Close the Gap Now Training Updatehttp://closethegapnow.org/index.htmlLearn how Close the Gap Now is providing training in coaching, productivity, and Christian educationenlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCopyright 2007 Close the Gap Now2009-01-08T09:15:06+09:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:29:44 +0900"Leadership Tips" published in CSI's Leadership Insightslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2009-01-08T09:15:06+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e67682719c8df39ba5a9db7d5ef2799e-76.html#unique-entry-id-76http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e67682719c8df39ba5a9db7d5ef2799e-76.html#unique-entry-id-76“Leadership Tips” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. Christian school leaders want to provide effective leadership, and this articles outlines 7 tips and 7 action steps for effective leadership.]]>Tutorial on coaching postedlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2008-12-29T16:29:41+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1209a5694ea85f76ac6f8fde2e1f4f20-75.html#unique-entry-id-75http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1209a5694ea85f76ac6f8fde2e1f4f20-75.html#unique-entry-id-75“Explore Getting Coaching,” a free tutorial for those interested in getting coaching, has been posted. The tutorial focuses on 4 questions:
  1. What is coaching?
  2. In coaching, who does what?
  3. What could you work on with a coach?
  4. Are you ready for coaching?
]]>CAJ school community members review improvement reportlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2008-12-05T17:46:25+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5b9aaf2b5ebe17b1b0a116a8a37d14c8-74.html#unique-entry-id-74http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5b9aaf2b5ebe17b1b0a116a8a37d14c8-74.html#unique-entry-id-74AdvisoryCouncilEighteen members of Christian Academy in Japan’s school community gathered on December 5 to review the school’s improvement report. Participants included parents, students, staff, and administrators. After celebrating God’s blessings in terms of student learning, community, facilities, and program, participants worked in small groups to review sections of the school improvement report.

Close the Gap Now facilitated the meeting.]]>“10 Ways to Increase Biblical Perspective” published in Christian School Teacherlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-11-25T09:52:32+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f4cf091daedfd38cc0b01fd17d2c1e82-73.html#unique-entry-id-73http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f4cf091daedfd38cc0b01fd17d2c1e82-73.html#unique-entry-id-73“10 Ways to Increase Biblical Perspective” by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Christian School Teacher. The article provides practical tips, including teaching vocabulary, asking open-ended questions, and using engaging instructional strategies.]]>Connect2Grow discusses church multiplicationlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-11-24T10:08:59+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/203888827cc12c865fa403b04954d686-72.html#unique-entry-id-72http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/203888827cc12c865fa403b04954d686-72.html#unique-entry-id-72At this morning's Connect2Grow gathering, cell church planters:
  • Discussed how the house church model is a usable model for church multiplication.
  • Explored using questions for ice breakers.
  • Emphasized the importance of having cell/house church members relate to each other from the heart.
  • Reflected on key questions like “Which groups in Japan have dynamics that are similar to cell/house churches?”
  • Talked about ways to set goals and measure progress.
Connect2Empower is a network of Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) members connecting to grow cell churches and house churches.]]>ACSI conference in Hong Kong goes welllearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2008-11-28T18:24:23+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e64d5b4352f949fd67623f379322770d-71.html#unique-entry-id-71http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/e64d5b4352f949fd67623f379322770d-71.html#unique-entry-id-71Nov. 27-29, over 800 Christian educators attended the ACSI International Christian Educator Conference in Hong Kong. Conference plenary speakers included Gary Chapman,  Bruce Lockerbie, Bridget Mary Aitchison, David Sun, and Phil Callaway.

ICS Hong Kong-2
Conference participants attended over 150 workshops, including 2 Close the Gap Now workshops:
  • Ask Good Questions
  • Assessment Helps Your Students Learn
The conference was held at International Christian School.

]]>Board reflects on ends statementslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2008-11-18T12:55:01+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d835f126dee1025a2b42c7818aa148c1-70.html#unique-entry-id-70http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d835f126dee1025a2b42c7818aa148c1-70.html#unique-entry-id-70Board 150At its meeting today, Christian Academy in Japan's board reflected on policy governance ends statements. For 90 minutes the board:
  • Considered questions like "What's the significance of CAJ's primary end?"
  • Connected ends and executive limitations.
  • Explored which ends statements a given staff member focuses on.
Close the Gap Now facilitated the reflection.]]>"Steward the Mission God Has Given You" published in Leadership Insightslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2008-11-12T08:03:03+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6535b94732ef2d99329759fe2cdd17c4-69.html#unique-entry-id-69http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6535b94732ef2d99329759fe2cdd17c4-69.html#unique-entry-id-69"Steward the Mission God Has Given You" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. The article reminds the reader that while Christian education is about responding to crisis and the parable of the Good Samaritan, Christian education is more about stewarding the mission and the parable of the talents.]]>Connect2Coach reflects on inquirylearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-11-13T15:05:11+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/68e242f8511d1ea2ed1a7ecc94e6d502-68.html#unique-entry-id-68http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/68e242f8511d1ea2ed1a7ecc94e6d502-68.html#unique-entry-id-68At Connect2Coach's Nov. 13 meeting, JEMA members reflected on inquiry. Participants:
  • Asked each other open-ended questions like "What 2 good things happened to in your ministry this month?"
  • Documented their goals.
  • Helped each other explore topic by saying, "Tell more about ___."
  • Gave and received coaching.
Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Coach is a network of JEMA members involved in coaching that connects to coach others.]]>CAJ teachers focus on Biblical perspectivelearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2008-11-03T16:44:36+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a2a6aba499488c75d88f9a714208c25-67.html#unique-entry-id-67http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5a2a6aba499488c75d88f9a714208c25-67.html#unique-entry-id-67200811ChrEdAt today's Biblical perspective workshop, teachers at Christian Academy in Japan discussed key questions, including:
  • How does assessment help students learn?
  • What makes a good assessment good?
  • What makes a good Biblical perspective lesson good?
Teachers then developed Biblical perspective assessments and lessons.

