Excelerate Discipleship Training in Skye, Victoria, Australia | Local business

Excelerate Discipleship Training

Locality: Skye, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 3 9785 1112

Address: 20 McCormicks Road 3977 Skye, VIC, Australia

Website: http://exceleratedt.com

Likes: 516

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Local business

25.01.2022 Both first and second year classes were split into two groups and entrusted with the design and execution of two Sunday online messages for Southern Lights Church. Last Sunday, the first of these messages was released. (It can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjZQEbM1ICE or on the Southern Lights Church website.) It was a great opportunity for growing leadership and team work skills for both classes. Below are those who shared different testimonies and messages in the video but there were many more roles behind them that went into designing, organizing, filming, editing, and more.

23.01.2022 Today, the second year students were able to hear from Dan Flynn Snr. He shared on things such as the role of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) and the value of grassroots campaigning. When asked a question regarding holding on to our beliefs, he shared this quote.

22.01.2022 Since early in the year and the first lockdown period, Southern Lights Church has been meeting in connect groups via Zoom rather than in person at the church building. This has brought with it many challenges and downsides, but also many opportunities and benefits. Following are some thoughts on the experience from a number of first and second year students who attend the same connect group church gathering. Debbie: Connect group provides a different mix of people to chat to ...in these strange times. It has been encouraging to see how our group members respond when a friend reaches out for support. It is always interesting to hear other’s perspectives on the word each week. I like that we are challenged with questions to reflect upon and discuss together. Luke: Connect group for me has been an area to get to know Southern Lights family. It's a great avenue for outworking encouragement for each other, to share struggles, breakthroughs and concerns. A place to stand with each other in prayer. Its a great and safe environment for pastoral care and overall just a great enjoyable experience. Carmel: Connect Groups are a wonderful opportunity to connect in a less formal and more relaxed environment to hear others share their 'real life' journey, perspectives, questions and testimonies of God in their every day lives. I’ve particularly enjoyed the refreshing and peaceful presence of God during worship, particularly in the times we have been able to gather together in person, and hearing testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of the each other's families. I’ve also enjoyed hearing the relaxed conversation from others in the group where you can learn just a little more about people and their thoughts. It’s been a blessing to hear some laughs, friendly conversation and meet a few others outside of Excelerate, especially as connecting is more limited than usual in the absence of usual church services this year.

22.01.2022 As the lock-down restrictions begin to ease more, it has become legal for prayer meetings again. Yesterday was the first morning that corporate prayer in person was able to happen for the second year students since July. Kyle: "As much as there has been blessing and power in corporate prayer over Zoom during lock-down, I am very excited to be able to begin to come together again in person and join in prayer in spirit and person."

20.01.2022 Over the mid year break, some students, where government restrictions have allowed, have been able to spend time back at their homes with family and friends. Here is what a couple of the students had to say: Caitlin: "Being back in Broken Hill has been relaxing and refreshing. I’ve spent most of my time hanging out with my family and friends. I’ve felt like life has slowed down and I’ve had time to do things I wouldn’t normally be able to do like watching the sunset."... Hugh: "Time away with my Dad has been absolutely incredible. I’ve been able to see a little bit more of Australia (where legal) and spend some quality time camping with my father. I’ve met many incredible people along the way and used the tools that Excelerate has given me to be able to articulate what I believe and why I believe it. I’m enjoying the break and can’t wait to commence the second half of the year."

20.01.2022 Earlier in the year, the men in second year were tasked with a project to bless the church. They spent a number of days together sanding down and resurfacing the cafe area of the church. Kyle: "It was great to be a part of the project to bless the church in this way, I also found it to be a blessing to myself to partner with the other men and work together to be a blessing to others. As well as this, it was also a great new experience and learning curve for us. My favorite part was learning to control the orbital poly-vac as it took a bit of skill to learn to get it to work for me and not against me, and I felt like I was an under-qualified janitor polishing hallways after hours in some movie, set in an American high school."

20.01.2022 The second year students have been working through a unit based around Timothy Keller's book 'Centre Church'. This week they explored the question: "Is the church's role to preach the truth or to contextualize the truth?" A question that caused a lot of challenge and discussion. Here is a one of the things Keller mentioned in the readings.

