“How Organized Are You?” published in Japan Harvest

03/02/10 22:17

“How Organized Are You?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. In the article, Michael writes, “We all want to be organized. We all want to be better organized. The problem is that we might not be clear on what it means to be organized.”

SEND ministry teams continue developing team plans

22/01/10 04:06

This afternoon, SEND Japan ministry teams continued developing team plans. To review progress, teams reflected on the following questions: What’s already been accomplished? What’s satisfying/unsatisfying about planning and implementing a team plan? What do we want to accomplish today?

After reviewing progress, teams worked to further identify goals and action steps. Close the Gap Now facilitated the work session.

SEND Japan teams develop action steps

04/12/09 02:07

Today at SEND Center, SEND Japan’s ministry teams developed action steps that target team goals and, consequently, team mission statements. To develop action steps, teams reflected on questions like:

What are our goals? (What’s it take to carry out our mission?)
What’s already been accomplished?
What helps us accomplish our goals?
What hinders us?
What are our options?
What will we do to achieve our goals?

Close the Gap Now facilitated the work session.

"How faithful are you?" published in Japan Harvest

18/10/09 22:49

“How faithful are you in using your God-given strengths?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. In the article, Michael encourages readers to identify their God-given strengths and the focus on using those strengths in the Body of Christ.

SEND Japan teams continue developing plans

02/10/09 04:48

This afternoon at SEND Center, SEND Japan’s ministry teams continued developing ministry plans.
During the work session, teams:

Reviewed progress made during the Sept. 4 work session.
Refined their team mission statements and goals.
Reflected on progress on team goals.

Close the Gap Now facilitated the work session.

SEND Japan ministry teams refine plans

04/09/09 04:02

SEND Japan’s ministry teams worked this afternoon to refine team plans. During the work session, teams reflected on the following questions:

How has God blessed you?
What are you passionate about?
What’s your team’s mission?
What’s it take to carry out your team’s mission?

Close the Gap Now facilitated the work session.

"Pay Attention to Your Goals" published in Japan Harvest

18/07/09 06:02

“Pay Attention to Your Goals” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. In the article, Michael recommends that the reader use a 4-part system for paying attention to goals.

House church members to discuss evangelism

08/07/09 23:04

Members of the Kanto House Church Network are meeting monthly to get encouragement, training, and accountability. At the July 25 meeting, the group will focus on evangelism by discussing 4 questions:

How can you pray for the lost?
What's your evangelistic "conversation" style?
What are basic Bible truths we need to talk about when evangelizing?
How often do you share your faith?

Close the Gap Now worked with the network coordinator to develop the meeting agenda.

"Lead by Asking Questions" published by SEND Japan

07/07/09 03:37

“Leading by Asking Questions” by Michael Essenburg and Janet Kunnecke was recently published in SEND Japan’s Yamabiko. The article encourages the reader to ask questions to help others focus, think through problems, and reach their goals.

“Schedule Your Key Priorities First” published in Japan Harvest

23/04/09 02:12

“Schedule Your Key Priorities First” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. The article emphasizes scheduling your key priorities first, then scheduling email and so forth.

Connect2Empower reflects on home-service debriefing

01/04/09 23:22

At Connect2Empower's April 2 meeting, JEMA members from 3 missions:

Shared about their ministry.
Reflected on home-service debriefing.
Discussed ways to help others target their strengths.

Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a network of JEMA members (tasked with professional development) that connects to empower Christian leaders and organizations.

School staff/parents and missionaries focus on self-management

27/02/09 02:41

On February 27, twenty-four CAJ staff, CAJ parents, and mission community members participated in a productivity workshop entitled, "It's Self-Management, not Time Management." Participants:

Analyzed their degree of self-management.
Identified growth areas.
Determined their goals.
Developed action steps.

Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now facilitated the workshop.

Mission reflects on 5 key questions

18/02/09 05:44

On February 18, the Leadership Team of TEAM Japan invested 4 hours in reflecting on 5 questions:

What’s the big picture?
What does TEAM emphasize?
What’s involved in achieving the vision?
How can improvement plans help?
Now what?

Close the Gap Now facilitated this reflection time.

Connect2Empower reflects on monthly reviews

28/01/09 23:37

At Connect2Empower's Jan. 29 meeting, JEMA members from 5 missions reflected on the purpose and structure of monthly reviews. Participants:

Shared about their ministry.
Reflected on monthly reviews, using questions like: What excites/frustrates you about monthly reviews? What makes a good monthly review good?
Talked through questions/issues raised by participants.

Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a network of JEMA members tasked with professional development that connects to empower Christian leaders and organizations.