]]>"Do Right Things" published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2008-10-30T11:29:57+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5eebbbce4d5e570d253ed97a9f4134e6-66.html#unique-entry-id-66http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5eebbbce4d5e570d253ed97a9f4134e6-66.html#unique-entry-id-66"Do Right Things, Then Do Things Right" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. The article encourages readers to make sure they are work on the right thing before spending time on fin-tuning what they are working on.]]>SEND Japan focuses on increasing self-managementlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMA2008-10-31T09:10:08+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8a8134c6be8c7521a57bfce4dfd99c85-65.html#unique-entry-id-65http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8a8134c6be8c7521a57bfce4dfd99c85-65.html#unique-entry-id-65SEND 150SEND Japan missionaries participated in a 1-day workshop on increasing self-management. During the workshop, participants completed a self-assessment, identified goals, brainstormed options for addressing the goals, developed action plans for achieving goals, and scheduled action steps.

Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now and Jon Winter of SEND Japan facilitated the workshop.]]>"Help Your Students Make Connections" published in ACSI's World Reportlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2008-10-11T10:35:32+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6dd0358a02ded95b1c8d68a4e857a510-64.html#unique-entry-id-64http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6dd0358a02ded95b1c8d68a4e857a510-64.html#unique-entry-id-64"Help Your Students Make Connections Between What They Study and What the Bible Teaches" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in ACSI's World Report. The article describes a process teachers can use to identify the relevant Biblical principles they want students to connect to course content and skills.]]>CAJ seniors practice coaching skillslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2008-10-08T08:01:51+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e9330f2eb63e43e9f1afa0f84869fb7-63.html#unique-entry-id-63http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e9330f2eb63e43e9f1afa0f84869fb7-63.html#unique-entry-id-63Seniors at Christian Academy in Japan practiced their coaching skills during a 90-minute coach training. After watching demonstration of a coaching conversation, seniors reflected on what coaching is/isn't, considered the power of asking questions, changed closed questions into open-ended questions, and gave and received coaching.]]>“Measure Mission Achievement” published in ACSI's World Reportlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2007-03-30T08:46:58+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02c0a7a3215c96de5ab0940cd1922c3a-62.html#unique-entry-id-62http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02c0a7a3215c96de5ab0940cd1922c3a-62.html#unique-entry-id-62“Measure Mission Achievement” by Michael Essenburg was published in ACSI's World Report.]]>“Use Assessment" published in ACSI's World Reportlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesACSI2007-05-30T08:44:21+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/21ec4295333e05c35900a3614097acf2-61.html#unique-entry-id-61http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/21ec4295333e05c35900a3614097acf2-61.html#unique-entry-id-61“Use Assessment to Increase Student Use of a Biblical Perspective of Course Content"  by Michael Essenburg was published in ACSI's World Report.]]>“Want to Increase Your Productivity? Stop Working!” published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesJEMA2007-03-30T08:42:19+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f146cd04b2d2071e05215a74d735e19-60.html#unique-entry-id-60http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f146cd04b2d2071e05215a74d735e19-60.html#unique-entry-id-60“Want to Increase Your Productivity? Stop Working!” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>“Using Reflection to Leverage Results” published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2007-05-30T08:40:58+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ef214a9c5bbcca1b2a5e0e90722f5a0d-59.html#unique-entry-id-59http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ef214a9c5bbcca1b2a5e0e90722f5a0d-59.html#unique-entry-id-59“Using Reflection to Leverage Results” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>“To Achieve Your Goals, Get a Coach” published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMA2007-08-30T08:40:09+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a74f49c220a1144a01538cb9fb673a20-58.html#unique-entry-id-58http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a74f49c220a1144a01538cb9fb673a20-58.html#unique-entry-id-58“To Achieve Your Goals, Get a Coach” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>“It’s Self-Management, not Time Management” published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2007-11-30T08:38:49+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ceac1abfccf497b98b50adb44597b02a-57.html#unique-entry-id-57http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ceac1abfccf497b98b50adb44597b02a-57.html#unique-entry-id-57“It’s Self-Management, not Time Management” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>“To Encourage and Empower Others, Listen” published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMA2008-03-28T09:37:39+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/60049cc5e4462687d69e0213ed6b89a9-56.html#unique-entry-id-56http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/60049cc5e4462687d69e0213ed6b89a9-56.html#unique-entry-id-56“To Encourage and Empower Others, Listen” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>“To Provoke Reflection, Ask Open-Ended Questions” published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesProductivity ResourcesJEMA2008-05-28T08:32:56+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0ef7d0a840b382bc2840e595048f37e1-54.html#unique-entry-id-54http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0ef7d0a840b382bc2840e595048f37e1-54.html#unique-entry-id-54“To Provoke Reflection, Ask Open-Ended Questions” by Michael Essenburg was published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association.]]>"Ask Questions" published in Christian School Teacherlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-05-30T11:30:28+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f673c1632b4c4e0e13c844e0bc276a7-53.html#unique-entry-id-53http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6f673c1632b4c4e0e13c844e0bc276a7-53.html#unique-entry-id-53 “Ask Questions” by Michael Essenburg was published in published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]> “10 Questions to Ask Students” published in Christian School Teacherlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-11-30T08:29:14+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02588900e1eca1406218ed06e4d597e9-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/02588900e1eca1406218ed06e4d597e9-52.html#unique-entry-id-52 “10 Questions to Ask Students” by Michael Essenburg was published in published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>“What Question Do You Want to Ask Your Students?" publishedlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-03-28T08:27:54+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9df0a3688be3c7100bce0fe839c05b92-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9df0a3688be3c7100bce0fe839c05b92-51.html#unique-entry-id-51“What Question Do You Want to Ask Your Students?" by Michael Essenburg was published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>“When You Ask a Question, What Do You Want Your Students to Learn?” publishedlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-05-30T08:25:33+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7bfc2a4a2990c3faadf0653e1f42caec-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7bfc2a4a2990c3faadf0653e1f42caec-50.html#unique-entry-id-50“When You Ask a Question, What Do You Want Your Students to Learn?” by Michael Essenburg was published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.]]>"Want to Achieve Your Goals?" published in Japan Harvestlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoaching ResourcesJEMAProductivity Resources2008-08-15T10:25:01+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99b3942e5648b7c5cd8dcd63d7ebfaf7-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99b3942e5648b7c5cd8dcd63d7ebfaf7-49.html#unique-entry-id-49"Want to Achieve Your Goals?" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in Japan Harvest, the quarterly magazine of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association. The article encourages the reader to pray, document goals, take action, and reflect on progress.]]>"Focus on Your Mission" published in Leadership Insightslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity ResourcesCSI2008-09-05T10:14:11+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0153af9b18e174a5b304196ad5db5607-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/0153af9b18e174a5b304196ad5db5607-48.html#unique-entry-id-48"Focus on Your Mission" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Leadership Insights. The article addresses the following question: To increasingly focus on your mission, what do you need to keep doing, start doing, and stop doing?]]>"Use Assessment" published in Christian School Teacherlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2008-10-04T10:05:49+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8fedc86d94b0404a75a100b7f9226a0c-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8fedc86d94b0404a75a100b7f9226a0c-47.html#unique-entry-id-47"Use Assessment" by Michael Essenburg was recently published in CSI's Christian School Teacher.

