All of us at times have questions about the meaning and purpose of our work. We wonder what God wants us to do with the unique gifts and talents He has given us and how He wants us to serve Him through our professions. First Pres Fellows is an opportunity to explore these questions through interaction over God’s Word, professional career assessments and hands-on experience in a paid internship within your chosen profession.

Ask any Fellow, and you will get a resounding testimony about the community among them. The Fellows develop authentic, transparent relationships. They care deeply, share openly and support faithfully. Many form lifelong friendships. Fellows also form deep relationships within our church where they are loved with the love of Christ by host families, mentors and others whom they serve alongside. Finally, the Fellows, as a community, seek out those who do not know Jesus and invite new friends in the workplace and local community to join them on fun outings in the city and mountains.

As Paul made clear in Philippians 3, of all the good that we may aspire to do in life, none is greater than aspiring to know Jesus personally. The highest goal of our fellowship is that each Fellow would know and experience the love of Christ in a far greater way than when they arrived. Authentically pursuing Christ and walking with Him are the centerpiece of every element of the program. Through the program, the Fellows practice daily and weekly spiritual disciplines and life rhythms. Together, they lay a greater foundation in Christ through worship, Bible study and graduate theology courses, and reflection.

Each one of us is called to serve Christ by serving others. Together, the Fellows actively serve in various roles of their choice within the church. They also take on various service initiatives within the Colorado Springs community at both hands-on and strategic levels. The Fellows develop eyes for the needs of others and experience how they can step in and lead at the local level for the glory of Christ.

Jesus Christ has taught the world the power of humble caring leadership. As servant leaders, we are not only called to accomplish a mission, but also to lift up those who have been entrusted to us. At its core, First Pres Fellows is an advanced leadership development program. Fellows develop their own unique leadership styles and abilities. Through graduate coursework, seminars, hands-on practical experiences, and challenging wilderness adventures, Fellows learn to lead with a greater sense of calling and with the very heart of Jesus.

Much of the Fellows’ learning throughout the year culminates in various retreats and wilderness adventures. These developmental events are experientially oriented and are both challenging and fun. They often require the Fellows to dig deep within themselves. The wilderness adventures are led by Retired US Marines Special Ops Colonel Chris Nicewarner and his staff of Silverstone Leadership Ventures. They have led missions all over the world in the most diverse cultures and difficult settings. Throughout the year, they guide us through wilderness learning exercises, challenges, discussions and reflections.

Floyd Sebald has more than 30 years of experience in ministry and in organizational leadership and development. He served 22 years in the country of Mongolia with CRU, helping start multiple ministries and developing staff, leaders and teams. He held several positions in Mongolia, including National Director of CRU for 12 years and Team Leader of Leadership Development and Human Resources for five years. He also worked on the faculty of the National University of Mongolia, where he taught classes in forestry, biometrics and experimental design. He oversaw research projects and provided extensive consultation and service to the Mongolian government.

Floyd started his career with the U.S. Forest Service, working in silviculture and timber management. He holds a B.S. in Multi-Resource Land Management and an M.S. in Forest Ecology and Silviculture. Early in his career, he served with Cru at Northern Arizona University. Floyd’s greatest joy in work and ministry is encouraging and developing emerging leaders. He lives in Colorado Springs with his wife Lynne. Together, they have three adult sons who love the Lord, and six grandchildren.