19.01.2022 Aubrey, a full time sponsored first year student this year all the way from Washington state, USA, has been living with the Ingram household. The full time sponsored living arrangements within a host family in the church is a key aspect of the Excelerate discipleship course, creating the space for 24/7 discipleship. Aubrey: "Something that I was very drawn to about Excelerate Discipleship Training that I had never heard of before was members of the church welcoming in studen...ts into their home for the year. I remember in the beginning of the year finding out only a week before moving to Australia what my address would be and moving into Pastor Pete’s house, someone I had only met once before over Skype. Pete, DeeDee & The Popa family have made me feel welcomed and secure. In a year full of changes and unknowns with COVID-19 they have loved me intentionally daily. They have welcomed me so well, not just into their church & home, but into their family as well." See more

16.01.2022 Last week, the first and second year students joined the Movement Day international live conference online. It was an incredible gathering of Christians committed to unity in the Body of Christ to benefit the cities and communities of the world. This is what a couple of the students had to say regarding their experience of the two day conference. Debbie: "The restrictions caused by Covid-19 meant that Movement Day X was all on-line. Rather than restrict and exclude, this open...ed up channels to connect with people from 84 nations. It was so encouraging to hear the testimonies of pastors and leaders from around the world who have said ‘Yes’ to the call the drop their nets. I especially loved the ‘networking’ -when we were linked with one randomly selected person for a few minutes to connect and pray together. It was such a blessing." Karen: "Movement day was very different this year. While we weren’t able to physically gather, we were still able to connect from all around the world through the internet. I would have to say while there were so many encouraging speakers, the thing that stood out to me the most was being able to connect with other people through networking and praying together for our cities. Though we are currently isolated, God can still do so much through the power of prayer."

15.01.2022 Last week, the first and second year students, along with the 5 week discipleship students and the Colson Fellows Program students, had the privilege to hear from Brian Medway, the head of the Crosslink Network. He shared the process of reading scripture properly, receiving revelation from it, outworking it in your life, and then sharing it with others. He is a great inspiration for the Excelerate students and created a space where students could freely ask question about the topic.

15.01.2022 This is a quote from Jack Waller, a second year student, who shared the message in last Sunday's Southern Lights Church online service. It sums up the main theme of 'journey' for the message well.

15.01.2022 First Year student Jazmine, edited videos of our students which will be used to support this Saturday's March for the Babies... Jazmine: "I have loved having the opportunity in Excelerate to get involved with things that I have never thought of doing. This has included applying the new skill of editing videos in supporting March of the Babies and their online protest this year after having Lauren Cooper talk to our class and share her passion with us for seeking truth and justice."

14.01.2022 Both first and second year students have been working through a unit on life coaching under Del Wilksch. This week they explored the concept of living out of the values we all have. Kyle: "I have found the whole of the unit of life coaching very helpful so far, especially the opportunities to practice with class mates, the things that we are learning. The concept of our behaviors either aligning with our values or not, and the happiness or unhappiness that this brings really stood out to me and has caused me to consider what values I hold to and which behaviors in myself I can reorient to be align with them."

13.01.2022 Darren is an incredible inspiration to the second years as someone who is walking in his calling and bringing the biblical worldview into a secular society. He challenged the class around knowing your worldview well, so when you stand up for it, you know what it is you stand on, and you are able to articulate it to those around you.

11.01.2022 Each year, a number of families in the Southern Lights Church community open up their homes to host a sponsored student from Excelerate Discipleship Training. This year, Jazmine, a first year sponsored student, has been staying with Phil and Leanne Tanner. Leanne: "Every year Phil and I choose to open up our home to a full-time Excelerate student to join our family and live with us because we passionately believe in the vision of Excelerate and discipleship. Not only do we witness firsthand (up close and personal) Christ forming in another person, but it also facilitates an opportunity for us to grow as well, and be encouraged and challenged by the student’s growth."