Writes editor Dan Beerens, "Michael Essenburg suggests that good assessment methods help students to improve their ability to apply a Biblical perspective."]]>Mission focuses on purpose, objectives, and valueslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2008-09-19T16:29:44+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/92c4474711f69c9dc6cae4e5179acde7-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/92c4474711f69c9dc6cae4e5179acde7-46.html#unique-entry-id-46JAMToday, members of the Japan Alliance Mission reviewed a draft of its purpose statement and objectives. (The draft was collaboratively developed in May 2008.) Mission members then reflected on the following question: What do you need to value in order to achieve your objectives and purpose?

Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now facilitated the planning sessions.]]>Connect2Empower focuses on annual reviewslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-09-18T15:26:48+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ad5d8ce880dd45938d81f7afbd69dceb-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ad5d8ce880dd45938d81f7afbd69dceb-45.html#unique-entry-id-45Connect2EmpowerAt Connect2Empower's Sept. 19 meeting, JEMA members from 5 missions focused on the purpose and structure of annual reviews. Participants:
  • Used a set of questions to coach each other.
  • Reflected on annual reviews, using questions like: How can annual reviews empower? What hinders your staff from being empowered by annual reviews.
  • Talked through questions/issues raised by participants?
Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a network of JEMA members tasked with professional development that connects to empower Christian leaders and organizations.]]>Teachers focus on Biblical perspectivelearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2008-09-15T17:33:51+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/990a26eebebdf06f952a96a5c776d1d8-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/990a26eebebdf06f952a96a5c776d1d8-44.html#unique-entry-id-44200809chredDuring two 90-minute workshops held today at Christian Academy in Japan, teachers identified Biblical principles and Biblical perspective questions. Teachers will use these principles and questions to design Biblical perspective lessons and assessments. Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now led the training.

]]>Cell church planters discuss and celebratelearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-09-02T06:49:56+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ec442c5bcf97e2ca1678cdd808594d8b-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ec442c5bcf97e2ca1678cdd808594d8b-43.html#unique-entry-id-43At this morning's Connect2Grow gathering, cell church planters:
  • Discussed how to structure church activities in such a way that all members participate.
  • Shared ministry challenges.
  • Celebrated the news of a new cell church that will start on Sept. 6.
Connect2Empower, a network of Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) members connecting to grow cell churches and house churches, is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.]]>Teachers connect philosophy, course content, and childrenlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2008-08-18T07:16:21+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a295fe45d109ef77d00e494741052996-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a295fe45d109ef77d00e494741052996-41.html#unique-entry-id-41Chr Ed 2008On August 18, 39 faculty members from Christian Academy in Japan and Kyoto International University Academy continued their efforts to connect Christian education philosophy, course content, and their students by participating in a Close the Gap Now workshop.

Michael Essenburg, workshop presenter, focused the participants on the following questions:
  • What kind of people do you want your students to be?
  • What do you want your students to understand?
  • What Biblical principles do you want your students grounded in?
  • What’s your vision?
  • What’s the target? Is it worth it?
Said one participant, "When I saw the workshop questions ahead of time, I wondered how I would think through all of them. But as we went through the day, I found myself answering each question freely and authentically from my heart. I'm to excited start the year—because I have a vision of who I want my students to become in Christ."]]>EurAsia Team plans, explores options, and builds teamlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2008-08-25T08:13:01+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7ab71e000b9ec6e71163fe2d7e9eb897-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7ab71e000b9ec6e71163fe2d7e9eb897-40.html#unique-entry-id-40200808productivityAugust 22-24, the EurAsia Team of Christian Reformed World Missions worked together for 3 days in Manila on strategic planning, accountability and reporting, new ministry options, and team building.

