http://closethegapnow.org/index.htmlLearn how Close the Gap Now is providing training in coaching, productivity, and Christian educationenlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCopyright 2007 Close the Gap Now2010-06-10T07:32:41-04:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:39:19 -0400learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Resources2010-06-10T07:32:41-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4b99905c327351655d92428041cb32e7-135.html#unique-entry-id-135http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4b99905c327351655d92428041cb32e7-135.html#unique-entry-id-135“99 More Questions You Might Want to Ask Your Students” by Michael Essenburg was published in May edition of Christian Education National’s The Christian Teachers Journal.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity Training2010-05-17T21:33:28-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4cf529f903cded184ce1a70c48ffb2eb-134.html#unique-entry-id-134http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4cf529f903cded184ce1a70c48ffb2eb-134.html#unique-entry-id-134Two more tutorials have been posted:

1. To enhance your organization's improvement system, take this self-assessment
2. To learn more about enhancing organizational improvement, explore these 6 questions

To see additional tutorials, click here.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2010-04-20T19:49:53-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2e1d74d27e9560b40638c1dc3df3f112-133.html#unique-entry-id-133http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2e1d74d27e9560b40638c1dc3df3f112-133.html#unique-entry-id-133“Ask questions about creation-fall-redemption-restoration,” a video by Michael Essenburg, was published in a blog entry in CSI's Nurturing Faith entitled “Timeless truth conveyed through a new tool.” Dan Beerens, author of the blog entry, writes, "I share this post with you for two purposes – for the content that can help us better discuss a Biblical perspective with students and a new piece of technology that pretty easily be used by you or others at your school. You may be more familiar with the content my friend Michael Essenburg is talking about than the web tool he has used to produce it. The tool is Screencast."]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingChristian Ed Training2010-04-17T14:20:14-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f0ed29e93ff2709f083410021fc37f3-132.html#unique-entry-id-132http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f0ed29e93ff2709f083410021fc37f3-132.html#unique-entry-id-132Two new tutorials have been posted:

1. How focused are you on your God-given mission?
2. How can peer coaching help your students apply a Biblical perspective?

To see additional tutorials, click here.
]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesJEMA2010-02-03T22:17:18-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5860af29eaf1f2fae180d4e54ec3f4be-131.html#unique-entry-id-131http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5860af29eaf1f2fae180d4e54ec3f4be-131.html#unique-entry-id-131“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.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2010-02-01T19:50:29-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7180240cc367993b9a18146bea73c4cd-130.html#unique-entry-id-130http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7180240cc367993b9a18146bea73c4cd-130.html#unique-entry-id-130“Use Assessment to Help Students Develop a Christ-Centered Worldview” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in ACSI’s Christian School Education.

In the article, Michael writes, “Help your students further develop a Christ-centered worldview. Use assessment to help your students understand the importance of relating their academic work to scriptural principles and help them become proficient in making those connections. Develop biblical-perspective assessments that SCORE. Then, teach to your assessments, have your students take them, and use your assessment data to modify instruction.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2010-01-24T21:59:27-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a055ccbf3416b8c5b4e8843a556492a-129.html#unique-entry-id-129http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a055ccbf3416b8c5b4e8843a556492a-129.html#unique-entry-id-129Three videos by Michael Essenburg were published in a blog entry in CSI's Nurturing Faith entitled “Connecting what is most important.” Dan Beerens, author of the blog entry, writes, “Helping students to see how all things in this world cohere through Christ is one of the most important tasks of a Christian teacher. In these three short and helpful videos...Michael Essenburg...suggests three practical strategies that all Christian teachers can use.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingCoach TrainingProductivity TrainingACSI2010-01-30T05:39:18-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/3b82b8483ffcdc07d7e34943df9246eb-128.html#unique-entry-id-128http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/3b82b8483ffcdc07d7e34943df9246eb-128.html#unique-entry-id-128January 29-30, over 40 staff from Mountainview International Christian School and Bandung Alliance International School learned more about:

• Evangelism
• Christian coaching
• Personal productivity
• Helping students to connect God’s world and God’s Word.

Close the Gap Now facilitated some of the workshops.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgJEMAStrategic Planning2010-01-22T04:06:14-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fe1d66af4053f744d3fd15f9afe71e98-127.html#unique-entry-id-127http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fe1d66af4053f744d3fd15f9afe71e98-127.html#unique-entry-id-127This 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2010-01-17T15:47:25-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5ce94e5a80e773e6e70722cfae31f616-126.html#unique-entry-id-126http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5ce94e5a80e773e6e70722cfae31f616-126.html#unique-entry-id-126On January 18 at SEND Center, 22 staff representing 5 Christian organizations participated in a 6-hour GROWLIFE coaching workshop. During the training, participants discussed Christian coaching beliefs, documented their goals, watched coaching demonstrations, transformed closed questions into open-ended questions, and gave and received coaching.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching Resources2010-01-08T01:38:54-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e7097650f392b9ab2d287ca4cb017d9d-125.html#unique-entry-id-125http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e7097650f392b9ab2d287ca4cb017d9d-125.html#unique-entry-id-125“Encouraging coaching in your organization” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in The Christian Coaching Center’s Missions Coaching. In the article, Michael writes, "What encouraged you to get coached and to coach others? Figure out what encouraged you and use that to encourage coaching in your mission.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2009-12-04T02:07:43-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b8d188af21379f123ea03b1894392b4e-124.html#unique-entry-id-124http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b8d188af21379f123ea03b1894392b4e-124.html#unique-entry-id-124Today 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSICoaching Resources2009-12-02T06:24:17-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c0c3168322de68166e2a663de48bec9d-123.html#unique-entry-id-123http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c0c3168322de68166e2a663de48bec9d-123.html#unique-entry-id-123“Lead by Asking Questions” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in ACSI's World Report. In the article, Michael encourages the reader to use questions to provoke others to reflect and provides the reader with a self-assessment.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgConsultingACSIStrategic Planning2009-11-17T20:59:45-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/10766b049e9c4606e7aa22c32b7674b6-122.html#unique-entry-id-122http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/10766b049e9c4606e7aa22c32b7674b6-122.html#unique-entry-id-122Seven Christian Academy in Japan focus groups met this morning to:

• Build relationships.
• Deepen understanding about school improvement.
• Reflect on data from the school’s profile and survey.

