Dear Friends and Ministry Supporters, |
Last Fall, I was in the company of hundreds of South Asian leaders, many of whom traveled four days to get to where we were gathered. Present at this gathering were representatives for each of 150 languages from the region who are responsible for deploying a biblical training program for their people group. Freedom to Lead is partnering with groups like these in providing leadership development for some of their key players. The opportunity before us is an incredible one.
The Garden Project is now regarded as a premier leadership development program that is in demand by global organizations, denominations, and indigenous networks in many parts of the world. In response to this growing demand, we are developing an accompanying media strategy that will standardize program quality and has potential to extend program reach far beyond our current capacity. |
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For the past sixteen years, Freedom to Lead International® (FTL) has been focused on using story to develop competent Christ-centered leaders. Each of our eight modules is facilitated in-person during a 21-hour (4-day) intensive session for a cohort of leaders, once every six months over a course of four years. This in-person experience where leaders learn and grow together is an integral component in FTL’s model for cultivating leaders. Though on paper the modules look simple, the content is rich. Its biblical foundation is supported by decades of leadership development experience, PhD-level research, global studies, and created in collaboration with partners of the Majority World.
Since its inception, FTL has emphasized the transference model for expanding our reach. That is, each leader who participates in the program is expected to transfer the modules to a successive generation of leaders in their own communities. FTL has also invested heavily in developing “Master Facilitators” to maintain the quality and momentum of the program. With this strategy, more than 23,500 leaders worldwide have engaged with The Garden Project throughout South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim.
Mastery of FTL’s multi-year curriculum has typically required years of training and development for facilitators. As a result, the quality of transference can deteriorate as program distribution spreads further from the source, and the supply of quality facilitators is not able to keep up the pace with the growing demand.
In response to this, we’ve been working for the past year on a project to incorporate an audio version of The Garden Project. The first module has been field tested in South Asia and is now being translated into four local languages. The next step is to test it in Latin America. The recordings of two more modules are currently in development. Our goal is to have an audio version of all eight modules of The Garden Project in as many as 100 languages in the next five years. With a media version of The Garden Project in hand, FTL’s process for training Master Facilitators will be much faster.
The feedback of the Media Project has been positive so far, with one long-time veteran of FTL’s program saying: |
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“Before this media tool became available, I didn’t think I could become a facilitator in the way that the program deserved. But now I believe I can. This has given me much confidence.” |
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By leveraging modern technology like media and AI, FTL has the potential to multiply its impact by reaching many leaders in scores of language groups around the world. Please pray that God will give us discernment and insight to deploy these tools wisely to accelerate the cultivation of Christ-centered leaders worldwide. |
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The use of media will maintain program quality and extend our program reach. |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
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The following questions are often asked when we talk with people about this Media Project, so here are some quick answers. |
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Is the audio version of The Garden Project going to be broadcast widely (like a radio program)? |
No. A trained facilitator still plays the primary role in the delivery of the program. The setting will still be in-person with other participants. The audio version would merely be a tool to aid the facilitator. |
How does the audio version work in a module event? |
The audio recording provides the content of the module, but the overall experience continues to be interactive. Participants will gather around a media player (later, an app) to listen to the recording until they are told to pause. At each pause, the facilitator will lead the group in a discussion of that section of the recording based on the prompts provided. This might also include use of various devices like role play, songs, activities, and re-telling of the stories. In a typical module, the total time of the audio recording is less than 3 hours. However, the space between the pauses contains four full days of interaction, discussion, and participation.
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| Does FTL charge money to organizations for use of The Garden Project? |
No. When an organization wants to partner with FTL in developing their leaders, FTL provides the product (The Garden Project) and the facilitators at no charge. Various funding models are then discussed to determine how the program gets funded (to cover the cost of transportation, materials, venue, food, etc., over the long term). |
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Can I order a copy of The Garden Project for use with my own ministry? |
FTL does not freely hand out the training manuals. To maintain program quality, facilitators are required to undergo special training. We also maintain that it is difficult to be a facilitator unless one has first experienced The Garden Project as a participant. However, we would be willing to work with teams to provide exposure and training. |
I would like to learn more about becoming a facilitator of The Garden Project. What should I do? |
What is Rick Sessoms working on these days? |
This. The Media Project is one of Rick’s biggest roles during this season. He is providing the content expertise, writing the scripts, voicing the recordings, and coaching key players as he oversees various teams for the project’s translations, testing, and deployment. |
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Thank you for praying for our time in Colombia! |
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Next month, we will be highlighting several stories of what God is doing in this part of the world! Exciting opportunities ahead! |
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Matching Gift Opportunity |
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May this month provide new opportunities for God's love to shine through you! |
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Michelle Sessoms CEO, Freedom to Lead International |
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"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all" – 2 Corinthians 13:14 |
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Copyright © 2025 - Freedom to Lead International |
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