On October 11, 2021, leaving Washington, DC at 5:30 am, Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. boards a plane for Sacramento, CA to attend 2021 Peer Mentoring. “I am excited to meet with African American pastors and leaders from around the country to discuss the challenges of ministry, how we are leading during the pandemic, and how we will aid the universal church in dealing with biblical justice in the times in which we live,” shares Bobo. Little did Bobo know that he would experience that... and so much more... Peer Mentoring as described by the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC), African American Ministers Association (AAMA), “...has been valued by many because it is a space where African American clergy and leaders can be human without worrying about the dynamics of shepherd and sheep. African American pastors, ministers, and leaders in Covenant congregations and institutions - along with their spouses - are welcome to attend.” This year, it was hosted by Pastor Efrem Smith and Midtown Church in Sacramento, California. Along with encouraging devotionals and connecting social time, topics discussed, and special guests were: "Weight of Racial Tension;" "Acknowledging Bias/Building Bridges"-Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn; “Leading in a Post Pandemic World;" "Self-Care;" "Casting Vision in Digital World/Building a Virtual Community." There were visiting pastors and leaders from the Sacramento area. Truly a time of fellowship, refreshing, and fun. “You have those moments in life that you know you will never forget,” Bobo reflects, “...and this is one of them for me. I did not just meet friends, I met brothers, sisters, mentors, colleagues that will be lifelong relationships.” Bobo was invited by the host, Pastor Efrem Smith and Dr. Robert Owens (retired ECC Superintendent and CEO of Rivers of Life, Atlanta, GA). “It was a blessed time, and I am grateful for Drs. Smith and Owens' invitation,” Bobo proudly exclaims. The host and ADR Roundtable lead opened the dialog, “A few months ago when we started to plan today’s discussion, we didn’t know that we would be doing so not only on June 19, 2021, but on Juneteenth – and the first time for this day to be recognized as a national holiday. For those who do not know, Juneteenth commemorates that day, June 19, 1865 that the last slaves were freed in Texas.” The ADR Roundtable invited Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (The Joseph Factor Group-Senior Associate) and his co-author of “Commissioned To Love”, Pastor John P. Perkins (Common Ground Church- Lead Pastor) as panelist for a discussion focused on mediation – specifically, mediation through the lens of social justice. Anthony and John leaned on their collective years of experience in community organizing, public service, community development, and relationships to address the questions. There was a participant from the west coast, she shared, “I'm in Orange County, California. A small group of us are trying to find a way to strengthen ethnic minorities. However, Orange County is very conservative. So, I'm looking for ideas.” Anthony answered with some basic sound mediation advice, “At its core, bringing people together to work on issues of social justice is mediation/collaboration 101… moving people from position to interest. When we seek the interest of the community, we can move forward and make a collective change.” The host asked, “What qualities will the next generation of leaders need in order to carry forward a spirit of conflict resolution to resolve social justice issues?” John reflected on the response given by Anthony and added, “Yes, we have to listen to those in the community. We call it listening and addressing the “heart-felt need”.” The discussion acknowledged the challenges of addressing issues of social justice while encouraging practitioners to keep pressing forward to make a difference. On reflection of the event, Anthony shared, “We have to keep looking for and making these small wins. The collaboratives that are addressing several social ills and not looking for the silver bullet. We have to stop thinking we can do it alone.” The Joseph Factor Group continues its commitment to transforming nation through the power of collaboration and the strength of community. To get more information on the ADR Roundtable and to see their list of future events, email adr.roundtable@gmail.com. This week, Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (Senior Associate, The Joseph Factor Group) was a guest at the ARC Launch Intensive in Birmingham, AL. The ARC Launch Intensive is for church planting couples who are on their journey with the association to launch a church. On ARC’s (Association of Related Churches) website they share “We are an association of relational churches working with church planters and church leaders to provide support, guidance and resources to launch and grow life-giving churches.” “ARC’s model has been proven through the launch of hundreds of churches, with large launch day attendance and long-term success that exceeds national averages. When you choose to launch with ARC, you have access to all the resources that make this possible.” Bobo attended as the Plant4Harvest, Harvest Institute, Director. He talks about the ARC Launch Intensive, “It was an eye-opening experience to be a guest at the training. It made me realize (even more) the importance of relationships and resources when planting a church. It also allowed me to get a better understanding of the “ARC Launch Large” model and other aspects of a sustainable model for church success.” Plant4Harvest and ARC are discussing partnership. Both are seeking ways to launch churches, equip leaders of color, and impact this world for the kingdom of God. We anxiously await and work to see what God will do among us. On January 14, 2021, Bishop Timothy Wynn (Co-Founder, President, Plant4Harvest) announced Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (Senior Associate, The Joseph Factor Group) as the Director of the Plant4Harvest Institute. Wynn shared, “Anthony will be over the training of developing and equipping healthy leaders who lead healthy churches in today’s multi-ethnic society.”
