Servant Leader In Action

Introduction

Child Evangelism Fellowship® (CEF®) of South Africa is launching a program called Servant Leaders in Action.

People selected for this program are done so by a local CEF worker. The program is open to Christians ages 17 and over that are referred to the program by a full-time CEF worker. This program will help young adults that may be contemplating what career path they desire to pursue. Participants that are thinking about being involved in ministry will receive first-hand exposure to real-world ministry training and experience. This exposure will help them discern if God is calling them to full-time ministry.

Overview

Purpose
The purpose of the Servant Leader in Action program is to increase the ministry of CEF by equipping and enabling young adults for the work of children’s ministry. The program serves to fulfill the purpose of CEF by training people for ministry, conducting CEF programs, promoting the ministry, and recruiting CEF volunteers and full-time workers.

Features and Benefits
The following chart shows the features of the program and the benefits they provide.

Modular Concept
The program is modular based having four two-week training programs allowing the Servant Leader in Action participants to continue to progress further in the program. The modular program helps people to get a “taste for ministry” while minimizing the initial commitment of both the Servant Leader in Action participants and CEF. Should the participant desire to continue in the program, they may opt to continue in the later modules.

Dual Emphasis
The program has a dual emphasis; equipping and enabling the Servant Leaders for children’s ministry and helping the Servant Leader understand the importance of dying to self with the Divine Servant as the example to follow. The classroom training is complemented by evening devotions that stress what it means to be a servant of Christ.

Classroom Training, Practical Experience, and Ongoing Mentoring
Each module of the Servant Leader In Action program incorporates classroom instruction that requires the students to display their understanding with practicum demonstrations. Also, the training incorporates ministry outreaches where the students will have the opportunity for hands-on ministry to children with “real-world” conditions.

After receiving training, the Servant Leaders minister in the geographical area of a CEF worker (near the student’s home) where CEF ministry is already taking place. The Servant Leader ministers under the direction of a CEF worker who further mentors the Servant Leader.

Servant Leader Candidate Qualifications

CEF desires to create a premiere program. Our goal is to produce young adults that are capable to lead and to teach. Younger children will see the Servant Leaders as role models and will desire to emulate them. To fulfill this vision, we need to be diligent to accept people into the program that display potential for leadership and that are teachable.

CEF workers should recruit candidates that meet the following qualifications:

• Born again believer
• At least 17 years of age
  
• Maintains good grades
  
• Has a positive reference from a full-time CEF worker
  
• Has a positive reference from their pastor
  
• Has a positive relationship with their parents
  

Training Approach and Philosophy

Modular Structure
The program is built upon a modular structure. Each module lasts approximately thirteen weeks in duration. The modules progressively build upon one another. In-between each module, the Servant Leader is expected to participate as a volunteer in a local CEF ministry. During this time, a full-time CEF worker will mentor the Servant Leader. If the Servant Leader successfully contributes to the ministry, they will be recommended to return for additional training.

For More Information

If you are interested in more information on this program, contact your local CEF worker, the CEF South Africa National Office or email Allen at slia@cefsa.co.za.