Close the Gap Now helped develop the meeting agenda and provided support for focus group facilitators.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching Resources2009-10-31T02:23:05-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c9971c45b164d728e92a4586a69f37bf-121.html#unique-entry-id-121http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c9971c45b164d728e92a4586a69f37bf-121.html#unique-entry-id-121“Help potential clients feel good about getting coaching” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in The Christian Coaching Center’s Missions Coaching. In the article, Michael says, “If you want missionaries to feel good about getting coaching, you may need to help them see coaching as a way of getting positive feedback.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2009-11-03T01:06:19-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/733eebefbe723e146cf493a1f6abf9f4-120.html#unique-entry-id-120http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/733eebefbe723e146cf493a1f6abf9f4-120.html#unique-entry-id-120At today's Biblical perspective workshops, teachers at Christian Academy in Japan discussed key questions, including:

• How can you help your students develop a Christ-centered worldview?
• What excites/concerns you about helping your students develop a Christ-centered worldview?
• What’s important about helping students connect what they study and creation-fall-redemption-restoration?
• What Biblical principles connect to what your students study?

Close the Gap Now facilitated the workshops.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgJEMAProductivity Resources2009-10-18T22:49:08-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5f371bcb127f790b8dbaf79fb4c9e53c-119.html#unique-entry-id-119http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5f371bcb127f790b8dbaf79fb4c9e53c-119.html#unique-entry-id-119“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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2009-10-02T04:48:25-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/056c1fe4b852bf0e3bfe40f5ef1e0bfc-118.html#unique-entry-id-118http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/056c1fe4b852bf0e3bfe40f5ef1e0bfc-118.html#unique-entry-id-118This 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgConsultingACSI2009-09-24T19:20:36-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ce0b37c2902216d2c5628477de0d0786-117.html#unique-entry-id-117http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ce0b37c2902216d2c5628477de0d0786-117.html#unique-entry-id-117As part of its Bible curriculum review, International Christian School (Hong Kong) invited Michael Essenburg to serve a curriculum consultant. Essenburg reviewed curricular documents and then visited the school for 3 days. During his visit, he facilitated focus group meetings and visited classrooms. Essenburg will compile his findings and submit them to the school.


]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2009-09-04T04:02:26-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f9355c1f1d59fd9157aae43c5290f4b4-116.html#unique-entry-id-116http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f9355c1f1d59fd9157aae43c5290f4b4-116.html#unique-entry-id-116SEND 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching Resources2009-09-02T01:46:14-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/555b46807914c11b6d736fdb4ee85ec8-115.html#unique-entry-id-115http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/555b46807914c11b6d736fdb4ee85ec8-115.html#unique-entry-id-115“How can you help missionaries value growth?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in The Christian Coaching Center’s Missions Coaching. In the article, Michael says, "If you want to help missionaries value getting coaching, you may need to start by helping them value personal and professional growth. Why? Because coaching is about growth, and if missionaries don’t value growth, they won’t seek coaching."]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgConsultingStrategic PlanningACSI2009-08-21T00:31:11-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f2ff29c813dfa0da987360bab76dc32-114.html#unique-entry-id-114http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f2ff29c813dfa0da987360bab76dc32-114.html#unique-entry-id-114Christian Academy in Japan staff met in 7 different groups to focus on best practices regarding student learning, program, culture, staff, finances, and physical plant. Staff reflected on what success and failure looked like for a given best practice and considered how effectively the school was using best practices.

Close the Gap Now helped develop the meeting agenda and provided support for group facilitators.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2009-08-13T18:20:28-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/262080f1e8ecf3497998712354ff643b-112.html#unique-entry-id-112http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/262080f1e8ecf3497998712354ff643b-112.html#unique-entry-id-112Eleven new tutorials have been posted:

1. How can you improve your planning?
2. To learn more about achieving your mission, explore these 4 questions
3. To learn more about developing student objectives, explore these 7 questions
4. To learn more about enhancing professional development, explore these 6 questions
5. How can you learn to nurture your students’ faith even more?
6. To learn more about targeting Biblical perspective, explore these 12 questions
7. To learn more about using assessment, explore these 12 questions
8. To learn more about using questions, explore these 11 questions
9. To learn more about meeting your students’ learning needs, explore these 12 questions
10. Explore the Biblical perspective teacher training standards
11. How can you pursue a growing relationship with God?

To see additional tutorials, click here.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching Resources2009-07-27T03:22:51-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e359000c930e357290101fd2ae528d99-111.html#unique-entry-id-111http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e359000c930e357290101fd2ae528d99-111.html#unique-entry-id-111“How can you help missionaries value getting asked questions?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in The Christian Coaching Center’s Missions Coaching. In the article, Michael says, “Missionaries have more experience with giving advice than with asking questions. And missionaries value getting advice than more than getting asked questions—which is one reason they don’t pursue getting coaching.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesJEMA2009-07-18T06:02:15-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/23e6ffa9f326d27748e543b0896707e1-110.html#unique-entry-id-110http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/23e6ffa9f326d27748e543b0896707e1-110.html#unique-entry-id-110“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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgConsultingJEMA2009-07-08T23:04:06-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/91407625f3b35301003832804ee784ce-109.html#unique-entry-id-109http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/91407625f3b35301003832804ee784ce-109.html#unique-entry-id-109Members 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:

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

Close the Gap Now worked with the network coordinator to develop the meeting agenda.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Resources2009-07-07T18:26:53-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b5bca23417cc91be576d998662a3fcf5-108.html#unique-entry-id-108http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b5bca23417cc91be576d998662a3fcf5-108.html#unique-entry-id-108“Give your students a Biblical perspective assessment that SCOREs,” a free tutorial, has been posted. This tutorial involves you designing an assessment that:

• Is Student-friendly
• Requires students to Connect content/skills, Biblical principle(s), and life.
• Gives Opportunities for student choice,
• Is Rigorous.
• Is Even worthy of being taught to.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMA2009-07-07T03:37:57-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a728a1152c5b219b1a6cd7fb882a4438-107.html#unique-entry-id-107http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a728a1152c5b219b1a6cd7fb882a4438-107.html#unique-entry-id-107“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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2009-07-01T19:25:12-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7bfcae1024df1c212f874500ecbc3de1-106.html#unique-entry-id-106http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7bfcae1024df1c212f874500ecbc3de1-106.html#unique-entry-id-106"Assessment Helps Students More Deeply Connect Their Studies, Their Lives, and a Biblical Perspective" by Kim and Michael Essenburg was recently published in ACSI's World Report. In the article, Kim (an English 10 teacher) responds to 5 questions Michael asks about a Biblical perspective assessment:

1. What are excited about?
2. What were your students studying?
3. What was the essay prompt?
4. How did you prepare your students for the essay?
5. What did you learn?

