The Founder’s Forum. The name pegs positively from a marketing perspective. The Founder’s Forum: let it roll off your tongue a couple of times. The Founder’s Forum. What is it? – who is it? – and why should it matter, to you? (BTW: this is NOT a fund-raiser. I’m seeking to serve, not to solicit you.)
I’m a word guy, and I don’t throw them around without intentionality. The Founder’s Forum; allow me to unpack that headline with you…
Founder’s. In the domain of The Master’s Program community, apostrophes are important to us. Master’s: we’ve recognized from the get-go that there is only one Master, and it’s the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s the point-of-origin for TMP; He’s the source of our model for moving leaders from disciples to apostles/Kingdom Leaders. The apostrophe – Master’s – matters, a ton.
Founder’s: in the TMP community, I’m the Founder. Since passing the CEO mantle to Jeff Gerhardt three years ago – at God’s perfect time, midway through my leukemia life-or-death era – my title and role changed in this community. I’m now the Founder. The CEO title will continue to transfer in successive generations… but there will only/always be one Founder; that’s my ongoing title.
Forum. During your time in The Master’s Program, you and the rest of your cohort came together twelve times – one day, per quarter for three years – to work through our proprietary curriculum in an orderly manner. You knew what to expect: for about 100 hours – spread across 36 months – you would claim your spot and allow me – or, one of our great partner coaches – to control the conversation.
What’s a “forum?” According to the Oxford dictionary, it’s “a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged.”
Since you completed your Kingdom leadership onboarding protocol – ie., your 36-month journey through The Master’s Program – you’ve been “on the field,” pursuing your ultimate life plan that embraces your responsibilities/opportunities in your personal, family, professional and Kingdom domains. You’re on active duty on all four fronts, all the time. You realize that the ultimate invitations into Kingdom leadership will only come from God to the extent that you’ve built your character and credibility through the balance that is non-negotiable among the other three domains.
Here’s the practical question: where do you find an informed conversation circle among whom those biblical imperatives are understood? You may be in relationship with some other TMP grads whose relational continuity provides you informed collaboration… or, you may be limited to a circle of friends who get some of your life, but don’t fully understand the nature of your Kingdom Calling.
I’m targeting this email to you, and the elite fraternity of Master’s Grads who comprise the comrades who are now my primary ministry life focus. You can turn me down… or, you can consider my invitation. What’s up?
At this point, I’ve entered the “in-remission” category for my life-threatening leukemia. My capacity is stabilized, and I reject and detest the American ideal of “retirement” and the attendant bucket-list devotion that has made too many of my contemporaries into full-time indulgence connoisseurs. My remaining days are focused toward serving my Kingdom leadership colleagues – among whom you are counted! – in hopes of amplifying and accelerating your Eternal impact.
What will that look like? Stay tuned. I’ll be initiating conversations – and, likely, invitations – that will allow our “forum” experience to emerge and flourish. I’d love the chance to both inform you – sharing things I continue to learn that would be, potentially, beneficial to you – and to invoke you to posit both your challenges and your discoveries – with me, and with your TMP grad/peers – as we all continue our refinement as best-in-class leaders in His Church, in our generation!
At the bottom of this email is a “comment” opportunity. It’s open to any/all recipients to both post and to read. Would you take a minute to give me some of your immediate reaction? This FF community will not encourage passive observation; we’re out to stimulate active conversation. I’m giving you my current thinking about us moving forward – together – in the days ahead. How about weighing-in on my thinking and giving us all some of yours?
The “forum” model does not allow or encourage silence or avoidance. Wade in with me, would you? How would you like to become part of this collection of power players who are out to change the world and build God’s Kingdom, in concert with one another?
It’s your turn; what say you?
Bob Shank
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Bob, I learned from you that I’m not the only one out here who abhors the concept of “retirement” in the American understanding of that word. God has blessed me with good health so far, and I’ve got miles to go in work for His Kingdom. Count me in!
YES! Lead onward Sir Founder!
As a side note, my 2 year old granddaughter was diagnosed with Leukemia six months ago. I’m thankful for advances in medical science that have found a way to treat that dastardly (is that a word?) disease. She, her mother, and my wife (grandma) are all doing well … one day at
a time. God is being glorified through this journey.
And, I’m Grateful that you are in remission!