The announcement was made at the first session of the Plant4Harvest Institute, 2021 “Aaron and Hur Leadership Cohort.” The title of the Cohort is from Exodus 17:12 (NIV), “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” When the children of Israel were fighting the Amalekites, as long as Moses’ arms were raised with the staff of God, the Israelites would win the battle. When Moses got tired, Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses and lifted up his arms. That is what the “Aaron and Hur Cohort” is all about. As Christian leaders transforming communities for Christ, we constantly are fighting against injustice and the evils of the worldly system. We also get tired. This cohort is the “Aaron and Hur” to the Christian leader- to support and equip leaders with the teachings and principles to be impactful in community through loving mentoring relationships. These are not just Christian leaders, but “end-time” Christian leaders who may not reflect the “traditional-type” of minister, but who are responsive to the time, have urgency in delivering souls for Christ, and address the needs of this modern age.This one year cohort is unique because it is not only tailored to the specific needs of the participants, but it also is heavily relational where we are focused on building lasting relationships held together through the love of God. Bobo, “Being a part of the Plant4Harvest Institute is a dream come true. I have been training leaders for over a decade. Working with Bishop Wynn and Plant4Harvest will bring those years of experience to equip Christian leaders who are caring, loving, and engaging for Christ. I am extremely excited!” ****************************************************************************** Plant4Harvest is a church planting organization that seeks to develop healthy leaders who lead healthy churches in today’s multi-ethnic society. We do this through coaching and training motivated individuals who believe God has called them for such a time as this. Pastoring and planting churches has changed. Plant 4 Harvest is ready to equip the new planting pastor with the tools necessary to develop their unique church model to success. On November 18, 2020, over 20 committed Christian leaders from across the country gathered for a virtual meeting. Bishop Timothy Wynn (Plant4Harvest, Tampa, FL) began the meeting with a prayer and then shared with the group his vision and why these leaders were called together. That night, he announced the Plant4Harvest Christian Leadership Cohort 2021! Wynn expressed, “We are looking for 12 leaders who are transforming communities for Christ. We want to walk with them for a year and pour into them.”
Dr. Robert Owens (Rivers of Life Ministry, Atlanta, GA) shared his years of experience in building ministries, mentoring leaders, and transforming communities. His desire is to, “open up my head and allow you to take the parts of my wisdom that you need to fulfill the purpose God has for your ministry.” Owens, also talked about knowing the realities of ministering in under resourced communities, “Ministry work is tiring. You need to have an “Aaron and Hur” who will lift your hands.” Owens was referring to Exodus 17:12 (NIV), “When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” It is a picture of a leader needing support and when Moses' arms were raised, the people of God were victorious in battle. Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (The Joseph Factor Group, National Harbor, MD) outlined the one year cohort. Bishop Timothy Wynn, Dr. Robert Owens, Dr. Efrem Smith (Bayside Church Midtown, Sacramento, CA), and Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. will lead the cohort. There will be six months of classes covering Christian leadership, preaching, identifying supporters (funders, ministers, board members, etc.) and other tools for ministering in under resourced communities. The second six months will be intensive one-on-one mentoring addressing the specific challenges of the participants' ministry, fulfilling ministry vision, and redesigning the church. Bobo shared, “Once we gather, we become a network. Beyond that, all of us are bringing our networks to the table. We are bringing our networks to the table for you because we believe that God will transform communities through the work you are doing.” By the next morning, we had 12 people selected for the cohort! Praise The Lord! The Plant4Harvest Christian Leadership Cohort begins January 14, 2021. If you would like to sponsor and support the cohort, please contact Timothy Wynn (twynn@plant4harvest.com). Please pray for us as we strive to do God's will and give leaders the tools to see their God given purpose realized. It has been over a year, but tomorrow (October 25, 2020) Maryland State Parks will be kicking off their pilot Employee Mentoring Program. The goals of the program are: 1) To address an agency need to grow and develop the future leaders of the Maryland Park Service. 2) To share institutional knowledge between employees across classifications. 3)To encourage positive, supportive relationships across the agency. 4)To meet the demand from the field for non-conventional learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom.
