I functioned as a ministry leader for six years – progressing from volunteer, to part time staff to full time staff during that time – under the simultaneous instruction of three mentors in one church before pursuing anything like formal education.

When I did finally seek formal training it was through a ministry school rooted in my association (which is, itself, more of a network than a denomination) that utilizes a relatively unique model: classes partner with and are conducted through local churches all over the US and UK, grounding the entire educational experience in local mission and ministry.

After finishing that, I discovered a hunger for continuing education. Convinced I was called as a "missionary to the West," I sought a program that would train me for cross-cultural mission principles while allowing me to remain in my context. That's how I found the MAGL. Even though it's been a longer road, I wouldn't trade this path for anything. I feel I'm much more equipped as a leader for our unique times than I would have been otherwise.

What I've missed out on, to some extent, in your proposal is Civic Engagement. While one of the two churches I served during this journey was highly "outreach oriented" – which was very important – both were still essentially Christendom-minded. The burdensome desire to be in a church that exists entirely for the sake of God's post-Christendom mission required that my wife and I forge out on our own and start one. In that sense, our education continues…and always will, I suppose.

Having said all that, I'm not at all sure how we'll recapitulate this kind of experience for emerging leaders in our new church plant. The cultural ground underneath our feet is shaking and shifting so rapidly that I seriously doubt I could run people through the same set of processes – though, I have no doubt there will be other options when the time comes.