Wade will wade in with you to become a part of the collection of power players….wade
Bob,
I welcome the chance to listen, share and learn more about what God is doing in all of us.
Your charge to have us write down how we intended to use our gifts forced me to put in to words what God had written on my heart. I continue to pursue my passion to reach the UUPGS of the world through the Finishing Fund. I know we have biblical responsibilities to “feed and clothe the poor” and to take care of those less fortunate than us, but the “end” will never come until we reach every tongue, tribe and nation with the gospel and make disciples of those who have heard.
Bring it on brother, continue to use your gifts. I look forward to hearing more.
This is a fantastic idea. I would make time on my calendar to participate in a forum with Master’s grads to help encourage and drive my leadership potential to reality. I couldn’t think of a better forum leader than Bob Shank. I would be interested using this concept to enhance my effectiveness as a leader for the Kingdom and the comradery of encouragement of sharing our lives together.
Love this! As I was listening to this, I gathered a few points that stuck.
First, so thankful the Bob is healthy and able to lead such a great idea for a forum of Master’s graduates.
I was looking for something like this as I enjoy hanging with people smarter than me to so I can also grow better every day
Lastly, as leaders in Gods kingdom, who really retires anyway. I believe it’s important to serve the Lord in our kingdom calling until the Lord takes us home or He comes back. However that looks. Praise God for Bob!
Bob — Thank you for continuing to think and act boldly. Your voice and life is an example and an inspiration to me…and to so many Kingdom leaders. Your influence in my life is huge. The clarity of my calling was secured in TMP back in the day at the Lakeside Golf Club. I love where you are headed with FF and would consider it a privilege to join you and other TMP grads in the days ahead as you roll things out. God bless you, Bob! –Chuck Olson
I have five other guys in a small group that meets once a week, but I would like to participate in your forum and spend quality time with more Christian men where we can talk about all the aspects of life, family, business, and faith. I remember the men in my class when I went through TMP a long time ago, and that was valuable time spent not only for the lesson and curriculum, but also for the contact with men of high character and willingness to talk about everything. Count me in.
Sounds amazing, Bob! Iron sharpens iron, and stronger iron sharpens better!
No-one better than a Holy Spirit empowered, Jesus called, Bob-trained TMP grad to fellowship with!
I’m not just “in” — I’ve got the place mats set, lights on, and pencil sharpened for what God has next.
What’s my next move?
Bob,
This is very exciting. Count me in.
Bob we are brothers in Christ I am ready for what you are planning, keep me in the loop. yours in Christ Jim Johnson
Dear Bob,
Your invitation to the Founder’s Forum resonates deeply with me, and my response is an enthusiastic “all in.” How could it be otherwise? Your influence through TMP helped shape the very trajectory that led Debbie and me to be founders of Standing Stone Ministry.
When you talk about rejecting retirement for Kingdom Impact, I smile knowing that’s exactly the mindset you helped instill in me. Standing Stone exists today partly because you taught me to see beyond conventional ministry boundaries and pursue God’s calling with boldness. Your mentorship showed me how to turn marketplace skills into Kingdom tools – a lesson we now pass on to every Ministry Leader we serve.
As I continue seeking God’s direction, particularly with my new book “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?”, I’m convinced there are still larger Kingdom assignments ahead. I pray that my book’s potential will help others discover their calling. It feels like a natural extension of the principles you’ve championed through TMP.
You’ve modeled what it means to be an ambassador for Christ while maintaining authenticity in relationships. That’s why this Forum concept excites me – it’s another example of you creating space for Kingdom leaders to grow together.
Count me in as both a participant and a cheerleader. I’m grateful not just for your impact as a mentor, but for your continued friendship.
Let me know how I can help make this Forum everything God intends it to be.
Following Jesus,
Jim
P.S. Please visit https://hogansjourney.com/ and see how Debbie and I continue to impact others.
Sounds like a great opportunity. Logistics will be key to “make this work”
Scrubbing out well thought out solutions relevant for today’s questions and challenges with precise responses and learnings would be ideal.
“The devil is in the details”
If we get the details down on how this will work to be truly effective …. we beat the Devil!