Close the Gap Now provided team building activities based on the following:
  • Connect, Don't Silo: Connect with others. Pursue God's calling—together.
  • Reflact, Don't Act: Reflect, then act. Practice reflaction.
  • Ask, Don't Tell: To provoke others to reflect, ask questions.
]]>Connect2Grow focuses on planting cell churcheslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-06-03T18:00:29+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fba8d7f68f413eb170e4863a9f8404ad-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fba8d7f68f413eb170e4863a9f8404ad-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Cell church planters from 3 missions gathered at today's Connect2Grow meeting to encourage each other, reflect, share best practice, and get input on ministry challenges.

Connect2Empower, a network of JEMA members connecting to grow cell churches and house churches, is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.]]>Connect2Empower focuses on the power of conversationlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-05-30T12:48:38+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f3c737330c4885c22f840d1508e2599f-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f3c737330c4885c22f840d1508e2599f-38.html#unique-entry-id-38At Connect2Empower's May 30 meeting, JEMA members from 6 missions focused on the power of conversation. Participants:
  • Used a set of questions to coach each other.
  • Reflected on the power of conversation, using questions like: What do people in your mission talk about? What satisfies/concerns you about conversations with those in your mission? How do conversations help?
  • Talked through questions/issues raised by participants.
Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a network of JEMA members tasked with professional development that connects to empower Christian leaders and organizations.]]>Coaching workshop goes welllearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2008-05-23T05:36:43+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/62a8d314ee886e546b41503d7b24b7eb-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/62a8d314ee886e546b41503d7b24b7eb-37.html#unique-entry-id-37page48_1On May 23 at SEND Center, 22 staff from 8 Christian organizations participated in a 6-hour coaching workshop. During the training, participants reflected on Christian coaching beliefs, identified their goals, watched coaching demonstrations, practiced their coaching skills, and finished the workshop by giving and receiving coaching.

]]>Mission focuses on strategic planninglearnmore@closethegapnow.orgStrategic PlanningJEMA2008-05-20T16:40:35+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8799923b4ce65d0d2310b5a1b3801ecc-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8799923b4ce65d0d2310b5a1b3801ecc-36.html#unique-entry-id-36JAM May 20May 19-20, members of the Japan Alliance Mission collaboratively focused on strategic planning by identifying the needs the mission wants to address, updating its purpose statement, and brainstorming key objectives for carrying out its purpose. Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now facilitated the planning sessions.

]]>Teachers focus on Christian worldview educationlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2008-04-30T05:35:52+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5ddf86625fab786519785cf6ef6e58d5-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/5ddf86625fab786519785cf6ef6e58d5-35.html#unique-entry-id-35ChrEd200804 150X112During April and May 2008, teachers at Christian Academy in Japan are focusing on how Christian education involves worldview education. Each week, the teachers read a section from Marck Eckel’s The Whole Truth and then discuss it on Tuesday afternoons. The discussions are facilitated by Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now.

During their discussions, teachers respond to the following:
  1. Regarding providing worldview education, what helps/hinders you?
  2. What helps your students understand that everyone has a worldview?
  3. What key questions do you want your students to consider? Why?
  4. A person’s worldview is connected to how s/he answers 1 or more of your key questions. How can you help your students understand this?
  5. How does your Christian worldview affect your educational practice?
  6. How can you increasingly target students understanding and then applying a Biblical perspective to course content and skills?
]]>Core Coaching Certificate Skills Program startslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2008-02-25T16:04:37+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9cc84b02759bf46298c49218da20f188-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9cc84b02759bf46298c49218da20f188-34.html#unique-entry-id-34CCSCPToday at Seisho Kirisuto Kyokai Tokyo Kyoukai, 13 participants completed day 1 of the 5-day Core Coaching Skills Certificate Program (CCSCP). Led by Keith Webb and Takeshi Takazawa, participants watched a coaching demonstration, reviewed and practiced listening skills, and learned the COACH model.

Roger Hederstedt, Sean Collier, and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now) served as table coaches.]]>JEMA Member Care Committee meetslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgJEMACommunities of Practice2008-02-06T19:46:25+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/de952a6a95e085696d843b320405b58e-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/de952a6a95e085696d843b320405b58e-33.html#unique-entry-id-33The Member Care Committee of the Japan Evangelical Missionary Association (JEMA) met this afternoon. Committee members Paul Nethercott (TEAM), Mary Esther Penner (World Venture), Faith DeLaCour (Asian Access), and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now) networked, reflected on the past year, and considered what to present at JEMA's annual meeting on Feb. 19. ]]>CSI develops draft of K-12 Bible standardslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed ResourcesCSI2007-02-18T06:50:41+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/317d7f40e9a321be07a88ab5d9b7798c-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/317d7f40e9a321be07a88ab5d9b7798c-32.html#unique-entry-id-32December 17-18, Dan Beerens (Christian Schools International, CSI) and Michael Essenburg (Close the Gap Now) collaborated to develop a draft of K-12 standards for CSI’s Bible curriculum. To develop the draft, Beerens and Essenburg:
  • Built on a document formulated by the Eastern Ottawa (MI) Christian schools.
  • Reviewed other Christian schooling documents.
  • Cross-checked the draft of the standards with the head, heart, and hands outcomes that CSI is using for its Bible revision project.
Currently, CSI’s Curriculum Advisory Council and Christian Academy in Japan's K-12 Bible teachers are giving feedback on the draft of the standards.]]>Curriculum reflection tool developedlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Resources2008-02-05T12:17:09+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d98497dcc9a62078c69a56e3de3be37f-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d98497dcc9a62078c69a56e3de3be37f-31.html#unique-entry-id-31Close the Gap Now, in collaboration with staff of Christian Academy in Japan, has developed a tool that teachers can use to reflect how they are helping students understanding and apply a Biblical perspective. The tool focuses on a unit plan and includes key questions:
  • What are you excited about?
  • How did you prepare your students for the assessment?
  • What modifications will you make to your unit?
To see teacher reflections, please download:]]>Biblical perspective teacher training standards developedlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Resources2008-01-22T08:30:14+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d7f7f90769f906dea86de5379effc4c5-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/d7f7f90769f906dea86de5379effc4c5-30.html#unique-entry-id-30Close the Gap Now and Transforming Teachers announce the completion of Biblical perspective teacher training standards. These standards target helping teachers help their K-12 students understand and then apply a Biblical perspective to what they study. Contributors to the standards include Christian educators living in Canada, Germany, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia, the US, and South Africa.

