If you’ve been to the TBLC for the Brilliant at the Basics training, you’ve heard the analogy that your team, area, and region are made up of four types of staff.

• Runners - These people “run” simply because that is who they are. They go fast and hard after kids. 

• Joggers - Staff that fall into this category “run” when someone is looking or they are being measured. 

• Walkers - These people want everyone else to just slow down and think it would be easier if we all just went the same speed.

• Riders - They’ve long since stopped trying and are just taking up space on the bus.

Studies show that most organizations spend most of their time catering to walkers and riders. While this happens, runners get tired of slowing down for everyone and eventually leave. 

I’m tired of watching runners leave. I get sad when I see passionate people leave different ministry organizations because they feel like they are running alone. 

I’m looking for runners to join the TBLC Running Club Cohort. I’m looking for staff that lead high school clubs and know that there is no greater place to be than in the stands on a fall Friday night. A group that models Jim Rayburn’s words, “We'd run through trees and parked cars just to spend time with teenagers." I’m looking for people who dream about club and can’t wait for Monday nights. I want staff who truly love to stand in front of kids and speak of Jesus. 

Runners.

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” 
- Eric Liddell, Chariots of Fire

So what will we do in this Running Club? I’m glad you asked. 

• Meet via Zoom once a month for two hours. 

• Travel to Dallas for two overnight retreats hosted at the TBLC.

• Read a book or two together to discuss and apply it to our ministries.

• Look at scripture together.

• Dream big dreams and pray big things.

• Challenge one another.

• Celebrate victories and share disappointments.

But, like anything else you’ve attended at the TBLC, this won’t be normal.

“Whatever’s normal, do the exact opposite. Normal gets normal results.” 
- Jesse Cole, Owner of the Savannah Bananas

We will spend a lot of time outside the box. I’ll draw from the likes of Ted Lasso, The Savannah Bananas, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, etc… along with my 35 years of Young Life experience. This will not be your typical cohort. Even as I type, I’m watching a video of Bono at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. being interviewed. It’s gold and will show up in our materials.

It will also cost you. Not only the time you put into it, but financially as well. It is $100 a month for a 12-month cohort. That will cover all meetings, teachings, books, and supplies. (This does not cover travel to/from the retreats.) Yes, we’ve got light bills to pay at the TBLC, but I also found long ago that people lean in when they’ve got skin in the game. If it’s free, it must not be worth anything and will be treated as such.

“Right now, you have a choice to make. 
Do you want to play the same game as everyone else? 
Do you want to be another unremarkable business? 
Or do you want to change the game?” 
- Jesse Cole

We start in a few short weeks (see the schedule below). Pray about it. Count the cost. Seek wise council. Call me with questions. And if you are in, follow the steps below.

If not, I will know this is simply not the right time for you and I completely understand! Your life is very full and the demands on you are numerous. If it is a timing thing, know that we will be starting a new group in the fall. If it’s only money getting in the way, let me know.