09.01.2022 Today, the first and second year students had the privilege to hear from a past student of Excelerate (Lauren) who is pursuing influence in her field of passion (politics). She is currently working within the Australian Christian Lobby, and was able to share with us on a number of topics centering on the March For Life. Caitlin: "Lauren spoke with such passion, wisdom and conviction that I believe she stirred something deep in all of us! She said if there was anything to take... away from her message it was to ‘be ready for the Kairos (opportune) moment’. The Christian stance on social issues is highly unpopular in society today, so if we are going to stand up for righteousness we need to know why we believe what we believe, do the research to back up what we say and be willing to do something about it. We need to cry for our Nation, it might take hard work but it’s so worth it." But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15 NIV

08.01.2022 Today, the second year students were able to have guest speaker Brad Smith share a bit of his testimony and then a few points on the 7 mountains of influence with them. Jack: "Having Brad Smith come in for a leadership and influence class was a refreshing and pleasant surprise to our new normal in Excelerate. I appreciated the depth and authority that he spoke with, highlighting his story and the patience that God has required from him. One of his key revelations when it came to enduring was, When you are filled by something You will lack nothing. To me it spoke volumes of when we let Jesus be the person that fills our life, we will lack nothing all; our desires, hopes and dreams will be fulfilled in him and because of him.

08.01.2022 Following last weeks post, the students were also asked to organize and create a worship set to partner with the message. This was another great opportunity for leadership. The video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-YaW3jIR98 Kyle: "Through Excelerate first and second year, i have been given many opportunities to grow in my leadership with worship. This was another great opportunity where I was able to partner with peers in making and recording a worship set for the Church. As always, it was out of my comfort zone and gave me room to rely on Holy Spirit for direction and help. And, again as always, Holy Spirit did back me and helped us to bring it all together."

07.01.2022 This week, the second year students were able to hear form Sally Goode from the International House of Prayer in Kansas, America. She blessed the class immensely with a message about letting go of the parts of our story that hold us back and remembering the parts that will propel us into the scariest but deepest journeys of our calling, as led by Holy Spirit. As well as this, she prophesied over each of the students. Both Sally and the class were greatly encouraged and strengthened by each other.

07.01.2022 Today was the last session of learning life coaching with Del Wilksch. Both classes have benefited tremendously from the unit, particularly from the practical triad sessions every week where each student gets the opportunity to experience what it's like to coach, be coached, and sit in on a coaching session. Olivia: "In our classes, Del opened up Life Coaching as a tool that empowers, supports, and prompts another towards change in their life. Putting it into action with my ...triad group helped the notes become a reality, and challenged my ability to ask good questions to better guide others towards achieving their goals." Kyle: "I have noticed principles learned form life coaching sessions outworking in multiple areas of my life. Principles such as living from our values and the rules we set up from them, and living above or below the line, are giving me new eyes to identify and understand the background to the behaviours of myself and those around me. The practical triad sessions have helped to cement all the learning in me, and one particular thing I've seen a lot of growth in is my ability to ask insightful questions within the relationships and conversations I have."

07.01.2022 Join our first and second year students this Saturday for the annual March for the Babies. Due to Covid, this year's march will be in the form of an online protest. 1. Use the link below to access the march marchforthebabies.com 2. Share the link below to at least two friends. ... Together we can all play our part! See more

07.01.2022 Our first year students have been working through a new textbook by John Stonestreet & Brett Kunkle (who work closely with Bill Brown) which has opened up greater awareness of 'currents' in today’s culture. The new unit has challenged the students to engage with different worldviews that are presented by the entertainment industry, as well as their own peers, looking deeper into where they can influence this cultural moment. One of the aspects of this that has been discussed is vulnerability.

06.01.2022 As the first year students have continued to study "A Practical Guide to Culture" by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkel, a curious aspect of western culture stood out to Zoe. Zoe: "The authors proposed that current culture desires being in a state of perpetual adolescence; the desire to be forever young. The main reason for this phenomenon is a lack of moral responsibility and virtue being taught to teenagers. But I believe there has to be a deeper underlying belief that drive...s this lack of teaching. Freedom is highly valued in our society. Pop culture has projected the idea that adolescents are the symbol of freedom, with their expected rebellion, "do-whatever" attitude and having no heavy responsibilities that typically comes with adulthood. We have subscribed to the idea that the lack of moral responsibility and virtue from teenagers equals freedom. Society, therefore, desires being a perpetual adolescent because we value freedom. Ironically, teenagers desire the opposite; freedom comes when you are older." See more

06.01.2022 One of the quotes to come out of the session with Lauren Cooper, who works for the Australian Christian Lobby, was around being ready for the moments of opportunity that will arise with regards to your calling. Particularly with regards to politics and being prepared with an answer for the moments where people demand an answer for our beliefs or actions. Lauren was a great inspiration for both the classes, as an example of someone who has found their purpose and passion, waking up each day with resolve and drive to affect change in her sphere of influence.

