In September, 2008, the IBC Leadership Institute begins its 5th year of training future leaders. Each year since its beginning in 2004, the program has grown and added new opportunities - this year will be no different. An anticipated record enrollment and an additional "4th year" will be introduced in the Fall.

Year One - the Emerging Stage - deals primarily with the character issues of Christian leadership, grounding the first year students in the spiritual disciplines that can shape their lives. They are introduced to the three-pronged emphasis of VantagePoint3 - knowing God, knowing yourself, and finding God's kingdom plan for your life. Lisa Castelli will be leading the women's class and Nathan McCray the men's class.


Year Two - The Equipping Stage - deals primarily with the skill development of Christian leadership. A major component of this year is the practical project that incorporates the skill principles being learned. Alan Castelli will be leading the Year Two men's class.

Year Three - The Enriching Stage - reviews the disciplines of leadership and then emphasizes the commitment of each leader to training leaders. Pastor Dave will be leading the Year Three group.

This year we will also begin a "Year Four" group - alumni of the Leadership Institute who will meet monthly to review leadership books, study Scripture, and dialogue the leadership challenges each is dealing with. Former students are excited about the opportunity to continue to study leadership.

The leadership curriculum, which includes four workbooks each year, textbooks, and mentoring relationships, was designed by VantagePoint3 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is currently used by several denominations to help identify and train future leaders in the church. Immanuel Baptist Church is part of the Midwest Leadership Network, a fellowship of North American Baptist churches in four states using this curriculum to train leaders. this is the new leader info.