What does it really take to raise up the next generation of disciple-making leaders? In today’s episode of The Disciple-Making Leader Podcast, hosts Ben Borgman and Craig Etheredge sit down with Dr. Gary Chevalier, director of the Cross Creek Residency, to unpack how intentional investment is transforming emerging leaders from the inside out. You’ll hear how God called Gary into ministry, what led to the launch of the Cross Creek Residency, and how this intentional process is breathing fresh life into churches by equipping leaders who multiply.
As Gary shares stories from the residency, you’ll not only hear moments that will make you smile, but you’ll catch a vision for how Jesus’ model of investing in a few is shaping the residents’ lives from the inside out. They discuss why this residency is different, how it equips leaders with real-world ministry experience, and how the focus remains on building healthy leaders who will carry the mission of Jesus forward.
If you’re a pastor who longs to raise up disciple-making leaders, if you’re exploring your own call to ministry, or if you’re simply curious about what intentional leadership development looks like on the ground, this episode is for you. It’s packed with encouragement, real stories, and practical insights to help you multiply healthy leaders in your own ministry context.
And don’t miss part two, where you’ll hear directly from the residents themselves as they share what it’s really like to be part of this life-on-life disciple-making community. If your heart beats for seeing leaders developed, disciples multiplied, and movements ignited, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
Overview:
- 00:00 “Empowering Disciple Leaders”
- 05:45 Versatile Church Leadership Journey
- 08:43 “Developing Leaders Through Residency”
- 09:24 Residency Program for Young Leaders
- 14:22 Church Leadership Training Program
- 17:28 Residency Focus: Church Planting & Discipleship
- 19:41 Selective Coaching for Church Staff
- 24:53 Inspired by Passionate Youth
- 26:23 Expanding Residency Program Globally
- 29:09 “Amazing Residents Shine Bright”
Discussion Questions:
- What was the initial spark or problem that led to the creation of the Cross Creek Residency, and how does this reflect larger trends in church leadership today?
- How do you think unexpected or reluctant beginnings can shape someone’s calling or effectiveness in church leadership?
- What are some challenges of hiring from outside versus developing leaders internally through programs like a residency?
- What are the three main goals for residents in the Cross Creek Residency, and why do you think each area (ministry competency, leadership development, and spiritual formation) is vital?
- How does giving residents opportunities to “fail safely” help prepare them for real-world ministry, and how might this approach differ from traditional internships or seminary training?
- How does this focus set it apart from other ministry training programs, and what impact could it have on the wider church?
- How important are mentor-mentee relationships in developing effective church leaders?
- Discuss the practical support offered by the Cross Creek Residency (housing, stipends, financial support for graduate work). How do these elements contribute to the success and attractiveness of the program for young leaders?
- What were some unexpected outcomes—both funny and serious—that Dr. Chevalier discovered after launching the residency? How can surprises in ministry lead to growth or new perspectives?
- In what ways could partnerships between churches help raise up the next generation of disciple-making leaders?