"Know Where You Are" published in Japan Harvest

17/01/09 00:46

"Know Where You Are and Where You Want to Go " by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. The article emphasizes that knowing where you are and where you want to go helps you make effective decisions.

Connect2Grow discusses church multiplication

23/11/08 20:08

At this morning's Connect2Grow gathering, cell church planters:

Discussed how the house church model is a usable model for church multiplication.
Explored using questions for ice breakers.
Emphasized the importance of having cell/house church members relate to each other from the heart.
Reflected on key questions like “Which groups in Japan have dynamics that are similar to cell/house churches?”
Talked about ways to set goals and measure progress.

Connect2Empower is a network of Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) members connecting to grow cell churches and house churches.

Connect2Coach reflects on inquiry

13/11/08 01:05

At Connect2Coach's Nov. 13 meeting, JEMA members reflected on inquiry. Participants:

Asked each other open-ended questions like "What 2 good things happened to in your ministry this month?"
Documented their goals.
Helped each other explore topic by saying, "Tell more about ___."
Gave and received coaching.

Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Coach is a network of JEMA members involved in coaching that connects to coach others.

SEND Japan focuses on increasing self-management

30/10/08 20:10

SEND Japan missionaries participated in a 1-day workshop on increasing self-management. During the workshop, participants completed a self-assessment, identified goals, brainstormed options for addressing the goals, developed action plans for achieving goals, and scheduled action steps.

Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now and Jon Winter of SEND Japan facilitated the workshop.

"Do Right Things" published in Japan Harvest

29/10/08 22:29

"Do Right Things, Then Do Things Right" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. The article encourages readers to make sure they are work on the right thing before spending time on fin-tuning what they are working on.

Mission focuses on purpose, objectives, and values

19/09/08 03:29

Today, members of the Japan Alliance Mission reviewed a draft of its purpose statement and objectives. (The draft was collaboratively developed in May 2008.) Mission members then reflected on the following question: What do you need to value in order to achieve your objectives and purpose?

Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now facilitated the planning sessions.

Connect2Empower focuses on annual reviews

18/09/08 02:26

At Connect2Empower's Sept. 19 meeting, JEMA members from 5 missions focused on the purpose and structure of annual reviews. Participants:

Used a set of questions to coach each other.
Reflected on annual reviews, using questions like: How can annual reviews empower? What hinders your staff from being empowered by annual reviews?
Talked through questions/issues raised by participants.

Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a network of JEMA members tasked with professional development that connects to empower Christian leaders and organizations.

Cell church planters discuss and celebrate

01/09/08 17:49

At this morning's Connect2Grow gathering, cell church planters:

Discussed how to structure church activities in such a way that all members participate.
Shared ministry challenges.
Celebrated the news of a new cell church that will start on Sept. 6.

Connect2Grow a network of Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) members connecting to grow cell churches and house churches, is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.

"Want to Achieve Your Goals?" published in Japan Harvest

14/08/08 21:25

"Want to Achieve Your Goals?" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. The article encourages the reader to pray, document goals, take action, and reflect on progress.

Connect2Grow focuses on planting cell churches

03/06/08 05:00

Cell church planters from 3 missions gathered at today's Connect2Grow meeting to encourage each other, reflect, share best practice, and get input on ministry challenges.

Connect2Grow, a network of JEMA members connecting to grow cell churches and house churches, is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.

Connect2Empower focuses on the power of conversation

29/05/08 23:48

At Connect2Empower's May 30 meeting, JEMA members from 6 missions focused on the power of conversation. Participants:

Used a set of questions to coach each other.
Reflected on the power of conversation, using questions like: What do people in your mission talk about? What satisfies/concerns you about conversations with those in your mission? How do conversations help?
Talked through questions/issues raised by participants.

Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a network of JEMA members tasked with professional development that connects to empower Christian leaders and organizations.

“To Provoke Reflection, Ask Open-Ended Questions” published in Japan Harvest

27/05/08 19:32

“To Provoke Reflection, Ask Open-Ended Questions” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

Coaching workshop goes well

22/05/08 16:36

On May 23 at SEND Center, 22 staff from 8 Christian organizations participated in a 6-hour coaching workshop. During the training, participants reflected on Christian coaching beliefs, identified their goals, watched coaching demonstrations, practiced their coaching skills, and finished the workshop by giving and receiving coaching.

Mission focuses on strategic planning

20/05/08 03:40

May 19-20, members of the Japan Alliance Mission collaboratively focused on strategic planning by identifying the needs the mission wants to address, updating its purpose statement, and brainstorming key objectives for carrying out its purpose. Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now facilitated the planning sessions.

