Downline Blog

No, this isn’t a post about Walter Payton, though such an entry would certainly be of some value (if that went over your head, just ignore me or watch “Sweetness” in action ). Rather, I want to tell you about a common question we receive at Downline Ministries and how I’m now responding to such inquiries. This is fresh in my mind because I just responded to an email this morning. The email/phone call/Tweet usually goes something like this: “I’m from [insert name of relatively difficult... Read More

Being a part of the Emerging Leaders program this year has broadened my worldview and brought about an increased awareness and heart for all nations. Prior to the lessons each week, we take a few moments, altogether as a class, to spotlight a certain country and pray for their specific needs. During this time Downline staff, alumni, and current students share personal testimonies about their experiences in various places- seeing all the ways that God is at work there and how it changed their... Read More

Our Emerging Leaders are asked to volunteer 4-6 hours each week with a church or non-profit during their time in the program. A recent graduate of the EL program has been highlighted by Memphis Athletic Ministries for making such a huge impact through their mentor program. The boy he's been mentoring this year, Javion, wrote his coach Tommy Mambourg a letter of appreciation for the time that he's sacrificed to spend time with him this year. These Emerging Leaders are renewing the city of... Read More

We had a great time at our Renew Memphis Fun Run on Saturday May 5th. It was a fundraiser to help bring the next group of Emerging Leaders. Participants were able to gain "per mile" sponsorships to help out the ministry. Here are some video highlights for those of you who weren't able to be there in person. A big THANK YOU to all who ran, volunteered, and donated to help our Emerging Leader program! Read More

Despite the rainy weather which forced the festivities indoors, last night's Downline graduation for the class of 2012 was a huge success!  A big Downline THANK YOU to Christ United Methodist Church for letting us use their facilities.  It's hard to believe another year is already in the books. With the completion of the 2011-2012 Downline Institute there are now more than 125 pastors and lay leaders in the city of Memphis who have been Biblically equipped and trained in disciple... Read More

Kenny Kennedy was born in Clarksville, TN and stayed in his hometown to attend Austin Peay University. He pursued and received a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Leadership Studies in 2011 knowing that he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. Kenny knew that he didn’t want to jump right into med school, but also knew that he wanted a fun challenge for his gap year. His brother had been discipled by an alumnus of the Downline Institute and he recommended the Emerging Leader... Read More

The class of 2012  share their experiences with the Downline Institute. Read More

Do you have a passion for urban or athletic ministry? Hear from Randy Odom as he describes the impact Emerging Leaders have had by serving with Memphis Athletic Ministries and how he looks forward to hiring from the Emerging Leader Program every year. Now accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program. Click here to apply. Read More

The community within the EL program has been encouraging, challenging, and ultimately transformational in my life. From a young age I struggled with trusting those physically close to me, believing that loneliness was better than betrayal. Specifically the past 5 years I'd been building a wall around my heart from all (even God), pained again by those who were to protect me. Allowing the body of Christ to love me has been my biggest struggle in my faith walk. When I moved to... Read More

"What if I'm not going into vocational ministry? What if I'm going into the business world? How can the Emerging Leader Program benefit me?" Hear from Craig Howard: Read More