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCoaching ResourcesProductivity Resources2009-06-21T21:54:17-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2b4e48a108df7b904c6e4cd214caa5aa-105.html#unique-entry-id-105http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2b4e48a108df7b904c6e4cd214caa5aa-105.html#unique-entry-id-105Self-assessments help Christian leaders determine next steps. Close the Gap Now had made its self-assessments more accessible by adding a self-assessment category in 8 different blogs:

1. Empower Others
2. Focus on Mission
3. Work Smart
4. Pursue Excellence
5. Target Biblical Perspective
6. Use Questions
7. Use Assessment
8. Meet Student Learning Needs

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingProductivity Training2009-06-18T18:38:05-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0dd0aca66b2f59b346ddf9883a83fb26-104.html#unique-entry-id-104http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0dd0aca66b2f59b346ddf9883a83fb26-104.html#unique-entry-id-104Three new tutorials have been posted:

1. Lead by asking questions: Want to more effectively lead by asking questions? Then take this self-assessment that covers beliefs about leadership, inquiry skills, and how you use questions. After taking the self-assessment, you’ll design action steps.
2. Empower others to strategically pursue God's calling: Your coaching client wants to clarify and strategically pursue God’s calling. That’s great! How can you empower your client to do this? By asking these 10 questions.
3. Energize, focus, and unleash Christian school staff: As an administrator at an international Christian school, you know that staff play a vital role in carrying out the mission. Because your care about your staff, want to be good a steward of the staff God has provided, and want your school to carry out its God-given mission, you ask yourself, “How can we energize, focus, and unleash staff both personally and professionally?” 

To see additional tutorials, click here.
]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgConsultingStrategic PlanningACSI2009-06-12T00:15:58-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2de1cdacc2befe1435a06f25f71efb9c-103.html#unique-entry-id-103http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2de1cdacc2befe1435a06f25f71efb9c-103.html#unique-entry-id-103Christian Academy in Japan staff met in different groups to focus on 6 areas: student learning, program, culture, staff, finances, and physical plant. Groups reflected on a variety of questions including:

• What are key strengths? 
• How do these strengths positively impact student learning?
• What are critical areas for follow-up? 
• How do these critical areas for follow-up negatively impact student learning? 

Close the Gap Now helped develop the meeting agenda and provided training for group facilitators.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching Resources2009-06-04T15:53:38-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2aac6a090d23990502720c4f228a7901-102.html#unique-entry-id-102http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2aac6a090d23990502720c4f228a7901-102.html#unique-entry-id-102“What helps a mission move toward a coaching culture?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in The Christian Coaching Center’s Missions Coaching. In the article, Michael interviews a missionary, asking questions like:

• If your mission members got coaching, what might happen?
• What helps you move your mission toward getting coaching?

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2009-05-30T03:06:44-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1776f9297605b86ae9ac68e631c90828-101.html#unique-entry-id-101http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1776f9297605b86ae9ac68e631c90828-101.html#unique-entry-id-101“Help your students connect what they study and creation-fall-redemption-restoration,” a free tutorial, has been posted. This tutorial involves you in reflecting on questions, including:

• What’s creation-fall-redemption-restoration?
• How are you students connecting the course content and Biblical principles they study and creation-fall-redemption-restoration?
• What excites/concerns you about helping your students better connect the course content and Biblical principles they study to creation-fall-redemption-restoration?
• To help your students better connect the course content and Biblical principles they study to creation-fall-redemption-restoration, what do you need to keep doing? start doing? stop doing?

To see additional tutorials, click here.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCSIChristian Ed Resources2009-05-27T22:21:45-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/71d2cfef40fa3809f7a0f90d6622e165-100.html#unique-entry-id-100http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/71d2cfef40fa3809f7a0f90d6622e165-100.html#unique-entry-id-100Christian Schools International’s new Bible curriculum, Walking with God and His People, includes student learning outcomes collaboratively developed in December 2007 by Dan Beerens (CSI) and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now).

To develop the learning outcomes, Beerens and Essenburg:

• Built on a document formulated by the Eastern Ottawa (MI) Christian schools.
• Reviewed other Christian schooling documents.
• Cross-checked the learning outcomes with the CSI’s head, heart, and hands outcomes.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2009-05-18T17:03:19-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7f425faa86c574635f62ef905c5cf25f-99.html#unique-entry-id-99http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7f425faa86c574635f62ef905c5cf25f-99.html#unique-entry-id-99“What 3 student learning needs will you meet?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. In the article, Michael lists 10 learning needs the reader can address and interviews a high school teacher who is working to meet 3 of her students’ learning needs.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2009-04-30T19:17:00-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e380cd2abedab0965fb7a3220607ac27-98.html#unique-entry-id-98http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e380cd2abedab0965fb7a3220607ac27-98.html#unique-entry-id-98“How Focused Are You on Your God-Given Mission?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. The article provides a 17-item self-assessment that the reader can use to find ways to increase focus on the mission.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesJEMA2009-04-23T02:12:39-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a274920a69b58c39300f6a90b3dcee25-97.html#unique-entry-id-97http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a274920a69b58c39300f6a90b3dcee25-97.html#unique-entry-id-97“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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2009-04-01T23:22:17-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a6c911cfe09c9d39f9608f3e6659ae1-96.html#unique-entry-id-96http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a6c911cfe09c9d39f9608f3e6659ae1-96.html#unique-entry-id-96At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2009-03-16T19:02:23-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1b156a79abb9db4be37d1d0709ad2fdf-95.html#unique-entry-id-95http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1b156a79abb9db4be37d1d0709ad2fdf-95.html#unique-entry-id-95“Student reflections on Biblical perspective” by Kim Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. In the article, Kim shares student responses to a unit test question: “What else did you learn in this unit that you did not have a chance to show on the test?”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2009-03-03T03:01:04-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/df731d24543a6a6fe94d3b4b6d79b7c3-94.html#unique-entry-id-94http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/df731d24543a6a6fe94d3b4b6d79b7c3-94.html#unique-entry-id-94“Develop a Guaranteed, Viable Biblical Perspective Curriculum,” a free tutorial, has been posted. This tutorial involves you in reflecting on 7 key questions, including “Where are you/your school in terms of having a guaranteed, viable Biblical perspective curriculum?”

To see additional tutorials, click here.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2009-02-27T21:17:48-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4fa2cb11c24b21a397d6dd6925e58d73-93.html#unique-entry-id-93http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4fa2cb11c24b21a397d6dd6925e58d73-93.html#unique-entry-id-93“Use the 1-2-3-2-1 Lesson Model,” a free tutorial to help you develop Biblical perspective lesson, has been posted. The tutorial addresses:

• 1 story you will tell about your lesson content.  
• 2 connections between your “lesson story” and God’s creation-fall-redemption-restoration/fulfillment story.
• 3 questions you will ask about your “lesson story” to help students make connections to God’s story.
• 2 objectives for this lesson.
• 1 assessment you will use to find out if your lesson objectives were met.

To see additional tutorials, click here.
]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMAACSI2009-02-27T02:41:17-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a4c43ca7238d113a4ad3111371cae5f3-92.html#unique-entry-id-92http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a4c43ca7238d113a4ad3111371cae5f3-92.html#unique-entry-id-92On 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMAConsulting2009-02-18T05:44:17-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a6f70716fc4acd72ecf823056e53ff68-91.html#unique-entry-id-91http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a6f70716fc4acd72ecf823056e53ff68-91.html#unique-entry-id-91On February 18, the Leadership Team of TEAM Japan invested 4 hours in reflecting on 5 questions:

1. What’s the big picture?
2. What does TEAM emphasize?
3. What’s involved in achieving the vision?
4. How can improvement plans help?
5. Now what?

