FCA held its first International Directors Development (IDD) training May 23-27, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Fifty-two directors representing twenty-three nations gathered for the inaugural conference and were equipped by clarifying the director role.
“There are three main roles of the director: staffing the area, funding the ministry and developing the board,” said Silas Mullis, Director of Field Operations.
“We want directors to align with our mission to lead every coach and athlete,” Mullis added. “The training was to train staff to develop the director roles in each country to increase the capacity of ministry.”
Mark Stephens, the International Advancement Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region, led spiritual leadership sessions based on the 2021 Pursue theme and its sub-themes: Pursue Truth, Pursue Life, Pursue Team and Pursue Mission. Various workshops were held in afternoon sessions, including a focus on mobilizing volunteers, ministry to coaches and partnerships.
"It was a wonderful time for me and my teammates... I got new steps on how to achieve my goals of Board and Staff Development."
- Sasha, National Director of Ukraine
“It was refreshing to review strategies to develop leaders in Brazil and ways to better equip and empower our Georgia Region staff to grow their hearts for the nations,” said Tom Joyner, FCA Georgia International Advancement Coordinator.
Each morning, attendees split into teams for sports competition that included sitting volleyball, wiffleball, ultimate frisbee and some crazy relay games, to keep camaraderie and connection. There were also team building exercises, and on the third evening, everyone got to take a break from the 110-degree heat and try indoor snow skiing.
Returning home, the directors will be implementing what they’ve learned, intentionally stepping into their role and supporting one another.
“Through this training, I clearly know about FCA’s vision, mission and strategies, and it's developed my sense of leadership, changed my views as I know my role as a director and leader and what is exactly expected from me,” said West Africa leader Dave Jucos from Benin.
Directors have taken the training to heart and are eager to implement and share in their areas.
“By equipping me with all the transformational FCA tools and resources available, I’m able to develop great leaders and follow up with ministry in the DRC,” said FCA Democratic Republic of Congo leader Moussa Mahawebwa.
“We are thrilled to support these international directors as they apply what they have learned in Dubai. This is part of the greatest opportunity that FCA has to see our international ministry expand across countries in the world,” Mullis shared.
Thanks to a week of renewed vision in Dubai, directors are equipped and eager to engage their role back in their countries and grow FCA exponentially.
Pray for directors to have clarity in their role, and for wisdom and discernment as they lead their towns, countries and regions. Visit fcaworld.org to learn more about what God is doing around the globe through FCA.
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