Leaders

Directors & Leaders

Our Ministry is blessed to have a community of helpers and volunteers behind the scenes. Some are prayer partners, local pastors, friends, family, and some are Doxa Theos Advisors and Directors who are passionate about evangelism.  However, all hands-on Volunteers, Leaders, and Teachers within the Maranatha Project are vetted.  

Covenants

All who are involved in the Marantha Project must agree to the Ministry Covenant. Leaders & teachers must also agree to our Leader Covenant.

Background Check Requirements

Every adult who serves in any capacity with the Marantha Project - whether teaching, facilitating role-play, driving for outreach, or managing logistics—must complete a comprehensive background check before being approved. This includes criminal history screening and sex offender registry verification. Leaders are re-screened every three years. 

The Two-Adult Rule

No adult leader or volunteer will ever be alone with a minor in any setting—classroom, restroom, vehicle, or outreach event. 

Ongoing Training & Accountability

Leaders attend mandatory "Leadership & Discipleship Training" and "Child Protection Training" annually. 

*If a leader or teacher ever violates the safeguarding standards outlined in our Child Protection Policies—regardless of intent—they are immediately removed from service pending investigation.

Our Leaders and Teachers are encouraged and trained to practice the following:

Have The Posture of a Biblical Shepherd

Shepherding is not about management; it is about spiritual formation and soul-care.  Serve, Don't Domineer: Authority in the church is given for building up, never for tearing down or controlling (2 Corinthians 10:8). Lead by serving. Model, Don't Just Mandate: Your private prayer life, your marriage, your integrity with money, and your handling of anger will teach your team more than your sermons. Depend on the Holy Spirit: You cannot change hearts. Only the Holy Spirit produces repentance and faith. Your job is to faithfully sow the Word and pray; God gives the growth.

Know Their Flock

You cannot shepherd people you do not know. Proactive Contact: Do not wait for a crisis to check on your people. Schedule regular, intentional time with your direct volunteers and small group members. Ask the Right Questions: Move past superficial small talk. Ask questions like: How is your prayer life? What is the Holy Spirit pressing on your heart? What is your greatest struggle with sin right now? How can I pray for you today? Track the Rhythm: Keep a simple, secure list of those in your care and note when you last spoke with them. Aim to have meaningful spiritual contact with each person at least once a month.

Feed and Equip

A shepherd must feed the sheep. Anchor in Scripture: Ensure all teaching, curriculum, and discipleship materials align strictly with biblical orthodoxy. Check your volunteers' theology, not just their behavior. Equip for Ministry: The goal of shepherding is not to create passive consumers but active disciples. Use the Maranatha Project pathways to train your people to do the work of the ministry, evangelize, and eventually lead others. Pray with Them: When you meet with someone, don't just talk about God. Pray to God with them. Let them hear you confess dependence on Him.

Confront Sin and Conflict

A shepherd must protect the flock from wolves, which sometimes includes confronting a sheep that is wandering into danger. The Matthew 18 Standard: If you observe a brother or sister in unrepentant sin, go to them privately first. Do not gossip. Seek restoration, not victory. Urge True Repentance: Never use grace as an excuse for sin. When confronting sin, clearly name it, show from Scripture why it offends a holy God, and call for genuine repentance (turning away from it), not just regret. Escalation: If private confrontation fails, bring one or two others. If they still refuse to listen, bring it to the elder/leadership body. The goal is always to win the brother back.

Care for the Weary and Wounded

Sheep get battered, bruised, and lost. Bind Up the Broken: Some of your people are carrying the hidden wounds of abuse, addiction, or profound grief. Listen well. Be slow to offer cliché answers. Know Your Limits: You are a leader, not a licensed clinical therapist. If someone is dealing with severe mental health crises, trauma, or addiction, your shepherding role is to spiritually support them while actively connecting them with a professional, a pastor, or a Christian counselor. Guard the Margins: Burnout is a real danger for you and your team. Notice when a volunteer is running on empty. Give them permission to rest. The Sabbath is a shepherding tool.

Leader Self-Care and Accountability

You cannot pour from an empty cup, and you are not immune to temptation. You Have a Shepherd: Every leader at Doxa Theos must have a trusted, mature peer or elder to whom they are accountable. Who is asking you the hard questions? Protect Your Sabbath: Take a full 24 hours off from ministry work every week. God rested, and so must you. Flee Hidden Sin: Guard your eyes, your finances, and your private screen time. The enemy attacks the shepherd to scatter the flock.