Close the Gap Now facilitated this reflection time.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesProductivity ResourcesCoaching Resources2009-02-07T03:06:38-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/179413de13ce7489a518c7e7bd9b0389-90.html#unique-entry-id-90http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/179413de13ce7489a518c7e7bd9b0389-90.html#unique-entry-id-90Protocols (sets of questions) help Christian leaders to empower others. Close the Gap Now had made its protocols more accessible by adding a protocol category in 6 different blogs:

• Empower Others
• Work Smart
• Target Biblical Perspective
• Use Questions
• Use Assessment
• Meet Learning Needs

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2009-02-05T15:07:11-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/945795262abe3a6238ca96773fad00fb-89.html#unique-entry-id-89http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/945795262abe3a6238ca96773fad00fb-89.html#unique-entry-id-89“What Energizes You?” by Kim Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Christian School Teacher. The article recommends that teachers ask an open-ended question on tests (“‘What is something significant you learned this unit that you have not yet had an opportunity to show on this test?’”) and that teachers celebrate the answers by sharing them with students and colleagues.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2009-02-03T18:37:30-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f5c90d6fe0b14d02c6bfb216b8f910b7-88.html#unique-entry-id-88http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f5c90d6fe0b14d02c6bfb216b8f910b7-88.html#unique-entry-id-88At today's Biblical perspective training, teachers at Christian Academy in Japan celebrated and reflected. They celebrated that they had met the challenge of helping students connect what they study and what the Bible teaches by:

• Teaching a Biblical perspective lesson.
• Giving a Biblical perspective assessment.

Next, teachers used a set of questions to reflect on the results of their work.

This training was the final part of a 12-hour workshop, “Teach and Assess Biblical Perspective.” The training was facilitated by Close the Gap Now.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2009-01-28T23:37:37-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/bc503429e765536e67540f77a22af1e8-87.html#unique-entry-id-87http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/bc503429e765536e67540f77a22af1e8-87.html#unique-entry-id-87At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-01-22T15:31:06-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/539052a5fd34930b6004312b0b2eeec5-86.html#unique-entry-id-86http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/539052a5fd34930b6004312b0b2eeec5-86.html#unique-entry-id-86A self-assessment by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. The self-assessment is designed to help the reader determine how well students understand and use a Biblical perspective of course content.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2006-12-04T19:25:48-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1a0c1d6cadaba3f2a3f55202eaa8b705-85.html#unique-entry-id-85http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1a0c1d6cadaba3f2a3f55202eaa8b705-85.html#unique-entry-id-85“Why use essential questions?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. The article states that using essential questions in doable strategy that helps students apply a Biblical perspective.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-03-18T20:22:09-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/65a73e0f802593995edb296d5aa56e7d-84.html#unique-entry-id-84http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/65a73e0f802593995edb296d5aa56e7d-84.html#unique-entry-id-84“What happens at a Christ-centered school?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. In the article Michael says, “At a Christ-centered school, students learn different content for a different purpose from different people in a different environment.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-05-07T19:18:36-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/bd39621954f9b12aba653aa50b2e2cf5-83.html#unique-entry-id-83http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/bd39621954f9b12aba653aa50b2e2cf5-83.html#unique-entry-id-83“What questions should you ask your students?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. The article encourages the reader to ask students 4 questions: What do you mean by ___? How do you know? How does the Bible help? How can you respond?]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-09-22T21:15:22-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fb661dab6f80570d4aa4e19ffc1f9c49-82.html#unique-entry-id-82http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fb661dab6f80570d4aa4e19ffc1f9c49-82.html#unique-entry-id-82“Measuring student application of a Biblical perspective” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. In the article, Michael describes how measuring student application of a Biblical perspective positively impacts students, parents, staff, alumni, and the board.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-12-03T21:12:09-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6d671bcd151915ea8b9f948f84797ab7-81.html#unique-entry-id-81http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6d671bcd151915ea8b9f948f84797ab7-81.html#unique-entry-id-81“Got a story to share?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. The article encourages the reader to celebrate God’s blessings by sharing a story.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-04-14T19:06:52-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2f2d2b7c372b566d2516c5f8493269eb-80.html#unique-entry-id-80http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2f2d2b7c372b566d2516c5f8493269eb-80.html#unique-entry-id-80“Is it important for your students to apply a Biblical perspective to course content?” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. The article asks the reader 6 questions about students applying a Biblical perspective.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2009-01-17T00:46:39-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0bbbfaf750b13fc08d2cc89930586253-79.html#unique-entry-id-79http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0bbbfaf750b13fc08d2cc89930586253-79.html#unique-entry-id-79"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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2009-01-16T19:35:59-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fe414b32fa3ab2adac39d707103c93b4-78.html#unique-entry-id-78http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fe414b32fa3ab2adac39d707103c93b4-78.html#unique-entry-id-78“Show your students what using Biblical perspective looks like” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Nurturing Faith. In the article, Michael interviews an English teacher who describes 2 strategies she uses to show her students what using a Biblical perspective looks like:

• Having students read and discuss an article that evaluates the subject from a Biblical perspective.
• Showing students sample essays in which students apply a Biblical perspective.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2009-01-11T21:46:36-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b6f28d5ae81711a4998168065cfe0486-77.html#unique-entry-id-77http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b6f28d5ae81711a4998168065cfe0486-77.html#unique-entry-id-77During its meeting today, the International Program Team of CRWM explored coaching. The team focused on 5 key questions:

1. What is coaching?
2. What could you work on with a coach?
3. How could a coaching culture help?
4. Are you ready for coaching?
5. How can you apply your learning?

Close the Gap Now facilitated the exploration, using a teleclass format.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2009-01-07T19:15:06-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e67682719c8df39ba5a9db7d5ef2799e-76.html#unique-entry-id-76http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e67682719c8df39ba5a9db7d5ef2799e-76.html#unique-entry-id-76“Leadership Tips” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. Christian school leaders want to provide effective leadership, and this article outlines 7 tips and 7 action steps for effective leadership.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2008-12-29T02:29:41-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1209a5694ea85f76ac6f8fde2e1f4f20-75.html#unique-entry-id-75http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1209a5694ea85f76ac6f8fde2e1f4f20-75.html#unique-entry-id-75“Explore Getting Coaching,” a free tutorial for those interested in getting coaching, has been posted. The tutorial focuses on 4 questions:

1. What is coaching?
2. In coaching, who does what?
3. What could you work on with a coach?
4. Are you ready for coaching?