Bob,
My time at TMP was so huge for me. The timing of my attendance could only be credited to my Master, Jesus. During my time in TMP my Kingdom calling was revealed. Prior to TMP, that calling wasn’t even on my radar. The opportunity had been laid in front of me more than once. Each time I flatly rejected it. While in TMP, God started slowly revealing my calling and post graduation from the program, my calling was clear. Through some quite unexpected circumstances, I accepted a leadership role in a ministry that I had previously rejected multiple times.
The evolution between then and now is quite astonishing.
I welcome your new FF platform. I am excited to participate. God has used you in my life in a very instrumental way. I look forward to participating in this with you. Let’s roll!
Bob,
I loved my 100 hours with you and my fellow TMP cohorts. The Founders Forum sounds like a great program. I look forward gathering together with fellow graduates. Keep me posted.
Thanks,
John
Bob – Great intro to the Founder’s Forum. TMP had a huge impact on me and my family so I look forward to what is ahead with this new adventure. Not sure what it entails, but please include me as it moves forward. Blessings to you my friend.
Bob,
I’m in! Let’s go!
Bill Sousa
There we go! TMP first round was huge, I’m in on what is next.
Yo Bob – FF sounds like a great way to re-connectdd with other brothers and increase our knowledge of our Lord. I’m looking forward to it.
Blessings,
Bob, I’m in. Rod
Bob, I am down to meet with other like minded TMP grads especially as a kingdom marketplace guy in government and fitness circles with millenials and generation Z. God Bless, Chris Reardon, chris@freedomfitnessamerica.org
I’m in and excited to collaborate with other TMP grads to move the Kingdom forward!
Blessings,
Curt
Bob – YES ! I am in and look forward to it. I treasure the deposits of divine wisdom you impart to us. Honored and delighted to participate. God Bless You.
Bob,
Love the idea.
A few quick reactions . . .
first, I have real virtual fatigue; I suggest in-person hugs vs. hug emojis . . .
second, if in-person is a consideration, then that likely means “forums” (or “fora”) vs. a Forum; so, group size is key for relational sparks to fly . . .
third, I suggest we don’t need an event space/destination; rather, I would value a comfy chair in someone’s living room (mine included!).
Love You Brother,
Dan
Charlotte, NC
I am intrigued and excited. Keep me posted as this takes shape.
Are there any TMP teams in Houston, Texas?
Bob,
I’m so happy to hear you are doing better. We moved to Raleigh NC area to help our daughter with her two ill kids. My big worry about the move was that I wouldn’t have any close brothers to work with. Happily I have been able to connect weekly with a great group of men. A Founder’s forum sounds like the obvious next step after TMP. I’d love to be a part.
Sounds great! I’m eager to hear more.
Bob my dear friend and Mentor for now over 12 years what a blessing and I love this new collaborative. As my first Kingdom assignment was a children’s ministry collaborative. Kingdom Coalition for kids I enjoy and thrive in Kingdom communities. And the Masters program and it’s graduates has been my most fruitful one over the years. Starting with the first cohort Jeff Noah and Lance sitting around the table with me for 3 years over 12 years ago. From Jim Hogan Rick McCarthy Russ Klein Bruce bartolomeo Jim West Eric Biscoe and so many more that have shaped my life and poured into me since my initial Kingdom Mentor Jim Hogan turn me on to the Masters program over 12 years ago. And I can never thank you enough Bob when I stood up and wanted to leave the first day of the first session saying I didn’t think this was for me and you said sit back down this is exactly where you need to be right now. Last year I finished my second trip around the Masters program with much more intentionality and much more fruit received. I’m a little slow on the uptake but I know now journaling and going back through the godwinks has been a game changer. Over the last year I’ve been blessed to facilitate a tmpx group that has been global Kingdom leaders part of Kingdom Coalition for kids as well as several others around the globe. If you haven’t had a chance I suggest checking it out tmpx was another game changer as a facilitator I had no option but to be present and not drift off into my own world during the sessions and also be prepared for them. My growing Kingdom community seems to be more and more the Masters program graduates both indirect and direct thanks again for everything looking forward to the continued Journey. I would love to sit down and get caught up when our schedules permit. Thanks again Bob your friend Daniel
Bob, I’m in! Reminded of Groucho Marx’s famous line about not being sure about being a member of any club that would let someone like him join… I’m blessed by the invitation and grateful to see where this next season takes us all.
JK
Bob,
I’m in! I’m enthused! And I’m grateful in anticipation.