1. Executive Summary

The future health of the Saluda Baptist Association (SBA) churches depends on strong, Christ-centered leaders who are equipped to guide their congregations through an increasingly complex world. Many pastors and ministry leaders are deeply committed to their calling but have not been exposed to, or participated in, leadership development resources that would empower them to lead more effectively, build sustainable ministries, and multiply healthy churches.

 

This proposal seeks a financial partnership to fund a Leadership Development Coordinator staff position at the Saluda Baptist Association that would implement a Leadership Development Initiative. Programs and processes would be designed to equip ministry leaders and churches with biblical leadership processes, emotional intelligence skills, and practical ministry tools. Your support will enable us to provide training, coaching, and resources at no significant cost to churches, particularly those with limited financial capacity.

 

2. Purpose and Vision

Purpose: To equip ministry leaders and churches with the spiritual, emotional, and practical leadership skills necessary to build healthy, sustainable ministries that advance the Kingdom of God.

 

Vision: We envision a movement of ministry leaders who are spiritually grounded, emotionally intelligent, and strategically equipped—leading churches that flourish in discipleship, missions, multiplication, and overall church health.

 

3. The Need

• Leadership Gaps: Many pastors are trained in theology but lack structured leadership training for organizational growth, conflict resolution, and team development.
• Burnout and Attrition: A growing number of ministry leaders leave ministry due to burnout, isolation, or leadership challenges.
• Financial Barriers: Smaller churches and ministries often cannot afford quality leadership development processes.
• Multiplication Challenge: Churches desire to raise the next generation of leaders, but lack scalable, reproducible training frameworks.

Without intentional investment in leadership development, churches risk plateauing, declining, or experiencing preventable conflict that damages their witness and impact.

 

 4. Program Overview

The Leadership Development Initiative will deliver accessible, biblically grounded, and relevant leadership development through the following:

A. Training Workshops & Conferences

• In-person and virtual training events on key topics:

o   Biblical Leadership Principles

o   Emotional Intelligence in Ministry

o   Conflict Resolution & Healthy Communication

o   Team Development & Mentorship

 B. Coaching & Mentoring

• One-on-one and group coaching for pastors and church leadership teams.
• Peer networks to foster partnership, encouragement, accountability, and collaboration.

 

C. Resources & Curriculum

• Development of workbooks, guides, and online learning materials.
• Scalable and reproducible training models for ongoing church use.

 

 5. Funding Goals & Use of Funds

Total Funding Goal: $27,000 (Year One)

 

Allocation of Funds:

• Training Delivery (facilitator, travel): $24,000
• Curriculum Development (workbooks, videos, online content): $1,500
• Scholarships for Leaders and Churches in Need: $1,500

 

Your financial investment will ensure that leaders from churches of all sizes have access to transformational training regardless of financial capacity.

 

 6. Partnership Opportunities

We invite you to be a Kingdom Partner in this work through prayer, financial support, and advocacy.

 

All partners will receive annual impact reports, testimonies, and invitations to observe training sessions.

 

 7. Expected Impact

By the end of Year One, with your partnership, we anticipate:

• 90+ ministry leaders trained through workshops and conferences.
• 12+ churches equipped with sustainable leadership tools.
• Measurable growth in ministry effectiveness, health, and sustainability among participating leaders.

8. Call to Action

We believe the church’s future depends on leaders who are spiritually grounded, emotionally healthy, and practically equipped. Your investment will multiply Kingdom impact by strengthening those who shepherd God’s people.

 

We invite you to prayerfully consider becoming a partner in this mission. Together, we can raise leaders who will build healthy, thriving churches for generations to come.