Churches and ministries from a variety of backgrounds are meeting monthly in DFW to learn how to become Bullet-Proof® managers. This training program is the first of its kind with an interdenominational audience.

"Most people become managers just like they become parents; one day, they are one," said Mark Woeppel, one of the facilitators of the Kingdom Leadership workshop. "Just like parents often wish they had training before their children were born, managers would like applicable lessons to lead a better team. This is it."

Mark Woeppel and Woody Norris are partners in Leadership Design, the company that hosts the seminars. Meetings take place every month for a year in locations across Dallas. Each four-hour meeting focuses on two skills taught through videos led by recognized business leaders, situational exercises, role-playing drills, and more.
   
"What's most exciting to me about this series is that it's geared specifically for ministries," Woeppel said. "We're seeing all different denominations participate. That puts this program in a league of its own."

"It's really a natural progression from our work with businesses," comments Woody Norris, "Every organization must be effective developing and managing its people to improve performance. This program allows us to develop organizations that have an impact outside the marketplace - with similar outcomes for their teams and the people that touch them."

The first seminar took place on Thursday, January 17, at Carrollton Christian Academy. More than 20 churches and ministries participated, including Sky Ranch Ministries, Prince of Peace Christian School, and Bent Tree Bible Church. The first run of the series is already being conducted at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Mike Buster, executive pastor at Prestonwood, anticipates the benefits from the program.

"When you have a large church like Prestonwood, effective management is a necessity," he said. "The program covers topics that are vital to leading a motivated, successful, and blessed team. Our ministers and leaders are already applying the skills they've learned. I'm looking forward to see the difference this program will make in our team's success."

Future topics include "How to Become a Stress Buster," "How to Tap the Creativity of Your Team," "Increasing Productivity through Motivated People," and more.