Art is an important form of leadership both in the church and in culture at large. Art has a way of highlighting things worthy of our fuller attention–things good, bad and ugly about our world. If you’re an artist (or think you may be an artist) you're invited to be a part of the Art & Artists leadership track. The purpose of this track is to bring to light some of the basic questions of what it means to be both a Christian and an artist and to help you lead well in this tension. The Art and Artists track will also be a place to help artists meet other artists and establish community. Who's invited? Designers, photographers, painters, poets, songwriters, dancers... we're looking for a motley crew, so if you consider yourself an artist, you're welcome to come.

This track is cross-listed with the Small Group Leadership track, meeting with the Small Group track some weeks and pulling off into a college-only setting other weeks. We'll discuss the unique context of small groups for College students in Austin and surrounding areas. Particular attention will be paid to issues of leading in College ministry, understanding the spiritual climate of the University of Texas campus, and practical issues in leading College students.

The purpose of this leadership track is to develop skills and teams to facilitate connecting individuals to the mission of The Austin Stone Community Church. The Connections Ministry operates through both environments (events such as GroupLink, Discovery Lunch, Family Reunion) and relationships (ministry teams such as Welcome Team, Ushering Team, Assimilation Team) to create pathways for unconnected individuals at our church to find missional community.

The Get Trained track is for existing teachers as well as for those who are interested in exploring their own gift of teaching. Whether it's teaching a class, small group, or one on one conversations, we have all been called and commissioned to teach. We will walk through the Biblical principles of teaching and then provide an avenue for preparing and giving a lecture. From there we will discuss the next steps for you in regards to your gifting and ways that you can further develop in your teaching.

The purpose of this leadership track is to develop the skills and teams to minister to the children at the Austin Stone. Whether it's through skits or small groups, puppets or preschool, there are a variety of ways in which your service and leadership could provide a Christ-centered foundation for our children. In addition, whether you've been serving with KidStuff for a while or are just looking to get started we will provide the tools and skills for you to grow in your service.

This track will equip leaders to better serve the city, the world, and to serve with the mercy of God. Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, so I send you” (John 20:21); we will learn how to lead teams to to be sent out in the manner of Jesus Christ.

The Pastoral Care & Counseling Track is designed to equip the body to live out the “one another’s” of scripture: to bear each others burdens, love one another and exhort one another through individual, marriage, pre-marital counseling as well as serving the local body and community.

This track will equip potential small group leaders, existing small group leaders and coaches to build a movement of missional communities. Matthew 28:18-20. We’ll learn and practice the building blocks of missional community: making and multiplying disciples.

The TeenRock track is for new and prospective TeenRock leaders or anyone who is interested in learning more about our philosophy behind student ministry and how it fits into the overall mission and vision of the Austin Stone. The hope for those taking this track is that they will be equipped to invest in the next generation and beyond. Among the topics of discussion are philosophy, practical exercises in communication with students, as well as a look into our creative processes such as skit writing, game design, small group leadership and even speaking to students.

The purpose of this track is to equip and assess those who have experience leading worship or those interested in exploring their giftedness in this area. We will be focusing on three aspects: the heart, the head, and the hands of leading worship for the body of Christ.

Questions about a class? Email gettrained@austinstone.org