FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can participate?

The GOLD initiative is an annual, one-year cycle to develop new and emerging operational leaders — team leaders, finance leaders, technology leaders, LWI champions, office managers, conference administrators, etc. — who could lead on the next level within a year or two.

If you are serving in Operations, or would want to transition to Operations within the next 18 months to serve as a leader of a team or function, consider submitting an application! The GOLD team, together with global Operations leaders, will make the final selection of the participants. The process includes a recommendation by each candidate’s leader.

Note: If you will be participating in another leader development program during the GOLD year, or if you are planning a major life event during the next 18 months (e.g. marriage, birth of a child, major move etc.), it may be unrealistic to add GOLD to your schedule at this time.

Those who participate will be asked to commit to staying with our organization for at least three years after completing their GOLD journey.

Learning is a journey, and participants join GOLD for an “intensive learning year.” During this year, they form a cohort — a group of people with a common task, moving together towards the goal of growing in boldness, skills, and walk with the Lord.

The year starts in February with a weeklong launch event and ends in January of the following year, followed by a graduation celebration in February.

Each participant designs their own personal learning journey, guided by the GOLD team. Assignments include:

  • Reading and book reports

  • Group projects

  • Public speaking

  • Webinars

  • Writing

  • Coaching and training others

  • Conflict resolution

Most tasks can be completed at your own pace. Coaching groups of three meet twice a month for 60–90 minutes.

The learning year lasts 12 months. Participants will have some light pre-work before the official launch in February.

Expect to spend up to 8 hours per week on GOLD assignments.

While English is the primary language of the GOLD program, you do not need to be fluent in English to participate. Coaching, meetings, and study materials can be offered in French, Spanish, and Russian. If you need translation support, we will do our best to provide it.

Each participant’s assignments are tracked in a Learning Management System (LMS). Participants, their coach, and the GOLD leadership team can view their progress.

There are no grades, but participants may receive feedback on their posts, and some tasks include peer interaction.

To graduate and receive a certificate, participants are expected to complete 100% of the required assignments.

The Vice President of Global Operations sponsors GOLD and covers:

  • Room and board during a potential GOLD gathering

  • Introductory materials for the launch

Participants (through their region or national ministry) are responsible for:

  • Cost of required books

  • Travel to a possible GOLD gathering

The GOLD team works closely with the Global LDHR team, which provides a leader development specialist. While LDHR leads development for the movement, each strategy and capacity function is responsible for developing leadership and expertise within their teams.

GOLD is led by an international team:

  • Bela Boboci, Director of GOLD

  • Aaron Groff, GOLD Coaches Coach

  • Pëllumb Çollaku, GOLD Tech Administrator

  • Maina Mukenga, Kenya Operations Team Leader
  • Lauren Johnson, GOLD Project administrator

An advisory group of 5 people from around the world supports the team. Each region also has a liaison who connects local ministries with the GOLD team.

You can reach out to the GOLD team 

gold@cru.org

Scroll to Top