Timothy Leadership Brings Training to Los Angeles

In late October, All Nations Christian Reformed Church in Lakeview Terrace, Calif., hosted 30 participants with five Master Trainers to launch a Timothy Leadership Training Institute (TLTI) center.

TLTI is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich. Administrative director Jennifer Owens said, “It makes sense to locate another [training center] on the other side of the country to increase access points for training. It helps us develop a connection with the churches on the west coast, and is a location that is easily accessible from many Asian countries, which may be easier to reach with TLTI through U.S.-based training.”

Rev. Sid Sybenga, pastor of Hope International CRC, Arcadia, Calif., said, “The world gathers in Los Angeles. Twenty of the 30 participants were from our classis. I see TLTI as a potential ‘pastors without borders’ movement and as a ‘retirement with a mission’ ministry for both clergy and lay leaders.”

TLTI opens opportunities for trained participants to carry the training to other leaders in their church communities. Through reflective groups and action plans, TLTI offers participants tangible opportunities to exercise their learning.

Rev. Tae Kim, pastor of All Nations Church, said, “More than anything, I am glad that having [the center] in L.A. made it more accessible to local pastors and leaders. I see more benefits in building up leaders as I continue in this program. Especially I think this is a great tool in equipping lay leaders who don’t have time and money for professional ministry training. It was nice to see that there are some revisions in the material, which encourages me that TLTI is being sensitive to various needs and contexts.”