I'm not the leader of my organization or agency. Can I still participate in ReFocusing Leaders?
How does ReFocusing Leaders differ from other training programs?
Do I have to be a Christian in order to participate?
Do I have to speak English to participate?
Do I have to be a missionary in order to participate?
How long is the program and how much will it cost?
What if I cannot attend all of the Retreats?
Can my spouse also participate?
How do I sign up for a ReFocusing Leaders Network
ReFocusing is a process of leadership development and personal discovery in a dynamic peer-learning community. It helps leaders understand how God shapes them over a lifetime and how they can align their lives to His Kingdom purposes. The learning process helps leaders become more intentional in their development and focused in their leadership, and in turn, increases their capacity for effectively leading and developing others.
I'm not the leader of my organization or agency. Can I still participate in ReFocusing Leaders?
Yes, definitely. Our definition of Christian leadership is "influencing another person or persons or an organization towards God's purpose for their life and ministry." You don't need to hold an official title or position in order to do this.
How does ReFocusing Leaders differ from other training programs?
Most training programs emphasize the dissemination of information, primarily delivered by speakers or teachers standing in front of the group. Manuals and lectures are provided and the participant is expected to understand and implement on his or her own whatever was learned. The relationship between the "teacher" and the "student" ends with the conclusion of the seminar or the teaching event.
In contrast to this typical approach, ReFocusing progressively builds over the learning duration. Utilizing adult learning style as much as possible, the participants gain insights through self- and group-discovery. Equally important, each participant receives personal coaching in the periods between the Retreats. Learning is holistic, involving both personal and ministry growth. In the final project each participant produces his or her own Intentional Development Plan, and the whole group, which has become a learning community, is there to informally support and encourage the Plan's implementation .
Do I have to be a Christian in order to participate?
Yes. One of our core beliefs is that God is already at work in the world and in your life, and that one of our main goals is to help you discover, discern, and develop His calling in your personal life and ministry.
Do I have to speak English to participate?
English does not have to be your native language but you need to understand it well enough to freely enter into the numerous discussions and sharing times. Much of the learning is in small groups.
Do I have to be a missionary in order to participate?
The initial training is for persons with cross-cultural understanding. Most come from mission agencies and NGO's. It is our hope that they in turn will help adapt it for the culture in which they are serving. National church leaders with this perspective and experience are certainly welcome to join us even in this beginning stage. International church pastors, and Christian marketplace professionals with cross-cultural or multi-cultural experience are also welcome.
How long is the program and how much will it cost?
Participants are expected to participate in 4 two-day retreats over a one-year period. Between each retreat participants will have the opportunity to receive coaching from a member of the facilitation team or by their small group facilitator. They will also meet in small groups between each Retreat for fellowship, encouragement and mutual support. Homework is minimal and is self-reflective in nature.
The cost for participating in 2009 will be
In Cambodia - $200
In Japan - ¥42,000
What if I cannot attend all of the Retreats?
Because our teaching approach is process-oriented, rather than event-focused, and occurs in a group setting, it is very important that every participant attend each Retreat session. However, if we know in advance that a participant may miss one session, we will do all that we can to help them make up what he or she missed.
Can my spouse also participate?
Spouses are strongly encouraged to attend. The learning experience is more than doubled. In Cambodia when both are attending at the same time, the second person can participate at half price.
How do I sign up for a ReFocusing Leaders Network?
If interested in the 2010 course in Cambodia, please contact either : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or to Jean Gill. If interested in the 2009 course network in Japan, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fill out the application form on-line.