“To Encourage and Empower Others, Listen” published in Japan Harvest

27/03/08 20:37

“To Encourage and Empower Others, Listen” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

JEMA Member Care Committee meets

06/02/08 05:46

The Member Care Committee of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) met this afternoon. Committee members Paul Nethercott (TEAM), Mary Esther Penner (World Venture), Faith DeLaCour (Asian Access), and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now) networked, reflected on the past year, and considered what to present at JEMA's annual meeting on Feb. 19.

SEND International staff attend DRAWLIFE Fundamentals

01/02/08 01:30

In preparation for doing annual personnel conferences, 13 SEND International staff participated in a 4-hour DRAWLIFE Fundamentals workshop. Said one participant, “I’m prepared to do conferences better.” Added another, “As a result of this workshop, I value doing conferences more.”

During the Feb. 1 workshop, SEND staff:

Used the DRAW inquiry process (Define • Respond • Analyze • What’s next).
Enhanced their LIFE skills (Listening • Inquiry • Focusing • Encouragement).
Explored 5 Christian beliefs about drawing out the blessings God has put in His people.
Developed a list of hot tips for drawing out.

JEMA members network on cell churches and house churches

31/01/08 07:30

On January 31, several Japan Evangelical Missionary Association members interested in growing cell churches and houses churches attended Connect2Grow's first network meeting. During the meeting, participants discussed their visions and began the documentation of goals for cell/house churches.

Connect2Grow was created and is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.

JEMA members develop work-related debriefing tools

23/01/08 23:54

At Connect2Empower's January 24 meeting, JEMA members developed work-related debriefing tools. Participants:

Discussed current practice.
Learned about the DRAW inquiry process (Define • Respond • Analyze • What's next).
Watched a video on Lencioni's 3 signs of a miserable job (anonymity • irrelevance • immeasurement).
Used a template to begin development of a work-related debriefing tool.

Connect2Empower was created and is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.

YWAM staff deepen LIFE skills

03/01/08 23:18

As part of team training, 16 YWAM Japan staff located in the Tokyo area participated in coach training. During the 6-hour coach training held January 3-4 at Tokyo Bible Church in Shin Koiwa, participants:

Discussed Christian beliefs about empowering others, including the belief that God is at work in the heart of every believer.
Considered questions like, “What can a question do better than a statement?”
Enhanced their skills in listening, inquiring, focusing, and encouraging.
Gave and received coaching.

Here’s what participants said about GROWLIFE Fundamentals coach training:

I learned to encourage others better.
Simple skills used intentionally to help others can make a big difference to someone.
I enjoyed learning how to listen better and ask questions in a different way.

YWAM Japan focuses on training, evangelism (including church planting), and mercy ministries.

GROWLIFE participants focus on encouraging others

13/12/07 08:11

During the Dec. 13 GROWLIFE meeting, participants reflected on how to encourage others and gave and received coaching. Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, GROWLIFE will continue meetings in 2008:

Feb. 14 (Goals)
March 13 (Reality)
April 10 (Options)
May 8 (Will do)

COACHLIFE discusses developing authentic relationships

05/12/07 21:08

During the Dec. 6 COACHLIFE meeting, members networked, discussed portions of chapters 7-8 of Leadership Coaching, and watched/discussed a DVD clip on developing authentic relationships.

COACHLIFE, a community of practice facilitated by Close the Gap Now for participants and graduates of Keith Webb's coach training, will continue meetings in 2008:

Jan. 10 (Chapters 9-10: Client's agenda/defining goals)
Feb. 7 (Chapters 11-12: Listening)
March 20 (Chapters 13-14: Questions)
April 17 (Chapters 15-16: Taking action and support structures)
May 1 (Chapter 17: Encouragement and expectations)

Missionaries discuss reflection

29/11/07 20:54

At Connect2Empower's November 29 meeting, members discussed the power of reflection, how to cultivate reflection within their mission organizations, and procedures and tools their organizations use.

During its Jan. 24 meeting, Connect2Empower's members will design debriefing tools that address work-related topics. Started by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a community of practice for Tokyo-based missionaries interested in member care and professional development.

“It’s Self-Management, not Time Management” published in Japan Harvest

29/11/07 18:38

“It’s Self-Management, not Time Management” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

Church Planting Institute participants further develop vision

09/11/07 05:45

During the November 6-9 Church Planting Institute held near Mount Fuji, over 300 missionaries and Japanese church workers further developed a vision for God’s kingdom. Participants worshipped and listened to keynote speakers, including Nobuji Horikoshi, Steve Childers, Mitsuo Fukuda, Josiah Bancroft, and Gary Fujino. Participants also attended a variety of workshops, including Close the Gap Now’s GROWLIFE Fundamentals.

