My first LOGOS training was about 20 (really?) years ago. I was stepping into the role of LOGOS Director at my church and arrived at the training nervous, unsure and alone. For an introvert, those aren’t the best conditions for a great experience. But it was an amazing experience. People from other churches embraced me and I met wonderful training leaders who are good friends to this day. They were full of energy, experience, wisdom, understanding and were so relational.
I remember one training leader sharing that she arrived late because her daughter, who thought she didn’t want to be confirmed, had changed her mind at the last minute so of course Mom needed to be in worship that day. I thought…wow…here’s this spiritual leader who not only struggles with her own family but is comfortable enough to share it with a room of strangers. I remember another trainer relating what her church did when they discovered that drug deals were going on in the graveyard during LOGOS (amongst their kids). I thought…wow…here’s this spiritual leader who not only struggles at her own church but is comfortable enough to share it with a room of strangers.
They had me.
And then there were the Theograms, Nurture Realities and Convictions, LOGOS Bones, the Process of Call for staffing, and unpacking what a LOGOS ministry really is--and is a catalyst for. We experienced the four parts of LOGOS with Bible study, recreation, worship skills (and worship) and of course the fun shared meals. There were energizers and discussions and networking of ideas. A workbook, flannel boards (remember the 90s?), handouts and so much information about the WHY of LOGOS before we could get to the HOW. A bit like drinking from a fire hose but boy was I thirsty!
I left the LOGOS training feeling equipped, energized, empowered, spiritually nourished, and with resources to continue the learning and application for this intergenerational approach to church. It was then that I decided that EVERYONE (everyone!) needed to experience LOGOS training. It’s not just a “why and how to start LOGOS” or “why and how to keep your LOGOS ministry thriving” training (it’s that too). But it’s more a “why and how a Christ-centered life of healthy relationships works” training. And how to give our best to offer that environment on a weekly basis for children and youth. And parents. And other adults of all ages. And church staff. Together. The Body of Christ. Isn't that what "church growth" is all about?
I’ve attended or led 30ish LOGOS training events and have learned something new at every one. There’s always a fresh “aha!” because each event is a different combination of people and I’m in a different mindset or context or a different place in my faith journey. I never tire of hearing why the ministry began and how it works. Familiar yet new. Deep yet understandable. Serious stuff yet fun and joy filled.
Last weekend I led LOGOS training and at a table sat one of my original training leaders. She was attending with a church where she serves as Interim Director of Christian Education. She had brought a group of five to “drink from the fire hose” to explore the possibility of the ministry. Also attending were people from a longtime LOGOS church and a group from a church that was relatively new to LOGOS. We learned together, played together, ate together, studied together, and worshiped together. There were the Theograms, Nurture Realities and Convictions, LOGOS Bones, Process of Call for staffing, and unpacking what a LOGOS ministry really is—and is a catalyst for. I trust that the participants left feeling equipped, energized, empowered, spiritually nourished, and with resources to continue the learning—and had a serious yet joy-filled experience.
Is this an experience your church needs? Something your volunteers and staff would benefit from? Something that is truly transformational and might spill over into your greater community?
GenOn Ministries can bring the training right to you and help other churches participate with you. Our energetic, experienced, wise, understanding, and relational training leaders are ready!
Read about the training here, including what it takes to have your own LOGOS Encounter. We’re scheduling now for summer and fall Saturdays—it’s our favorite thing to do!