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgConsultingStrategic PlanningACSI2008-12-05T03:46:25-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5b9aaf2b5ebe17b1b0a116a8a37d14c8-74.html#unique-entry-id-74http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5b9aaf2b5ebe17b1b0a116a8a37d14c8-74.html#unique-entry-id-74Eighteen members of Christian Academy in Japan’s school community gathered on December 5 to review the school’s improvement report. Participants included parents, students, staff, and administrators. After celebrating God’s blessings in terms of student learning, community, facilities, and program, participants worked in small groups to review sections of the school improvement report.

Close the Gap Now facilitated the meeting.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-11-24T19:52:32-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f4cf091daedfd38cc0b01fd17d2c1e82-73.html#unique-entry-id-73http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f4cf091daedfd38cc0b01fd17d2c1e82-73.html#unique-entry-id-73“10 Ways to Increase Biblical Perspective” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Christian School Teacher. The article provides practical tips, including teaching vocabulary, asking open-ended questions, and using engaging instructional strategies.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2008-11-23T20:08:59-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/203888827cc12c865fa403b04954d686-72.html#unique-entry-id-72http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/203888827cc12c865fa403b04954d686-72.html#unique-entry-id-72At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2008-11-27T18:24:23-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e64d5b4352f949fd67623f379322770d-71.html#unique-entry-id-71http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e64d5b4352f949fd67623f379322770d-71.html#unique-entry-id-71Nov. 27-29, over 800 Christian educators attended the ACSI International Christian Educator Conference in Hong Kong. Conference plenary speakers included Gary Chapman,  Bruce Lockerbie, Bridget Mary Aitchison, David Sun, and Phil Callaway.

Conference participants attended over 150 workshops, including 2 Close the Gap Now workshops:

• Ask Good Questions
• Assessment Helps Your Students Learn

The conference was held at International Christian School.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2008-11-17T22:55:01-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d835f126dee1025a2b42c7818aa148c1-70.html#unique-entry-id-70http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d835f126dee1025a2b42c7818aa148c1-70.html#unique-entry-id-70At its meeting today, Christian Academy in Japan's board reflected on policy governance ends statements. For 90 minutes the board:

• Considered questions like "What's the significance of CAJ's primary end?"
• Connected ends and executive limitations.
• Explored which ends statements a given staff member focuses on.

Close the Gap Now facilitated the reflection.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2008-11-11T18:03:03-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6535b94732ef2d99329759fe2cdd17c4-69.html#unique-entry-id-69http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6535b94732ef2d99329759fe2cdd17c4-69.html#unique-entry-id-69"Steward the Mission God Has Given You" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. The article reminds the reader that while Christian education is about responding to crisis and the parable of the Good Samaritan, Christian education is more about stewarding the mission and the parable of the talents.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-11-13T01:05:11-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/68e242f8511d1ea2ed1a7ecc94e6d502-68.html#unique-entry-id-68http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/68e242f8511d1ea2ed1a7ecc94e6d502-68.html#unique-entry-id-68At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2008-11-03T02:44:36-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a2a6aba499488c75d88f9a714208c25-67.html#unique-entry-id-67http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a2a6aba499488c75d88f9a714208c25-67.html#unique-entry-id-67At today's Biblical perspective workshop, teachers at Christian Academy in Japan discussed key questions, including:

• How does assessment help students learn?
• What makes a good assessment good?
• What makes a good Biblical perspective lesson good?

Teachers then developed Biblical perspective assessments and lessons.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2008-10-29T22:29:57-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5eebbbce4d5e570d253ed97a9f4134e6-66.html#unique-entry-id-66http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5eebbbce4d5e570d253ed97a9f4134e6-66.html#unique-entry-id-66"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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMA2008-10-30T20:10:08-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8a8134c6be8c7521a57bfce4dfd99c85-65.html#unique-entry-id-65http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8a8134c6be8c7521a57bfce4dfd99c85-65.html#unique-entry-id-65SEND 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2008-10-10T21:35:32-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6dd0358a02ded95b1c8d68a4e857a510-64.html#unique-entry-id-64http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6dd0358a02ded95b1c8d68a4e857a510-64.html#unique-entry-id-64"Help Your Students Make Connections Between What They Study and What the Bible Teaches" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in ACSI's World Report. The article describes a process teachers can use to identify the relevant Biblical principles they want students to connect to course content and skills.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingACSI2008-10-07T19:01:51-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e9330f2eb63e43e9f1afa0f84869fb7-63.html#unique-entry-id-63http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e9330f2eb63e43e9f1afa0f84869fb7-63.html#unique-entry-id-63Seniors at Christian Academy in Japan practiced their coaching skills during a 90-minute coach training. After watching demonstration of a coaching conversation, seniors reflected on what coaching is/isn't, considered the power of asking questions, changed closed questions into open-ended questions, and gave and received coaching.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2007-03-29T19:46:58-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02c0a7a3215c96de5ab0940cd1922c3a-62.html#unique-entry-id-62http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02c0a7a3215c96de5ab0940cd1922c3a-62.html#unique-entry-id-62“Measure Mission Achievement” by Michael Essenburg was published in ACSI's World Report.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2007-05-29T19:44:21-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/21ec4295333e05c35900a3614097acf2-61.html#unique-entry-id-61http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/21ec4295333e05c35900a3614097acf2-61.html#unique-entry-id-61“Use Assessment to Increase Student Use of a Biblical Perspective of Course Content"  by Michael Essenburg was published in ACSI's World Report.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesJEMA2007-03-29T19:42:19-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f146cd04b2d2071e05215a74d735e19-60.html#unique-entry-id-60http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f146cd04b2d2071e05215a74d735e19-60.html#unique-entry-id-60“Want to Increase Your Productivity? Stop Working!” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2007-05-29T19:40:58-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ef214a9c5bbcca1b2a5e0e90722f5a0d-59.html#unique-entry-id-59http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ef214a9c5bbcca1b2a5e0e90722f5a0d-59.html#unique-entry-id-59“Using Reflection to Leverage Results” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMA2007-08-29T19:40:09-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a74f49c220a1144a01538cb9fb673a20-58.html#unique-entry-id-58http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a74f49c220a1144a01538cb9fb673a20-58.html#unique-entry-id-58“To Achieve Your Goals, Get a Coach” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2007-11-29T18:38:49-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ceac1abfccf497b98b50adb44597b02a-57.html#unique-entry-id-57http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ceac1abfccf497b98b50adb44597b02a-57.html#unique-entry-id-57“It’s Self-Management, not Time Management” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMA2008-03-27T20:37:39-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/60049cc5e4462687d69e0213ed6b89a9-56.html#unique-entry-id-56http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/60049cc5e4462687d69e0213ed6b89a9-56.html#unique-entry-id-56“To Encourage and Empower Others, Listen” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2008-05-27T19:32:56-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0ef7d0a840b382bc2840e595048f37e1-54.html#unique-entry-id-54http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0ef7d0a840b382bc2840e595048f37e1-54.html#unique-entry-id-54“To Provoke Reflection, Ask Open-Ended Questions” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-05-29T22:30:28-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f673c1632b4c4e0e13c844e0bc276a7-53.html#unique-entry-id-53http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f673c1632b4c4e0e13c844e0bc276a7-53.html#unique-entry-id-53 “Ask Questions” by Michael Essenburg was published in published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-11-29T18:29:14-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02588900e1eca1406218ed06e4d597e9-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02588900e1eca1406218ed06e4d597e9-52.html#unique-entry-id-52 “10 Questions to Ask Students” by Michael Essenburg was published in published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-03-27T19:27:54-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9df0a3688be3c7100bce0fe839c05b92-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9df0a3688be3c7100bce0fe839c05b92-51.html#unique-entry-id-51“What Question Do You Want to Ask Your Students?" by Michael Essenburg was published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-05-29T19:25:33-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7bfc2a4a2990c3faadf0653e1f42caec-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7bfc2a4a2990c3faadf0653e1f42caec-50.html#unique-entry-id-50“When You Ask a Question, What Do You Want Your Students to Learn?” by Michael Essenburg was published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMAProductivity Resources2008-08-14T21:25:01-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99b3942e5648b7c5cd8dcd63d7ebfaf7-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99b3942e5648b7c5cd8dcd63d7ebfaf7-49.html#unique-entry-id-49"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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2008-09-04T21:14:11-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0153af9b18e174a5b304196ad5db5607-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0153af9b18e174a5b304196ad5db5607-48.html#unique-entry-id-48"Focus on Your Mission" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. The article addresses the following question: To increasingly focus on your mission, what do you need to keep doing, start doing, and stop doing?]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-10-03T21:05:49-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8fedc86d94b0404a75a100b7f9226a0c-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8fedc86d94b0404a75a100b7f9226a0c-47.html#unique-entry-id-47"Use Assessment" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.