Church Multiplication Team participates in GROWLIFE training

20/10/07 06:00

Oct. 19-20, the Church Multipication Team of Asian Access participated in GROWLIFE coach training while staying on Etajima (near Hiroshima). The 26 participants enhanced their listening and inquiry skills and used the GROW process to empower each other.

Said one participant, “It enhanced my ability to help people think about the big picture before they zoom in on what they need to do to accomplish their goals.”

Training helps missionaries focus

20/10/07 05:49

Asian Access missionaries involved in church multiplication participated in a 3-hour workshop on self-management. On Oct. 20, participants discussed the difference between self-management and time management, used self-assessment data to find ways to increase self-management, and used tools to identify goals, develop action plans, and schedule priorities.

Commented one participant, “This training really helped me figure out what I really need to focus on.”

Coaching workshop participants focus on inquiry

24/09/07 04:55

Participants in the Sept. 24 GROWLIFE Inquiry coaching workshop focused on their inquiry skills. The 10 participants began the day by considering questions like "How is God growing you?" and "How is the Holy Spirit at work in your heart?" Then, participants learned and applied 3 inquiry tools (REALITY√, SWOT, and 6 Keys), before wrapping up the day by giving and receiving coaching.

GROWLIFE helped, says workshop participant

16/09/07 18:25

"GROWLIFE helped me to clarify what my goals are...to take the next steps in achieving them...to know effective ways to help others achieve their goals," said a participant of the Sept. 15 GROWLIFE coach training.

During the workshop, the 10 participants used open-ended questions to help others clarify a goal, explore it, and take action to achieve it.

“To Achieve Your Goals, Get a Coach” published in Japan Harvest

29/08/07 19:40

“To Achieve Your Goals, Get a Coach” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

GROWLIFE Fundamentals training goes well

14/06/07 23:54

June 14- 15, thirteen participants learned about, experienced, and used the GROW process (Goal, Reality, Options, Will do) and LIFE skills (Listening, Inquiring, Focusing, Encouraging).

Participants commented:

"I came wanting coaching to become a reality, to put flesh on a concept. I not only saw it, but I was able to do it."
"I enjoyed lots of guided practice in a relaxed atmosphere.... An insight I had is I need to give less advice and ask more questions."
"The seminar is well prepared and anyone will feel comfortable joining the seminar."

“Using Reflection to Leverage Results” published in Japan Harvest

29/05/07 19:40

“Using Reflection to Leverage Results” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

Missionaries learn about, experience, and use GROWLIFE

11/05/07 20:06

Here's what some of the participants in the May 11 GROWLIFE Fundamentals workshop said:

"This workshop gave me some tools that I will be able to use in discipling."
"I gained confidence and believe I can help others with GROWLIFE. Thanks!"
"I came away from the workshop with concrete, measurable, attainable action steps to achieve my goal. Amazing!"
"I don't know when I've been to a workshop that is so practical."
"GROWLIFE can transform your life and your ministry and your organization."

During the workshop, the 17 participants learned about the coach's heart, practiced coaching skills, and gave and received coaching.

“Want to Increase Your Productivity? Stop Working!” published in Japan Harvest

29/03/07 19:42

“Want to Increase Your Productivity? Stop Working!” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.

Missionaries and Christian school staff attend coach training

07/03/07 22:30

On March 2, 20 missionaries and Christian Academy in Japan staff attended Close the Gap Now's GROWLIFE coach training. Participants learned about, experienced, and used the GROW process (Goal, Reality, Options, Will do) and LIFE skills (Listening, Inquiring, Focusing, Encouraging).

Said one participant, “It was helpful for me to see the role coaching can play in a pastor’s ministry.”

Another added, “I can already take home and apply some skills.”

Close the Gap Now initiates monthly GROWLIFE coach training sessions

17/01/07 22:28

Today, Close the Gap Now initiated monthly GROWLIFE coach training sessions for missionaries and staff members of Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ). Held at CAJ, training sessions are scheduled for February 15, March 15, April 18, and May 17.

During these 90-minute sessions, participants will:

Watch coaching demonstrations
Learn about Christian coaching beliefs and the GROWLIFE coaching model
Practice coaching skills
Give/receive coaching during 15-minute coaching sessions

Sessions are designed for those who want to explore coaching and see if they want to attend a coaching workshop (1-4 days), or if they want to pursue coach certification.

GROWLIFE5

Close the Gap Now starts monthly COACHLIFE training sessions

11/01/07 21:27

Today, Close the Gap Now started monthly COACHLIFE training sessions designed for participants in and graduates of the Core Coaching Skills certificate program (and certified coaches) who want to network and further hone coaching skills.

Held at Christian Academy in Japan, training sessions are scheduled for February 1, March 1, April 5, and May 10.

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