06.01.2022 The second year students are beginning a unit following Timothy Keller's book 'Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centred Ministry in your City'. This quote comes from the first reading, looking at what is a fair and effective measure of ministry evaluation.

06.01.2022 Over the last couple of weeks, a few of the students have had the opportunity to be in Swan Hill and participate in some ministry opportunities such as sharing at their church services and running the youth program. Here is what they had to say about the experience. Hugh: "Going back home and being welcomed to give an update on my life, influence the youth and the community has been an incredible opportunity, one that I will never shy away from. I’ve loved being back with fam...ily and in regional Victoria." Aubrey: "It was a blessing to be able to spend a couple weeks in Swan Hill. In the beginning of the year Olivia, Hugh & I were able to share with the church why we were stepping into EDT. I think it was encouraging not just to the three of us, but the church as well to hear that among uncertainty and our discipleship year looking a whole lot different, God is still very present and loving on us deeply." Olivia: "It was great to be able to spend 2 weeks back home in Swan Hill after being there earlier in the year with my family. We were given an opportunity to speak on Sunday, where I shared about my pursuit of vulnerability & the journey of learning to trust myself in my decisions. Connecting face to face with the youth was a highlight - I loved meeting new young people & being able to hang out with them for an evening."

04.01.2022 Today the two classes heard from Jasmine Yuen from the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL). She shared about her journey of allowing God to work through her life and shared some of the ways that she has been able to be a blessing to others through the ACL in this crazy year. Daniella: "What inspired me about Jasmine and her story was her serving heart, 'What can I can for you Lord? How can I serve you?' were the constant questions that weaved and transformed her life into the woman that she is today, and the impact she is having in our nation for Christ. What can you do today to serve God?"

03.01.2022 The second year students, along with the Colson Fellows Melbourne students, were able to hear Bill Muhlenberg speak on the topic of abortion. It was a great opportunity to hear and learn from a prominent voice of the Christian worldview in the Australian culture.

02.01.2022 This year there are five men in second year, all who came straight from first year last year. Luke, the father of one of the younger lads, has been able to share a special journey over the past two years with the four younger men as a father figure. Luke: "This year for me has been a great joy to continue the discipleship journey into second year alongside four young men. This has helped me personally to recognise how much I enjoy seeing their growth and maturity throughout t...he discipleship process. Excelerate with these four young men has been rewarding and challenging. Rewarding in that it has helped me see the passion I have in their successes with a sense of being so proud of them as their futures unfold. I have been very privileged to do discipleship with my son, this by itself has challenged me to become a better father growing in communication, maturity and depth of relationship." See more

02.01.2022 As we draw closer to the end of the Excelerate year, things begin to wrap up. This week the second year students handed in their last assignments for their Diploma of Ministry through the Australian College of Ministries. Hugh: "I’m over the moon to be able to say that I’ve done and submitted all of my assignments for my Diploma of Ministry. I’ve learned not only about my faith, but about time management, how I study best and how to research and write academically. I know th...at I’ll use all the skills I’ve gained from doing ACOM for my life as I continue on next year to study Education at university." Caitlin: "Acom this year has been a time of growing, learning, and challenging myself. Handing in that last assignment was the best feeling after a year of hard work! I’m grateful to be graduating EDT next week with a diploma of ministry attached."

02.01.2022 Jasmine Yeun from the Australian Christian Lobby challenged the first and second year classes this week to put action to our faith. Her testimony of saying yes to serving God with her life is an inspiration. Here’s what our Second Year Student Debbie had to say: I was inspired by Jasmine’s commitment to standing up for the truth, giving up her job to assist the ACL. She made the point that we mustn’t just follow Jesus, we need to serve him.