentor — and supports the leader’s progressive development, from personal formation to the practice of leadership and, ultimately, to forming other leaders.
The process begins with the spiritual and personal formation of the leader, continues with the practice of biblical leadership through service, and leads toward forming other leaders and multiplying ministry. The program therefore seeks more than the transfer of knowledge and the development of leadership skills. It forms leaders from the inside out who are able to serve, lead, and invest in those who will carry the ministry forward.
LFI
Structure and Formats
The program consists of three modules corresponding to the three levels of the LFI formation process. In the standard format, each module normally takes place over 3–4 months; its duration may vary according to the pace of individual study and the frequency of each group’s meetings. The program may also be completed in an intensive format through three meetings of 2–3 days each—one for every module—supplemented by individual study, preparation before the meetings, and application and mentoring activities afterward. The format can therefore be adapted to the context and needs of each group while preserving the same structure and formation objectives.
LFI
The Three Modules
Heart, Character, Ministry — The Anatomy of Spiritual Formation
This module focuses on forming the person who serves. Beginning with the heart as the center of the inner life, it explores how convictions, character, and commitment shape the leader’s conduct and ministry.
Spiritual Leadership through Service — Principles and Practices for Shepherding the Church
This module develops the leader’s capacity to exercise biblical leadership through service, beginning in the family, continuing in the church, and extending into mission in society through guiding, caring for, equipping, and mobilizing others.
Ministry that Multiplies — Principles and Practices for Training, Mentoring, and Delegation
This module prepares the leader to form and engage other leaders through training, mentoring, and the progressive delegation of responsibility and authority, contributing to the continuity and multiplication of ministry.
LFI · European Leadership Forum
Church Revitalization Program
Church Revitalization Program is a year-round training and mentoring program designed to equip pastors and Christian leaders who are involved, or preparing to become involved, in the revitalization of existing churches. The program is led by David Brown and Dr. Daniel Fodorean within the European Leadership Forum / Forum of Christian Leaders and brings together leaders from different European contexts in a collaborative learning community.
The program helps participants understand the challenges involved in bringing new spiritual and missional vitality to existing churches, explore what church revitalization can look like in the European context, and develop approaches that can be applied in their own churches and ministries. An important part of the process is learning from the experiences of other participants and encouraging one another as they seek meaningful and sustainable change in their churches.
The program combines biblical and strategic reflection, individual study, practical assignments, webinars, mentoring, peer learning, and face-to-face meetings. Participants form a small learning community of approximately 10–12 leaders, allowing for meaningful interaction, contextual application, and mutual learning throughout the year. The current format includes four webinars with assignments, an in-person retreat, and a pre-Forum gathering connected with the European Leadership Forum.
Revitalizing existing churches for renewed spiritual vitality, biblical mission, and effective ministry.
Learn more about the Church Revitalization Program →ITBB · LFI
Church Leadership, Law and Administration
The Baptist Theological Institute of Bucharest, in collaboration with the Leader Formation Institute, offers the specialized Church Leadership, Law and Administration program for pastors and leaders involved in church leadership and administration.
The program continues the Institute’s historic commitment to preparing “good leaders for churches,” expressed by Pastor Constantin Adorian, the first director of the Baptist Seminary in Bucharest. In today’s context, church leadership includes both spiritual responsibility for people and the fulfillment of the church’s mission, as well as the responsible management of its organizational, administrative, financial, and legal dimensions. The program integrates these dimensions within a biblical and practical perspective on church leadership.
To prepare church leaders to exercise biblical, responsible, and effective leadership by integrating its spiritual dimension with organizational, administrative, financial, and legal responsibilities.
Pastors, administrators, treasurers, church secretaries, and other leaders with leadership or administrative responsibilities in local churches or church associations.
10 months, organized into five modules. Each module takes place over approximately 8 weeks.
Online and/or modular, combining course sessions with individual study and practical applications. In the online format, activities take place through Zoom and the Moodle educational platform.
Romanian and English, depending on the instructors and resources used.
ITBB · LFI
The Five Modules
Biblical Principles of Leadership
Biblical and theological foundations for understanding spiritual leadership and the leader’s responsibility in the church.
Church Management
Principles and tools for organizing ministry, planning, decision-making, team development, and the responsible stewardship of church resources.
Religious Freedom and Religious-Denominations Law
The constitutional and legal framework of religious freedom, the legal status of religious denominations, and the implications of legislation for church life and activity.
Administration of Church Documents, Finances, and Property
Responsibilities and practices related to church records, financial administration, property, administrative procedures, and good governance.
Personal and Professional Development in Church Leadership
The leader’s continuing development, personal and organizational evaluation, competency formation, and the development of healthy and sustainable leadership practices.
LFI
More Information
For details about organizing the program, forming a group, or participating in one of LFI’s programs, contact us through the website form.