The Joseph Factor Group has been a part of the process of developing the mentoring program providing inspiration, insights, and counsel. Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (Senior Associate, The Joseph Factor Group) as an appointed member of the Maryland Governor's State Parks Community Advisory Committee was asked by the Maryland State Parks Director to aid in the creation of the mentoring program for the employees. “It was my pleasure to meet with the State Park leadership, designated program development committee, and park employees to see what we could do to enhance the relationships and ensure succession planning in the parks,” says Anthony. “We love the parks! We often vacation, recreate, and enjoy the parks. To contribute to this rich public investment is a blessing.” The Employee Mentoring Program will start tomorrow with the group participating in the first year of the pilot program. The year will be filled with one-on-one discussions, several training sessions on leadership, and evaluating program effectiveness. On September 25, 2020, Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. (Senior Associate, The Joseph Factor Group) presented at The Church of Christ Holiness USA (COCHUSA) Pastors and Leadership Conference. This year they are hosting quarterly virtual trainings and Anthony was the guest presenter at this first session of the series. The church’s “Empowerment Seminar Series” is established to give pastors and leaders tools to succeed in ministry and beyond.
The title of his workshop was “Commissioned To Love-The Biblical Mandate for Community Engagement”. He shared concepts from his co-authored best-selling book “Commissioned To Love.” His focus was the “Commission Circles,” where he demonstrated today’s church living out The Great Commission of Jesus Christ. Over 60 participants attended the virtual training. The Joseph Factor Group, Associates, Michael and Mark Bobo attended the event and shared their experience: Michael Bobo, Associate, “”The Commission to Love” webinar by Anthony Bobo was uplifting and motivating. The webinar gave me ways to immediately implement strategies to improve my community. During the webinar, I was reminded about my Christian duty, serving! Because Jesus is the way! Thank you for the enlightening evening.” Mark Bobo, Associate, “I was excited to join “The Commissioned to Love” presentation by Anthony Bobo. It was insightful and caused me to be reflective in how my previous approach to community can be augmented and sharpened to make a greater impact on behalf of the kingdom of God. I truly enjoyed the presentation and will put into practice the framework that was presented.” If you would like The Joseph Factor Group to come and talk to your leadership group, just contact our Senior Associate, Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. at anthonybobo@josephfactor.com. vimeo.com/448197428
The Joseph Factor Group is happy to announce that our Senior Associate, Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. is leading a certificate program at the Intercultural and International Leadership Institute (IILI). IILI offers certificates, which are typically comprised of twelve 40-hour courses and can be accomplished over a two-year period for students who take 6 courses per year. Courses can be completed as part of a certificate, on a stand-alone basis, or in conjunction with Crown College. Additional certificates may be added over time. We are delighted to report Anthony D. Bobo, Jr., is the lead instructor for the “The Commissioned to Lead” Certificate Program. This program brings life to core principles of Jesus-centered missional movement in each of the commission circles identified by Jesus in Acts 1:8. Through lessons in the commission circles, Christian community development, practical leadership, and the very real questions of leading in and through trauma, suffering, anxiety, anguish, or discomfort , this certificate will build on the experiences and knowledge of ministry practitioners and lay leaders from diverse backgrounds. I AM Intercultural, parent company of the IILI, describes themselves as “For the Body of Christ, I Am Intercultural amplifies the voices of the marginalized, instructs the powerful, and creates a welcoming space of dialogue and growth for the discipleship and growth of all. We provide high quality published materials and training opportunities to develop perspectives that enable and enhance Christ-centered cross-cultural