Diaconate Leadership Training Program
Zion Baptist Church
Diaconate Leadership Training Program
Equipping Leaders. Strengthening the Church. Advancing the Mission.
The Diaconate Leadership Training Program (DLTP) is a structured leadership development experience designed to equip leaders within the church for effective, biblically grounded service.
This page reflects the Active Development Phase of the program. Content is being built, refined, and updated in real time as each class is taught, ensuring alignment with the instruction and experience delivered in the classroom.
Active Development Notice
- The workbooks provided are working drafts and will continue to be developed.
- Content is updated after each class session.
- Materials are intended only for participants actively engaged in the training.
- This is not an online course, but a live, in person training experience.
This evolving content will serve as the foundation for a future, fully developed online learning program.
Training Materials
Access the Diaconate Leadership Training materials below. Each lesson supports the biblical teaching, leadership development, discipleship, and spiritual formation covered throughout the program.
Lesson 1
Introduces Christian servant leadership, discipleship, spiritual gifts, church leadership roles, and training expectations.
View SlidesLesson 2
Focuses on Christian leadership as ministry, spiritual growth, discipleship, and maturing in faith through Scripture, devotional reflection, and practical leadership assignments.
View SlidesLesson 3
Explores spiritual courage, Christian growth, leadership motivation, and developing a stronger relationship with God.
View SlidesLesson 4
Focuses on the preeminence of Christ, Christian leadership standards, and practices that support faithful discipleship.
View SlidesLesson 5
Examines spiritual discipline, Christian leadership, training, and discipleship as foundations for growth and effective ministry.
View SlidesLesson 6
Explores unity and diversity in the body of Christ, spiritual gifts, and the importance of each member’s role in the church.
View SlidesLesson 7
Focuses on the work and identity of the church, faith in Christ, and biblical foundations for Christian leadership.
View SlidesLesson 8
Examines the work of the church, Christ’s identity and authority, and the biblical foundation of Christian ministry.
View SlidesLesson 9
Explores the kingdom of God, church leadership, and the role of ministry gifts in serving the New Testament church.
View SlidesLesson 10
Examines servant leadership, Baptist denominations and distinctives, and principles for leadership and service within the church.
View SlidesLesson 11
Focuses on strength through Christ and leadership principles centered on vision, teamwork, culture, integrity, and love.
View SlidesWeek by Week Training Content
Week 1
Foundations of Servant Leadership
Week 1 establishes the foundation for Christian leadership by focusing on the call to serve. Leadership is presented not as a position of power, but as a responsibility to serve God and His people.
Participants are introduced to the structure and purpose of the Church, while also beginning to reflect on their own role within it.
- Understanding what it means to be a Christian leader
- Exploring the nature and mission of the Church
- Introduction to leadership and discipleship
- Spiritual reflection and personal assessment
- Formation of tribes for collaborative learning
Week 2
Growing in Faith and Relationship with God
Week 2 shifts the focus inward, emphasizing the importance of a leader’s personal relationship with God as the foundation for all ministry.
Participants are challenged to examine their faith, their understanding of salvation, and their spiritual growth.
- Understanding and evaluating your relationship with God
- Defining what it means to be a faithful Christian
- Core doctrines such as salvation, justification, sanctification, and glorification
- Key Scriptures essential for every Christian leader
- Personal reflection and spiritual development
Week 3
Discipleship and Leadership Formation
Week 3 begins the deeper work of discipleship, focusing on spiritual discipline and personal alignment with Christ.
Participants reflect on the role of Christ in every area of their lives and the commitment required to grow as mature disciples.
- The preeminence of Christ in all areas of life
- The importance of spiritual discipline and intentional growth
- Personal reflection on priorities and spiritual development
- Preparation for deeper leadership responsibility
Week 4
Standards of Christian Leadership and Commitment
Week 4 defines what leadership should look like in practice, emphasizing character, discipline, and responsibility.
Participants are introduced to biblical standards for leadership and challenged to live in a way that reflects their calling.
- Standards of Christian leadership such as integrity, faith, stewardship, and service
- Scriptural qualifications for leaders
- The Six Marks of Discipleship
- Emotional and spiritual health in leadership
- Personal commitment to growth and accountability
Week 5
Authority of Scripture and Biblical Understanding
Week 5 centers on the authority of Scripture as the foundation for Christian life and leadership.
Participants engage with the structure, interpretation, and application of the Bible, gaining tools to better understand and teach God’s Word.
- The authority of Scripture and its role in guiding the Church
- Understanding concepts such as Sola Scriptura
- Introduction to the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
- Overview of the Biblical canon and structure of Scripture
- Principles of biblical interpretation, including exegesis and hermeneutics
- Strengthening biblical knowledge and understanding
Church Office Hours
Zion Main Campus
MON – FRI
10:00am – 6:00pm
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ZION MAIN CAMPUS
4850 Blagden Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20011
(202) 722-4940
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ZION NORTH CAMPUS
11005 Dayton St.
Wheaton-Glenmont, MD 20902
(301) 649-6000
