Foursquare’s Emerging Leader Network (ELN) is training young people across the country for authentic ministry in today’s—and tomorrow’s—world.
“We are watching a new wave of ministry leaders being prepared to flood today’s culture for Jesus—young adults who will impact the worlds of business, education, the arts, the church and more,” says Tim Mossholder, national coordinator of ELN, referring to the almost 300 students enrolled in ELN’s schools of ministry across the country. “It’s incredible to watch this generation respond to the opportunity for authentic discipleship and ministry training.”
Part of Foursquare’s NextGen Ministries, ELN was launched as an alliance of Foursquare churches operating full-time, immersive schools of ministry designed to empower, train and release young leaders. There are 16 affiliate programs located in various regions across the U.S., with two more due to launch by summer. Changed lives—who will then change their world—are the essence of ELN.
“My experience in an ELN program really helped shape and mold me and gave me a foundation to base the rest of my life on,” affirms Lisa Rodgers, a graduate of Anthem, an ELN affiliate based at Church of Living Water in Olympia, Wash. “God used my ELN experience to … prepare me to be Jesus to the world around me.”
Her sentiments are echoed by youth pastor P.J. Moon, also an Anthem ELN graduate. He believes the effectiveness of ELN is due in part to the fact that students leave behind everything to which they are accustomed, giving a year of their lives to serving God in a local church setting.
“ELN programs strive to put you in environments where you are not only stretched to grow, but in places where you’ll learn valuable lessons—from intense classes to huge leadership opportunities,” he explains. “I was put in places where my leadership was taken to another level. I love how ELN challenges you to rise up to a high standard.”
For more information, visit www.EmergingLeaderNetwork.com.