communications and interactions. Products are available in print, through electronic media, and prepared for individual or group training sessions. Services include coaching, training, train the trainer workshops, and follow-on opportunities for coaching and dialogue as needed.” “What a way to reach others with the love of Christ, share ideas, and demonstrate the business practice concepts of The Joseph Factor Group?!?!,” Anthony gleefully, yet seriously expresses. “We are in a time of chaos spiritually, socially, and economically (to say the least), I aspire to give people some tools for clarity and focus for success in these challenging times.” Anthony’s first course offering is “Commissioned to Love: Intro” starts August 24, 2020. This course introduces participants to ideas in the book “Commissioned to Love,” guides them in developing a collective language around ministry challenges, and an individual action plan for impacting culture. The second course offering will be October 18, 2020 where he will once again partner with his friend Pastor John P. Perkins to share ideas of community development and impacting community. Register today for “Commissioned to Love: Intro.” Registration closes August 23, 2020, so hurry! Course Video Commissioned To Love! John and Anthony At Center for ADR's 2020 Virtual Conference Series July 2!6/6/2020 Yes, we hear you... pandemic, economic slowdown, protest police brutality and you guys are talking about love and the church leading in community to remove barriers. Yes, we are...
Pastor John P. Perkins and Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. will be sharing "The Church as A Catalyst to Removing Barriers in Rebuilding Poor Communities'' at The Center for ADR 2020 Virtual Conference. They will talk about tools for ensuring healthy relationships in communities and discussing ways to decrease barriers as they are outlined in their book Commissioned to Love. "With all we are dealing with today, there are more conversations about reconciliation. We see reconciliation and justice as measures of a true impact of the church in community. I am excited to be a part of the annual Center for ADR conference once again. I am even more excited to have my friend John with me as we share concepts to deal with conflict in community. We don't have all the answers, but we are willing to explore possibilities." While John and Anthony are sharing on July 2, 2020, at 2:00 pm (ET), they invite you to be a part of the entire conference. This is The Center for ADR's first Virtual Conference (Series I, June 24-July 2 & Series II, July 10, 2020) and there will be 20+ workshops. Register at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh4de5gv0a2a8ab0&oseq=&c=&ch= Workshop presenters include many nationally and internationally known practitioners and noted authors . . . Kenneth Cloke, David Hoffman, Jeff Krivis, Milagros Phillips, Chuck Doran, Marvin Johnson, Jeff Jury, Frank Dukes, Linda Brothers, Lauren Nile, Rene-Marc Mangin, Andrea Morrison, Joyce Mitchell, Steve Erickson and many more. Workshop topics include . . . “Can we talk? Seriously, CAN we TALK?” “What We Can Learn about Conflict from the Pandemic? A Proposal for Dialogue” “From Idealists to Mentors: Guiding the Mediation Path Forward” “Mediator Strategies for Bringing Peace into the Room” “Be Your Best…Negotiate Your Way to Compromise Whenever…Wherever” “How We Internalize Race” “Who Can Be a Mediator?” “Why Not a Truth Commission? Lessons from Greensboro, Wabanaki-Maine, and Charlottesville” “Mediator Ethics: Putting Standards into Practice” “We Are What We See: The Conflict Resolution Messages found in Movies and Visual Media” “Toxic Communication in the Workplace: A Toolbox of Strategies” “The Edge of Each Other's Battles: Generative Engagement as a Tool for Action” “The Church as A Catalyst to Removing Barriers in Rebuilding Poor Communities” and many more. We are excited to share Anthony D. Bobo, Jr. May 4, 2020 interview on the "Professors, in Rooms, Getting Coffee" podcast. The interview is centered around the book he co-authored Commissioned to Love. They discuss church ministry and mission in each of the commission circles - from close to home to global. They also discuss the possibilities for the church to unite around Jesus in a time of division. Justin and Stephen also discuss the possibilities for trajectory setting decisions to be made in this time of intense upheaval.
https://iamintercultural.com/profs-…/ep5-coffee-with-anthony |