LeadershipConneXtions

ACCS Leadership Projects and Papers

I taught at ACCS in Hyderabad back in January. The course was a course on Building and Leading Teams. I recently received the reserach and/or project papers that were assigned during that time.

It was a lot of fun (and very satisfying) reading them and seeing the learning that had taken place on the part of the course participants.

There were several that were just OUTSTANDING projects and assessments. Fortunately, none were even close to the cartoon below.  :-)

Brian Rice

A Few Pictures of the ACCS Class

I just wanted to drop a few pictures on the site of the classroom which was my home for about six hours each day while I was at ACCS. I was really remiss in not getting more pictures while I was there. it just seems a bit awkward to ask someone to take photos of the American doing ministry! Still, here are a few to look at.

Brian Rice

A "Chance" Meeting With R. Jeyaraj

One of the great joys of my recent trip to India to teach at the Asian College of Cultural Studies (ACCS) was being able to spend time with my friend R. Jeyaraj. I have known Jeyaraj for many years, having met him when he was a part of the faculty at Bethel Bible Institute in South India.

Once I moved to Cortland, NY to be senior pastor at FBD (Now GRACE Community Church), I lost touch with Jeyaraj for a long time. During that time he took a position as director of the M.Div. program at ACCS and has been there for about ten years.

Last year, through a "chance" and very brief meeting when I stopped in Bangalore, India to visit a university, there was Jeyaraj who had come down to visit the school. We connected, I gave him a business card and we talked about Leadership ConneXtions International. The next contact I had was when he emailed me to ask if I could be a replacement professor for a course at their school. I was delighted to do that.

This is just one of our many examples of networking and partnering. God is creating all kinds of relationships and networks and we want to join in with that work for the purpose of promoting leadership development around the world.

Thanks for all you are doing to develop leaders in your places of work and ministry and for your friendship and partnership with LCI.

Brian Rice

Finished in Hyderabad

Today was the last day of class. It has been a great six days. I'll have pictures of the students posted in a Photo Album in a few days.

I feel sad saying goodbye. Most of the students were either pastors or missionaries working in some very challenging situations. They were very appreciative of the class and I was deeply challenged by their insights, their faith and their commitment. There are some very good leaders and emerging leaders in the group.

Now I am heading to Delhi early tomorrow morning.

Brian Rice

Quick Update From Brian Rice

Hi Everyone:

The week is drawing to an end. It has been an intense week of working with about 20 pastors and missionaries. They have been an awesome group to do leadership development with and walk them through the topic of team building. It has been a real learning experience for me to cross cultures and speak of these things in meaningful ways. The feedback has been quite good and I am grateful that I have been able to be helpful for them. (Pictured to the left are some of the participants working on a small group exercise, talking about how leaders can introduce change in change resistant organizations!)

I have one more day in Hyderabad and then I go to visit a friend who lives and works in Delhi.

Brian Rice

Sunday Sightseeing in Hyderabad

It was a long trip to India. I got a ton of reading done on the plane, but I was glad to touch down in Delhi. I had a 6 hour overnight in a hotel near the airport and on Sunday morning flew down to Hyderabad early in the morning.

My friend Jeyraj was there to meet me and take me to ACCS (Asian College of Cultural Studies) which is the main Operation Mobilization training center in India. They have a very nice college and seminary here along with a retreat and conference center. January is the month of intensive courses for the M.A. and M.Div. students. Since it is located in the city of Hyderabad, it has a very cosmopolitan feel about it.

I've met a lot of good leaders and interesting people. This place is VERY BUSY with all kinds of activity and lots of "foreigners" passing through. I'll have some pictures and stories to tell you soon.

I had about five hours on Sunday when I was able to do a little sightseeing. Here is a picture of a very impressive "fort - fortress - castle - city" or whatever you want to call it. it is simply huge and goes on forever. What you see in the background is only a small portion of the structure.

Monday and Tuesday were non-stop teaching and mentoring sessions with missionaries and pastors (the students in the course I am teaching). I am having a great time. I am teaching people who are working in Tajikistan, Bangladesh, various parts of India and the Philippines.

Wish you were all here!

Brian Rice

Leaving for India

I leave for India today (Friday). I am taking the train from Lancaster to Newark Airport. I fly into Delhi, have an overnight layover and then take an early morning (Sunday) flight to Hyderabad.

On Monday I begin teaching at the Asian School of Cultural Studies located in Hyderabad (see map). There will be about 30 pastors and church leaders on the theme of Building and Leading Teams.

I'm not sure if I'll be able to provide updates on this blog about India while in India, but if not, I will as soon as I return to the States.

Pray that I would be able teach culturally useful leadership ideas and practices to those in attendance.

Also pray that I would be able to connect with several individuals who have a real passion for doing leadership development in India. One of the MAIN STRATEGIES of Leadership ConneXtions is that we find the right international partners to train, mentor and then partner with for ongoing leadership development.

To see the Course Syllabus click here for a copy Download syllabus.pdf

Brian Rice