Writes editor Dan Beerens, "Michael Essenburg suggests that good assessment methods help students to improve their ability to apply a Biblical perspective."]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2008-09-19T03:29:44-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/92c4474711f69c9dc6cae4e5179acde7-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/92c4474711f69c9dc6cae4e5179acde7-46.html#unique-entry-id-46Today, 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2008-09-18T02:26:48-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ad5d8ce880dd45938d81f7afbd69dceb-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ad5d8ce880dd45938d81f7afbd69dceb-45.html#unique-entry-id-45At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2008-09-15T04:33:51-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/990a26eebebdf06f952a96a5c776d1d8-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/990a26eebebdf06f952a96a5c776d1d8-44.html#unique-entry-id-44During two 90-minute workshops held today at Christian Academy in Japan, teachers identified Biblical principles and Biblical perspective questions. Teachers will use these principles and questions to design Biblical perspective lessons and assessments. Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now led the training.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2008-09-01T17:49:56-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ec442c5bcf97e2ca1678cdd808594d8b-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ec442c5bcf97e2ca1678cdd808594d8b-43.html#unique-entry-id-43At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2008-08-17T18:16:21-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a295fe45d109ef77d00e494741052996-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a295fe45d109ef77d00e494741052996-41.html#unique-entry-id-41On August 18, 39 faculty members from Christian Academy in Japan and Kyoto International University Academy continued their efforts to connect Christian education philosophy, course content, and their students by participating in a Close the Gap Now workshop.

Michael Essenburg, workshop presenter, focused the participants on the following questions:

• What kind of people do you want your students to be?
• What do you want your students to understand?
• What Biblical principles do you want your students grounded in?
• What’s your vision?
• What’s the target? Is it worth it?

Said one participant, "When I saw the workshop questions ahead of time, I wondered how I would think through all of them. But as we went through the day, I found myself answering each question freely and authentically from my heart. I'm to excited start the year—because I have a vision of who I want my students to become in Christ."]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2008-08-24T19:13:01-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7ab71e000b9ec6e71163fe2d7e9eb897-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7ab71e000b9ec6e71163fe2d7e9eb897-40.html#unique-entry-id-40August 22-24, the EurAsia Team of Christian Reformed World Missions worked together for 3 days in Manila on strategic planning, accountability and reporting, new ministry options, and team building.

Close the Gap Now provided team building activities based on the following:

• Connect, Don't Silo: Connect with others. Pursue God's calling—together.
• Reflact, Don't Act: Reflect, then act. Practice reflaction.
• Ask, Don't Tell: To provoke others to reflect, ask questions.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-06-03T05:00:29-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fba8d7f68f413eb170e4863a9f8404ad-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fba8d7f68f413eb170e4863a9f8404ad-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Cell 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2008-05-29T23:48:38-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f3c737330c4885c22f840d1508e2599f-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f3c737330c4885c22f840d1508e2599f-38.html#unique-entry-id-38At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2008-05-22T16:36:43-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/62a8d314ee886e546b41503d7b24b7eb-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/62a8d314ee886e546b41503d7b24b7eb-37.html#unique-entry-id-37On 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.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2008-05-20T03:40:35-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8799923b4ce65d0d2310b5a1b3801ecc-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8799923b4ce65d0d2310b5a1b3801ecc-36.html#unique-entry-id-36May 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.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2008-04-29T16:35:52-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5ddf86625fab786519785cf6ef6e58d5-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5ddf86625fab786519785cf6ef6e58d5-35.html#unique-entry-id-35During April and May 2008, teachers at Christian Academy in Japan are focusing on how Christian education involves worldview education. Each week, the teachers read a section from Marck Eckel’s The Whole Truth and then discuss it on Tuesday afternoons. The discussions are facilitated by Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now.

During their discussions, teachers respond to the following:

1. Regarding providing worldview education, what helps/hinders you?
   
2. What helps your students understand that everyone has a worldview?
   
3. What key questions do you want your students to consider? Why?
   
4. A person’s worldview is connected to how s/he answers 1 or more of your key questions. How can you help your students understand this?
   
5. How does your Christian worldview affect your educational practice?
   
6. How can you increasingly target students understanding and then applying a Biblical perspective to course content and skills?

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2008-02-25T02:04:37-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9cc84b02759bf46298c49218da20f188-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9cc84b02759bf46298c49218da20f188-34.html#unique-entry-id-34Today at Seisho Kirisuto Kyokai Tokyo Kyoukai, 13 participants completed day 1 of the 5-day Core Coaching Skills Certificate Program (CCSCP). Led by Keith Webb and Takeshi Takazawa, participants watched a coaching demonstration, reviewed and practiced listening skills, and learned the COACH model.

