THE CHURCH NEEDS LEADERS

Every healthy church rises and thrives through the character and calling of its leaders. At Bright City, we believe leadership is not about titles or positions—it’s about becoming the kind of people God can trust with His people.

Timothy and Titus both served alongside Paul to help plant and shepherd churches. Paul’s letters to them (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1) provide timeless wisdom on what qualifies and shapes a godly leader. These Scriptures don’t just describe what leaders do—they describe who leaders are.

Paul identifies 12 core characteristics of servant leaders (deacons) and 6 additional qualities of elders (overseers). We’ve grouped these qualities into three key dimensions of spiritual leadership:

  • Head / Rooted – grounded in truth and maturity

  • Heart / Relational – anchored in love and character

  • Hands / Responsible – faithful in serving and leading others

Leaders who embody these qualities reflect the way of Jesus. While no leader is perfect, this is the kind of life we’re all striving to grow into. And ultimately, these qualities are not just for leaders—every follower of Jesus is invited to grow in this way of life.

You are personally invited to be part of a one year Formed to Lead Cohort at Bright City—a community of men and women intentionally growing in these qualities. This is not a class for information. It’s a formation journey designed to help you become a Christlike leader who leads from identity, humility, and purpose.

This cohort will include:

  • Shared learning environments for leadership training and collective development.

  • Reflection work and practical assignments to apply what you’re learning in real life, ministry, and relationships.

  • Gender-specific groups for honest discussion, accountability, and growth.

  • Spiritual practices that shape your head, heart, and hands in the way of Jesus.

Becoming a godly leader is not something we can do on our own—it’s the work of God’s divine power at work within us. Yet this growth also requires our effort, perseverance, and intentional pursuit of Christlike character (1 Peter 2:3-11). In this cohort, we walk side by side—learning, practicing, and encouraging one another—as God forms us into leaders who bring the way of Jesus into every space.

Leadership is the greatest long-term investment we can make, which is why you were personally selected to join a small group of individuals in this journey. This invitation is not about earning a title or role—it’s about cultivating godly, Christlike leaders throughout our church, with or without formal positions. This cohort is a primary way we are intentionally shaping the leadership culture of Bright City so our church can remain healthy, strong, and thriving for years to come.

We hope you consider participating and RSVP by January 5th—with (1) Yes I’m in, (2) I’m interested, or (3) I’m not at this time. If you select option 1 or 2, please also let us know which group meeting times work best for you regularly. If you have questions, reach out to Josh or Sarah Taylor.

RSVP & MEETING PREFERENCE

Formed to Lead: The Year Ahead

2 Co-Ed Workshops

The Call of Servant Leadership

Sun, January 11, 2026 from 11:30am to 2:00pm

The Soul of Spiritual Leadership

August 9, 2026 from 11:30am to 2:00pm

Lunch and childcare provided for both

18 Studies & Reflections

Every two weeks, access leadership materials with:

  • A short video from someone in leadership on each attribute

  • Helpful reading notes and book excerpts

  • Reflection questions to journal on

  • A short self-assessment for each attribute

  • Spiritual practices to integrate into life and leadership

18 Group Meetings

Biweekly gender-specific group meetings

There will be 9 group meeting from January to May, and 9 group meetings from August to December. Once we have determined everyone’s availability who has registered, you will be assigned to one of the group meeting times. We are hoping to create consistency and familiarity with those in these gender-specific groups. But if something changes in your schedule or availability, accommodations can be made.

Personal Investment

Josh & Sarah Taylor will lead and participate in each gender-specific group. But we have asked a handful of men and women to help as a leadership mentor in each cohort. They have experience leading in local churches, display the qualities of a godly leader, and care deeply about the next generation at Bright City.

If you need more support or encouragement, they are here to help their group and help you personally.

Summer Formation

Over the summer, we will pause our biweekly group meetings. But the summer also gives you unique opportunities to grow in each “Head, Heart, Hands” dimension of leadership:

Head / Rooted – read recommended books, engage in story work, or plan a spiritual day away

Heart / Relational – lead a Summer Circle or Bible study, practice intentional hospitality, or spend extra time with a mentor

Hands / Responsible – volunteer in community outreach or service projects, shadow/function as a team leader on a Sunday, or find opportunities to share your faith with others

Sample Schedule

Please RSVP by January 5th, 2026

RSVP & Meeting Preference