Says Michael Essenburg of Close the Gap Now, "At Christian schools, we train teachers to help their students apply a Biblical perspective to course content. These standards, which will serve as the basis of a teacher training program, will help us provide teachers with challenging, coherent, relevant training."

Download: Biblical Perspective Teacher Training Standards]]>JEMA members network on cell churches and house churcheslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-01-31T21:30:39+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/3b689855916aa68fa510292534c1fd32-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/3b689855916aa68fa510292534c1fd32-29.html#unique-entry-id-29On January 31, several Japan Evangelical Missionary Association members interested in growing cell churches and houses churches attended Connect2Grow's first network meeting. During the meeting, participants discussed their visions and began the documentation of goals for cell/house churches.

Connect2Grow was created and is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.]]>SEND International staff attend DRAWLIFE Fundamentalslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMA2008-02-01T15:30:29+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a179ef827538a6b63cd1edd47436fb39-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/a179ef827538a6b63cd1edd47436fb39-28.html#unique-entry-id-28Productivity 200802 150X112In preparation for doing annual personnel conferences, 13 SEND International staff participated in a 4-hour DRAWLIFE Fundamentals workshop. Said one participant, “I’m prepared to do conferences better.” Added another, “As a result of this workshop, I value doing conferences more.”

During the Feb. 1 workshop, SEND staff:
  • Used the DRAW inquiry process (Define • Respond • Analyze • What’s next).
  • Enhanced their LIFE skills (Listening • Inquiry • Focusing • Encouragement).
  • Explored 5 Christian beliefs about drawing out the blessings God has put in His people.
  • Developed a list of hot tips for drawing out.
]]>JEMA members develop work-related debriefing toolslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2008-01-24T13:54:33+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fbd7dd0a5dceb02a4f99232de9627556-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fbd7dd0a5dceb02a4f99232de9627556-27.html#unique-entry-id-27Productivity2008 150X113At Connect2Empower's January 24 meeting, JEMA members developed work-related debriefing tools. Participants:
  • Discussed current practice.
  • Learned about the DRAW inquiry process (Define • Respond • Analyze • What's next).
  • Watched a video on Lencioni's 3 signs of a miserable job (anonymity • irrelevance • immeasurement).
  • Used a template to begin development of a work-related debriefing tool.
Connect2Empower was created and is facilitated by Close the Gap Now.
]]>YWAM staff deepen LIFE skillslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2008-01-04T13:18:57+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7123972b88d5656f6d4cc410402d291a-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/7123972b88d5656f6d4cc410402d291a-26.html#unique-entry-id-26Coach2008.01As part of team training, 16 YWAM Japan staff located in the Tokyo area participated in coach training. During the 6-hour coach training held January 3-4 at Tokyo Bible Church in Shin Koiwa, participants:
  • Discussed Christian beliefs about empowering others, including the belief that God is at work in the heart of every believer.
  • Considered questions like, “What can a question do better than a statement?”
  • Enhanced their skills in listening, inquiring, focusing, and encouraging.
  • Gave and received coaching.
Here’s what participants said about GROWLIFE Fundamentals coach training:
  • I learned to encourage others better.
  • Simple skills used intentionally to help others can make a big difference to someone.
  • I enjoyed learning how to listen better and ask questions in a different way.
YWAM Japan focuses on training, evangelism (including church planting), and mercy ministries.]]>GROWLIFE participants focus on encouraging otherslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-12-13T22:11:41+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8affe2b9e4412afbdb8513438d538540-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8affe2b9e4412afbdb8513438d538540-25.html#unique-entry-id-25During the Dec. 13 GROWLIFE meeting, participants reflected on how to encourage others and gave and received coaching. Facilitated by Close the Gap Now, GROWLIFE will continue meetings in 2008:
  • Feb. 14 (Goals)
  • March 13 (Reality)
  • April 10  (Options)
  • May 8 (Will do)
]]>COACHLIFE discusses developing authentic relationshipslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2007-12-06T11:08:40+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/94af5186c4b534f9c41cbfab76469d18-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/94af5186c4b534f9c41cbfab76469d18-24.html#unique-entry-id-24During the Dec. 6 COACHLIFE meeting, members networked, discussed portions of chapters 7-8 of Leadership Coaching, and watched/discussed a DVD clip on developing authentic relationships.