Roger Hederstedt, Sean Collier, and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now) served as table coaches.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgJEMACommunities of Practice2008-02-06T05:46:25-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/de952a6a95e085696d843b320405b58e-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/de952a6a95e085696d843b320405b58e-33.html#unique-entry-id-33The 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. ]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-02-17T16:50:41-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/317d7f40e9a321be07a88ab5d9b7798c-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/317d7f40e9a321be07a88ab5d9b7798c-32.html#unique-entry-id-32December 17-18, Dan Beerens (Christian Schools International, CSI) and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now) collaborated to develop a draft of K-12 standards for CSI’s Bible curriculum. To develop the draft, Beerens and Essenburg:

• Built on a document formulated by the Eastern Ottawa (MI) Christian schools.
  
• Reviewed other Christian schooling documents.
  
• Cross-checked the draft of the standards with the head, heart, and hands outcomes that CSI is using for its Bible revision project.

Currently, CSI’s Curriculum Advisory Council and Christian Academy in Japan's K-12 Bible teachers are giving feedback on the draft of the standards.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Resources2008-02-04T22:17:09-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d98497dcc9a62078c69a56e3de3be37f-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d98497dcc9a62078c69a56e3de3be37f-31.html#unique-entry-id-31Close the Gap Now, in collaboration with staff of Christian Academy in Japan, has developed a tool that teachers can use to reflect how they are helping students understanding and apply a Biblical perspective. The tool focuses on a unit plan and includes key questions:

• What are you excited about?
  
• How did you prepare your students for the assessment?
  
• What modifications will you make to your unit?

To see teacher reflections, please download:

• English 10, Kim Essenburg
  
• Social Studies 6, Anda Foxwell

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Resources2008-01-21T18:30:14-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d7f7f90769f906dea86de5379effc4c5-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d7f7f90769f906dea86de5379effc4c5-30.html#unique-entry-id-30Close the Gap Now and Transforming Teachers announce the completion of Biblical perspective teacher training standards. These standards target helping teachers help their K-12 students understand and then apply a Biblical perspective to what they study. Contributors to the standards include Christian educators living in Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, the US, and South Africa.

Says Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now, "At Christian schools, we train teachers to help their students apply a Biblical perspective to course content. These standards, which will serve as the basis of a teacher training program, will help us provide teachers with challenging, coherent, relevant training."

Download: Biblical Perspective Teacher Training Standards]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2008-01-31T07:30:39-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/3b689855916aa68fa510292534c1fd32-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/3b689855916aa68fa510292534c1fd32-29.html#unique-entry-id-29On 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMA2008-02-01T01:30:29-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a179ef827538a6b63cd1edd47436fb39-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a179ef827538a6b63cd1edd47436fb39-28.html#unique-entry-id-28In 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.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2008-01-23T23:54:33-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fbd7dd0a5dceb02a4f99232de9627556-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fbd7dd0a5dceb02a4f99232de9627556-27.html#unique-entry-id-27At 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.
]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2008-01-03T23:18:57-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7123972b88d5656f6d4cc410402d291a-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7123972b88d5656f6d4cc410402d291a-26.html#unique-entry-id-26As 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-12-13T08:11:41-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8affe2b9e4412afbdb8513438d538540-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8affe2b9e4412afbdb8513438d538540-25.html#unique-entry-id-25During 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)

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2007-12-05T21:08:40-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/94af5186c4b534f9c41cbfab76469d18-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/94af5186c4b534f9c41cbfab76469d18-24.html#unique-entry-id-24During 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)

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMAConsulting2007-11-29T20:54:59-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ea0f3a3b34c756bfd2e213126daafd1f-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ea0f3a3b34c756bfd2e213126daafd1f-23.html#unique-entry-id-23At 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-11-09T05:45:07-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99c5f657db0a628d63aa991dae0c67af-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99c5f657db0a628d63aa991dae0c67af-22.html#unique-entry-id-22During 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.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingACSI2007-11-04T22:33:00-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/065ad06ddbcaef24e74b6927a576ee20-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/065ad06ddbcaef24e74b6927a576ee20-21.html#unique-entry-id-21Sixteen staff from the Christian Academy in Japan participated in GROWLIFE coach training. Participants identified their goals, transformed closed questions into open-ended questions, watched and discussed coaching demonstrations, and gave and received coaching.

Said one participant, "GROWLIFE has helped me see the importance of setting goals in all of my life in order to make progress."]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-10-20T06:00:20-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4706b620c29f45d83ac1a54bc482ed1d-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4706b620c29f45d83ac1a54bc482ed1d-20.html#unique-entry-id-20Oct. 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.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMA2007-10-20T05:49:47-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fefcce43c3a24d9976aacdbbeafa30d8-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fefcce43c3a24d9976aacdbbeafa30d8-19.html#unique-entry-id-19Asian 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.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-09-24T04:55:37-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8f74b7f046f11b11bc09abbbb09ce044-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8f74b7f046f11b11bc09abbbb09ce044-18.html#unique-entry-id-18Participants 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.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2007-09-22T01:59:24-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4497809a25bc14a60d1da8a8f42d0691-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4497809a25bc14a60d1da8a8f42d0691-17.html#unique-entry-id-17September 20-22, the EurAsia Team of Christian Reformed World Missions worked together for 3 days in Manila on 5 goals: building relations, clarifying goals, brainstorming new ideas, developing a better understanding of the big picture, and networking.

Close the Gap Now provided training around foundational concepts, including:

• To accomplish your God-given mission, start by defining its achievement.
  
• Measure your current level of mission achievement.
  
• Take action to achieve your mission.
  
• The body of Christ works together.

Said a EurAsia Team member, “It was great meeting folks from other countries, many who are doing similar work to mine. Discussions centered on the global mission of the CRCNA and were fruitful.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-09-16T18:25:56-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/cfec024a4b1ff70c73cdf9641a3228e7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/cfec024a4b1ff70c73cdf9641a3228e7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16"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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2007-08-08T02:57:08-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c89a08e6f0b8cf5ef1911564321bbd38-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c89a08e6f0b8cf5ef1911564321bbd38-15.html#unique-entry-id-15On August 7, the teachers of International Christian School (Hong Kong) continued their efforts to help their students understand and apply a Biblical perspective by focusing on the 4 Biblical perspective fundamentals:

1. Targeting Biblical perspective
   
2. Asking Biblical perspective questions
   
3. Assessing understanding and application of a Biblical perspective
   
4. Meeting student learning needs

During this Close the Gap Now workshop, participants:

• Considered questions: What’s exciting about helping students apply a Biblical perspective? Why does God ask questions? How does assessment affect student learning?
  
• Identified Biblical perspective questions they will ask students.
  
• Developed assessments using the 4 characteristics of an effective Biblical perspective assessment.
  
• Developed a plan to meet 1 student learning need regarding understanding and using a Biblical perspective.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingCSI2007-08-01T00:17:45-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2cb258d65bf73c49578c28c7387db299-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2cb258d65bf73c49578c28c7387db299-14.html#unique-entry-id-14July 24-28, Christian educators attended CSI’s Annual Leadership Convention In Harbor Springs, MI, USA. Conference keynote speakers included Cornelius Plantinga, Lauren F. Winner, and Walt Mueller.

