This team is beginning with two missions. First, the formulation and development of sound conflict resolution paradigm is needed for leaders and churches. This will include input from trained mediators. Secondly, the team will address how to assist our churches in the training of more men who desire eldership.

While only the chairmen of all the other teams were appointed in October, the Delegates selected all of the members of this Service Team. They already met with an ad-hoc group of evangelists from large churches in San Antonio in November. Their two main quests, in conjunction with providing material for the Co-op website is to write articles to describe or define a healthy church from a biblical perspective in our current world, and, present analysis material of examples of healthy churches using biblical criteria. These articles will begin to appear with the release of the new website February 1, Lord willing. 

The first phase is to develop more ministry education among our churches. Six of the eight members of our team will focus on comparing notes from our main education efforts around the churches. We hope to eventually develop a plan that will benefit a larger audience as well as examine the benefits of onsite teaching: both seminar and extended, online and other combinations.

We recognize we need more experience. For instance, Gordon Ferguson is moving further along helping to develop the Asia / Pacific Leadership Academy (See the DToday article, Fergusons' New Adventure Begins in 2008 ). Douglas Jacoby, though declining to be on the team because of the pressure he is experiencing from his publishers—has agreed to serve as an advisor. He developed the AIM program used by many Christians. In Chicago we are launching a five year effort in February in a unique format designed to focus on competency on a broad range of topics. In Mexico City Arturo Elizarraras developed a Latin America Diploma program in use for the last five years and is using online teaching for multiple sites with multiple teachers from around the world.

A second phase for this service group is the development of teaching material for Christians. Fred Faller in Boston, Tom Jones and others from the team will focus on this effort. It is clear that both feeding the flock and the teaching of Christians to be self-feeders is vital. (Ephesians 4) 

This year we are encouraging Youth Leader meetings to be held regionally on every continent where possible. The development of a resource website for youth workers is in the works as well as a discussion over the feasibility of a website for teens to connect worldwide (like facebook). Details for the 2009 International Conference of Youth Ministry in Chicago are forthcoming.