COACHLIFE, a community of practice facilitated by Close the Gap Now for participants and graduates of Keith Webb's coach training, will continue meetings in 2008:
  • Jan. 10 (Chapters 9-10: Client's agenda/defining goals)
  • Feb. 7 (Chapters 11-12: Listening)
  • March 20 (Chapters 13-14: Questions)
  • April 17 (Chapters 15-16: Taking action and support structures)
  • May 1 (Chapter 17: Encouragement and expectations)
]]>Missionaries discuss reflectionlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCommunities of PracticeJEMA2007-11-30T10:54:59+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ea0f3a3b34c756bfd2e213126daafd1f-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ea0f3a3b34c756bfd2e213126daafd1f-23.html#unique-entry-id-23At Connect2Empower's November 29 meeting, members discussed the power of reflection, how to cultivate reflection within their mission organizations, and procedures and tools their organizations use.

During its Jan. 24 meeting, Connect2Empower's members will design debriefing tools that address work-related topics. Started by Close the Gap Now, Connect2Empower is a community of practice for Tokyo-based missionaries interested in member care and professional development.]]>Church Planting Institute participants further develop visionlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2007-11-09T19:45:07+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99c5f657db0a628d63aa991dae0c67af-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/99c5f657db0a628d63aa991dae0c67af-22.html#unique-entry-id-22CPI Nov 9During the November 6-9 Church Planting Institute held near Mount Fuji, over 300 missionaries and Japanese church workers further developed a vision for God’s kingdom. Participants worshipped and listened to keynote speakers, including Nobuji Horikoshi, Steve Childers, Mitsuo Fukuda, Josiah Bancroft, and Gary Fujino. Participants also attended a variety of workshops, including Close the Gap Now’s GROWLIFE Fundamentals.

]]>CAJ staff participate in GROWLIFE traininglearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach Training2007-11-05T12:33:00+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/065ad06ddbcaef24e74b6927a576ee20-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/065ad06ddbcaef24e74b6927a576ee20-21.html#unique-entry-id-21CAJ Nov 5Sixteen staff from the Christian Academy in Japan participated in GROWLIFE coach training. Participants identified their goals, transformed closed questions into open-ended questions, watched and discussed coaching demonstrations, and gave and received coaching.

Said one participant, "GROWLIFE has helped me see the importance of setting goals in all of my life in order to make progress."]]>Church Multiplication Team participates in GROWLIFE traininglearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-10-20T19:00:20+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4706b620c29f45d83ac1a54bc482ed1d-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4706b620c29f45d83ac1a54bc482ed1d-20.html#unique-entry-id-20A2 octOct. 19-20, the Church Multipication Team of Asian Access participated in GROWLIFE coach training while staying on Etajima (near Hiroshima). The 26 participants enhanced their listening and inquiry skills and used the GROW process to empower each other.

Said one participant, “It enhanced my ability to help people think about the big picture before they zoom in on what they need to do to accomplish their goals.”]]>Training helps missionaries focuslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingJEMA2007-10-20T18:49:47+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fefcce43c3a24d9976aacdbbeafa30d8-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fefcce43c3a24d9976aacdbbeafa30d8-19.html#unique-entry-id-19A2 self-managementAsian Access missionaries involved in church multiplication participated in a 3-hour workshop on self-management. On Oct. 20, participants discussed the difference between self-management and time management, used self-assessment data to find ways to increase self-management, and used tools to identify goals, develop action plans, and schedule priorities.

Commented one participant, “This training really helped me figure out what I really need to focus on.”]]>Coaching workshop participants focus on inquirylearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-09-24T17:55:37+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8f74b7f046f11b11bc09abbbb09ce044-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/8f74b7f046f11b11bc09abbbb09ce044-18.html#unique-entry-id-18Coaching Sept 24Participants in the Sept. 24 GROWLIFE Inquiry coaching workshop focused on their inquiry skills. The 10 participants began the day by considering questions like "How is God growing you?" and "How is the Holy Spirit at work in your heart?" Then, participants learned and applied 3 inquiry tools (REALITY√, SWOT, and 6 Keys), before wrapping up the day by giving and receiving coaching.

]]>EurAsia Team discussions fruitfullearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2007-09-22T14:59:24+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4497809a25bc14a60d1da8a8f42d0691-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4497809a25bc14a60d1da8a8f42d0691-17.html#unique-entry-id-17EurAsia Sept 2007September 20-22, the EurAsia Team of Christian Reformed World Missions worked together for 3 days in Manila on 5 goals: building relations, clarifying goals, brainstorming new ideas, developing a better understanding of the big picture, and networking.

Close the Gap Now provided training around foundational concepts, including:
  • To accomplish your God-given mission, start by defining its achievement.
  • Measure your current level of mission achievement.
  • Take action to achieve your mission.
  • The body of Christ works together.
Said a EurAsia Team member, “It was great meeting folks from other countries, many who are doing similar work to mine. Discussions centered on the global mission of the CRCNA and were fruitful.”]]>GROWLIFE helped, says workshop participantlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-09-17T07:25:56+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/cfec024a4b1ff70c73cdf9641a3228e7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/cfec024a4b1ff70c73cdf9641a3228e7-16.html#unique-entry-id-16GROWLIFE Sept 2007"GROWLIFE helped me to clarify what my goals are...to take the next steps in achieving them...to know effective ways to help others achieve their goals," said a participant of the Sept. 15 GROWLIFE coach training.