Conference participants attended a variety of sessions, including a workshop by Close the Gap Now entitled, “Close the Gap: Action Steps to More Closely Match Schoolwide Goals and Results.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-06-14T23:54:42-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b53ee23babb3beb5626cde7a0aedff90-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b53ee23babb3beb5626cde7a0aedff90-13.html#unique-entry-id-13June 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."

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-05-11T20:06:13-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e66134c80ce71204f858de186b8dda2-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e66134c80ce71204f858de186b8dda2-12.html#unique-entry-id-12 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. ]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-03-07T22:30:06-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9a769927f1c11c0e441553fc30ddd5c2-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9a769927f1c11c0e441553fc30ddd5c2-9.html#unique-entry-id-9On 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.”]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic PlanningACSI2007-02-14T20:29:36-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c9bbba6a163cd5b0e2a33079dd55667e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c9bbba6a163cd5b0e2a33079dd55667e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8Feb. 13, the board of Christian Academy in Japan participated in a 90-minute training by Close the Gap Now entitled, “To Achieve Your Mission, Start by Defining It.”

During the training, the board considered questions like:

• If you don’t define the mission, how effectively can you and the headmaster work?
  
• You’re the headmaster—what do you need to know?
  
• How can a definition of mission achievement empower a headmaster?
  
• How can you define your mission effectively?

As a result of the training, board members were able to:

• Recite the mission.
  
• Understand and recite the MOSAIC school improvement process (Mission, Objectives, Standards-based Assessment, Improvement plans, Collaboration for results).
  
• Use the MOSAIC scorecard to explain the big picture.

In an e-mail to Close the Gap Now, one board member wrote, “THANK YOU again for using your coaching skills yesterday with the board. There were a lot of individual comments made to me about how helpful and insightful the presentation was.”

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2007-02-11T20:28:42-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/705fd9208a08063ea96e7ed25fa44bc6-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/705fd9208a08063ea96e7ed25fa44bc6-7.html#unique-entry-id-7On Feb. 8, 25 Mountainview International staff completed a Close the Gap Now workshop, focusing on increasing student understanding and application of a Biblical perspective by using questions, using assessment, and meeting student needs.

During the workshops, participants considered questions:

• Why does God ask questions?
  
• What makes a good question good?
  
• How can you use your Biblical perspective questions effectively?
  
• How can assessment increase your students’ understanding and application of a Biblical perspective?
  
• How can you meet your students’ learning needs?
  
• How will you use what you have learned?

As a result of the workshop, participants commented:

• “I need to change the focus of my teaching from simply facts-based to more critical thinking and Biblical perspective teaching.”
  
• “I realize I need to understand how God sees my subject and approach it from that view.”
  
• “An insight I had is that Biblical integration can be both relevant and intentional.”

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-01-17T22:28:18-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4c1ac29ba21247c38e75c3c014ab372e-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4c1ac29ba21247c38e75c3c014ab372e-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Today, 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.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-01-11T21:27:52-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4f62f9d002120600827c827e482ba327-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4f62f9d002120600827c827e482ba327-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Today, 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.]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2007-01-10T19:26:20-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f709ccba85e9733ea714b00d0657e2f2-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f709ccba85e9733ea714b00d0657e2f2-4.html#unique-entry-id-4Jan. 3-5, Christian educators attended the ACSI International Christian Educator Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Conference keynote speakers included Joseph Kim, Dave Wilcox, and Donald Lichi.

Conference participants attended a variety of workshops, including 4 Close the Gap Now workshops:

• What Do You Want Your Students to Understand, Be Able to Do, and Value?
  
• How Well Are Your Students Achieving Your Student Learning Outcomes?
  
• Use Assessment to Measure and Increase Student Understanding and Application of a Biblical Perspective
  
• Meet Student Learning Needs to Increase Student Application of a Biblical Perspective

The conference closed with a banquet held at Pan American Christian Academy.

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic PlanningACSI2006-12-14T19:25:33-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6fefaaceee5db2e9ffe1f37d21da9451-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6fefaaceee5db2e9ffe1f37d21da9451-3.html#unique-entry-id-3Dec. 12, the board of Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) explored the importance of a scorecard. During the 90-minute training by Close the Gap Now, the board considered several questions, including:

• How can a scorecard help CAJ to close the gap?
  
• To what extent are CAJ students achieving the student objectives?
  
• Is CAJ doing everything possible to support all students increasing achievement of the student objectives?

As a result of the training, board members were able to:

• Recite the mission.
  
• Understand and recite the MOSAIC school improvement process (Mission, Objectives, Standards-based Assessment, Improvement plans, Collaboration for results).
  
• Use the MOSAIC scorecard to explain the big picture.

Said one board member to Close the Gap Now, “Thank you for your time with us this past Tuesday. The way that you laid out the presentation was very clear.”
]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2006-11-15T19:25:06-05:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b02937f53e2e624731845e9e1a73dbb4-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b02937f53e2e624731845e9e1a73dbb4-2.html#unique-entry-id-2Nov. 8-10, Christian educators attended ACSI’s International Christian Educator Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Speakers included Bruce Hekman, Isabel Searson, Harlan Lyso, Tom Penland, Dave Wilcox, and Michael Essenburg (of Close the Gap Now).

Following workshops on community and school improvement, conference participants attended 2 Close the Gap Now workshops that focused on biblical perspective:

• Use Assessment to Measure and Increase Student Understanding and Application of a Biblical Perspective
  
• Meet Student Learning Needs to Increase Student Application of a Biblical Perspective

The conference closed with a visit to the International Community School of Bangkok.



]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2006-09-20T22:24:36-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fed142a62a21b964a812790df55c6f25-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fed142a62a21b964a812790df55c6f25-1.html#unique-entry-id-1August 23-24 and Sept. 18, Christian Academy in Japan learned the 6 characteristics of a good Biblical perspective question. They then used their learning to develop 1 or more questions they could ask their students. Finally, Close the Gap Now challenged the teachers to find ways to get tier students to respond to their question(s).

]]>learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2006-08-24T19:23:18-04:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ee9574f5baccdd88aeb95882620d4ed0-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ee9574f5baccdd88aeb95882620d4ed0-0.html#unique-entry-id-0On August 22, staff of Christian Achievement Academy (Yokosuka, Japan) focused on using questions to help students increase their understanding and application of a Biblical perspective.

During the workshop, participants:

• Considered questions: What happens at a Christ-centered school? Why use questions? What makes a good question good? How can you use questions?
  
• Identified biblical perspective questions they will ask students.
  
• Identified answers to their biblical perspective questions.
  
• Committed to action plans. ]]>