During the workshop, the 10 participants used open-ended questions to help others clarify a goal, explore it, and take action to achieve it.]]>ICS Hong Kong focuses on the 4 Biblical perspective fundamentalslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2007-08-08T15:57:08+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c89a08e6f0b8cf5ef1911564321bbd38-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c89a08e6f0b8cf5ef1911564321bbd38-15.html#unique-entry-id-15ICS HKOn August 7, the teachers of International Christian School (Hong Kong) continued their efforts to help their students understand and apply a Biblical perspective by focusing on the 4 Biblical perspective fundamentals:
  1. Targeting Biblical perspective
  2. Asking Biblical perspective questions
  3. Assessing understanding and application of a Biblical perspective
  4. Meeting student learning needs
During this Close the Gap Now workshop, participants:
  • Considered questions: What’s exciting about helping students apply a Biblical perspective? Why does God ask questions? How does assessment affect student learning?
  • Identified Biblical perspective questions they will ask students.
  • Developed assessments using the 4 characteristics of an effective Biblical perspective assessment.
  • Developed a plan to meet 1 student learning need regarding understanding and using a Biblical perspective.
]]>CSI's Annual Leadershop Convention a Successlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingCSI2007-08-01T13:17:45+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2cb258d65bf73c49578c28c7387db299-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/2cb258d65bf73c49578c28c7387db299-14.html#unique-entry-id-14July 24-28, Christian educators attended CSI’s Annual Leadership Convention In Harbor Springs, MI, USA. Conference keynote speakers included Cornelius Plantinga, Lauren F. Winner, and Walt Mueller.

Conference participants attended a variety of sessions, including a workshop by Close the Gap Now entitled, “Close the Gap: Action Steps to More Closely Match Schoolwide Goals and Results.”]]>GROWLIFE Fundamentals training goes welllearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-06-15T12:54:42+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b53ee23babb3beb5626cde7a0aedff90-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b53ee23babb3beb5626cde7a0aedff90-13.html#unique-entry-id-13200706coachtrainingJune 14- 15, thirteen participants learned about, experienced, and used the GROW process (Goal, Reality, Options, Will do) and LIFE skills (Listening, Inquiring, Focusing, Encouraging).

Participants commented:
  • "I came wanting coaching to become a reality, to put flesh on a concept. I not only saw it, but I was able to do it."
  • "I enjoyed lots of guided practice in a relaxed atmosphere.... An insight I had is I need to give less advice and ask more questions."
  • "The seminar is well prepared and anyone will feel comfortable joining the seminar."
]]>Missionaries learn about, experience, and use GROWLIFElearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-05-12T09:06:13+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e66134c80ce71204f858de186b8dda2-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/1e66134c80ce71204f858de186b8dda2-12.html#unique-entry-id-12TrainingCoaching2007 Here's what some of the participants in the May 11 GROWLIFE Fundamentals workshop said:
  • "This workshop gave me some tools that I will be able to use in discipling."
  • "I gained confidence and believe I can help others with GROWLIFE. Thanks!"
  • "I came away from the workshop with concrete, measurable, attainable action steps to achieve my goal. Amazing!"
  • "I don't know when I've been to a workshop that is so practical."
  • "GROWLIFE can transform your life and your ministry and your organization."
During the workshop, the 17 participants learned about the coach's heart, practiced coaching skills, and gave and received coaching. ]]>Missionaries and Christian school staff attend coach traininglearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-03-08T12:30:06+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9a769927f1c11c0e441553fc30ddd5c2-9.html#unique-entry-id-9http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/9a769927f1c11c0e441553fc30ddd5c2-9.html#unique-entry-id-9GarywebOn March 2, 20 missionaries and Christian Academy in Japan staff attended Close the Gap Now's GROWLIFE coach training. Participants learned about, experienced, and used the GROW process (Goal, Reality, Options, Will do) and LIFE skills (Listening, Inquiring, Focusing, Encouraging).

Said one participant, “It was helpful for me to see the role coaching can play in a pastor’s ministry.”

Another added, “I can already take home and apply some skills.”]]>Christian school board explores importance of defining mission achievementlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2007-02-15T10:29:36+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c9bbba6a163cd5b0e2a33079dd55667e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/c9bbba6a163cd5b0e2a33079dd55667e-8.html#unique-entry-id-8Feb. 13, the board of Christian Academy in Japan participated in a 90-minute training by Close the Gap Now entitled, “To Achieve Your Mission, Start by Defining It.”

During the training, the board considered questions like:
  • If you don’t define the mission, how effectively can you and the headmaster work?
  • You’re the headmaster—what do you need to know?
  • How can a definition of mission achievement empower a headmaster?
  • How can you define your mission effectively?
As a result of the training, board members were able to:
  • Recite the mission.
  • Understand and recite the MOSAIC school improvement process (Mission, Objectives, Standards-based Assessment, Improvement plans, Collaboration for results).
  • Use the MOSAIC scorecard to explain the big picture.
In an e-mail to Close the Gap Now, one board member wrote, “THANK YOU again for using your coaching skills yesterday with the board. There were a lot of individual comments made to me about how helpful and insightful the presentation was.”

]]>Mountainview International focuses on Biblical perspectivelearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2007-02-12T10:28:42+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/705fd9208a08063ea96e7ed25fa44bc6-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/705fd9208a08063ea96e7ed25fa44bc6-7.html#unique-entry-id-7DSC03318On Feb. 8, 25 Mountainview International staff completed a Close the Gap Now workshop, focusing on increasing student understanding and application of a Biblical perspective by using questions, using assessment, and meeting student needs.

During the workshops, participants considered questions:
  • Why does God ask questions?
  • What makes a good question good?
  • How can you use your Biblical perspective questions effectively?
  • How can assessment increase your students’ understanding and application of a Biblical perspective?
  • How can you meet your students’ learning needs?
  • How will you use what you have learned?
As a result of the workshop, participants commented:
  • “I need to change the focus of my teaching from simply facts-based to more critical thinking and Biblical perspective teaching.”
  • “I realize I need to understand how God sees my subject and approach it from that view.”
  • “An insight I had is that Biblical integration can be both relevant and intentional.”
]]>Close the Gap Now initiates monthly GROWLIFE coach training sessionslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-01-18T12:28:18+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4c1ac29ba21247c38e75c3c014ab372e-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4c1ac29ba21247c38e75c3c014ab372e-6.html#unique-entry-id-6Today, Close the Gap Now initiated monthly GROWLIFE coach training sessions for missionaries and staff members of Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ). Held at CAJ, training sessions are scheduled for February 15, March 15, April 18, and May 17.

During these 90-minute sessions, participants will:
  • Watch coaching demonstrations
  • Learn about Christian coaching beliefs and the GROWLIFE coaching model
  • Practice coaching skills
  • Give/receive coaching during 15-minute coaching sessions
Sessions are designed for those who want to explore coaching and see if they want to attend a coaching workshop (1-4 days), or if they want to pursue coach certification.

GROWLIFE5]]>Close the Gap Now starts monthly COACHLIFE training sessionslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgCoach TrainingJEMA2007-01-12T11:27:52+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4f62f9d002120600827c827e482ba327-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/4f62f9d002120600827c827e482ba327-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Today, Close the Gap Now started monthly COACHLIFE training sessions designed for participants in and graduates of the Core Coaching Skills certificate program (and certified coaches) who want to network and further hone coaching skills.

Held at Christian Academy in Japan, training sessions are scheduled for February 1, March 1, April 5, and May 10.]]>ACSI’s International Christian Educators Conference in Brazil goes welllearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2007-01-11T09:26:20+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f709ccba85e9733ea714b00d0657e2f2-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/f709ccba85e9733ea714b00d0657e2f2-4.html#unique-entry-id-4Jan. 3-5, Christian educators attended the ACSI International Christian Educator Conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Conference keynote speakers included Joseph Kim, Dave Wilcox, and Donald Lichi.

Conference participants attended a variety of workshops, including 4 Close the Gap Now workshops:
  • What Do You Want Your Students to Understand, Be Able to Do, and Value?
  • How Well Are Your Students Achieving Your Student Learning Outcomes?
  • Use Assessment to Measure and Increase Student Understanding and Application of a Biblical Perspective
  • Meet Student Learning Needs to Increase Student Application of a Biblical Perspective
The conference closed with a banquet held at Pan American Christian Academy.

PACAfrontgate]]>Christian school board explores importance of a scorecardlearnmore@closethegapnow.orgProductivity TrainingStrategic Planning2006-12-15T09:25:33+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6fefaaceee5db2e9ffe1f37d21da9451-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/6fefaaceee5db2e9ffe1f37d21da9451-3.html#unique-entry-id-3Dec. 12, the board of Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ) explored the importance of a scorecard. During the 90-minute training by Close the Gap Now, the board considered several questions, including:
  • How can a scorecard help CAJ to close the gap?
  • To what extent are CAJ students achieving the student objectives?
  • Is CAJ doing everything possible to support all students increasing achievement of the student objectives?
As a result of the training, board members were able to:
  • Recite the mission.
  • Understand and recite the MOSAIC school improvement process (Mission, Objectives, Standards-based Assessment, Improvement plans, Collaboration for results).
  • Use the MOSAIC scorecard to explain the big picture.
Said one board member to Close the Gap Now, “Thank you for your time with us this past Tuesday. The way that you laid out the presentation was very clear.”
]]>ACSI educators focus on community, school improvement, and Biblical perspectivelearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed TrainingACSI2006-11-16T09:25:06+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b02937f53e2e624731845e9e1a73dbb4-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/b02937f53e2e624731845e9e1a73dbb4-2.html#unique-entry-id-2Nov. 8-10, Christian educators attended ACSI’s International Christian Educator Conference in Bangkok, Thailand. Speakers included Bruce Hekman, Isabel Searson, Harlan Lyso, Tom Penland, Dave Wilcox, and Michael Essenburg (of Close the Gap Now).

Following workshops on community and school improvement, conference participants attended 2 Close the Gap Now workshops that focused on biblical perspective:
  • Use Assessment to Measure and Increase Student Understanding and Application of a Biblical Perspective
  • Meet Student Learning Needs to Increase Student Application of a Biblical Perspective

The conference closed with a visit to the International Community School of Bangkok.

International Community School of Bangkok - View picture ICS Bangna Facilities

]]>Christian Academy in Japan staff consider “What makes a good question good?”learnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2006-09-21T11:24:36+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fed142a62a21b964a812790df55c6f25-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/fed142a62a21b964a812790df55c6f25-1.html#unique-entry-id-1DSC03108August 23-24 and Sept. 18, Christian Academy in Japan learned the 6 characteristics of a good Biblical perspective question. They then used their learning to develop 1 or more questions they could ask their students. Finally, Close the Gap Now challenged the teachers to find ways to get tier students to respond to their question(s).

]]>Christian Achievement Academy uses Biblical perspective questionslearnmore@closethegapnow.orgChristian Ed Training2006-08-25T08:23:18+09:00http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ee9574f5baccdd88aeb95882620d4ed0-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://closethegapnow.org/news/files/ee9574f5baccdd88aeb95882620d4ed0-0.html#unique-entry-id-0Christian Achievement AcademyOn August 22, staff of Christian Achievement Academy (Yokosuka, Japan) focused on using questions to help students increase their understanding and application of a Biblical perspective.

During the workshop, participants:
  • Considered questions: What happens at a Christ-centered school? Why use questions? What makes a good question good? How can you use questions?
  • Identified biblical perspective questions they will ask students.
  • Identified answers to their biblical perspective questions.
  • Committed to action plans. ]]>