ConvergeUSA Assessment Center Update

In the early nineties, under the leadership of Paul Johnson, the TeAmerica Church Planting Assessment Center was born.  The TeAmerica Assessment Center is one of the longest running, most influential and highly trusted Assessment Centers in the country. 

The ConvergeUSA Assessment Center is beginning a whole new era in church planting assessments.  New leadership, a re-evaluation of the core procedures and building-blocks, a new pre-assessment protocol, upgraded diagnostic measures, and a fresh look at the competencies of emerging leaders are just some of the changes being embraced as we prepare for the future.

The ConvergeUSA Assessment Centers will be operated on a regional basis around the country, using local host churches with highly successful church planting experience as primary sites.  The actual assessment team is a composite of highly skilled professionals in leadership development/assessment and experienced church planters who know first-hand the challenges of getting new churches started.  ConvergeUSA Assessment Centers continue to enjoy a close partnership with the Minneapolis-based consulting group, Strategic Team-Makers, Inc. and with the growing network of churches associated with Converge Worldwide.

Many sending agencies, churches, and denominations have found ConvergeUSA Assessment Centers (formerly “TeAmerica”) to be a helpful tool in the process of enlisting new church planters.  We hope to expand and build upon that fine tradition.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Curt Gruber, Co-Director, grew up in a church plant in central Minnesota and pastored in 3 churches over 30 years, plus a couple interim pastorates. Graduated from Bethel Seminary (1982) and Fuller Seminary (2000). Post-graduate studies at UC Boulder, San Diego State, and Claremont Graduate School. Adjunct instructor with Bethel University, teaching leadership, church planting, and evangelism. Associate Exec. Minister/Director of Church Planting for Converge Southwest (2002 to present). Also currently planting Legacy Church in La Mesa, CA (launched in February 2008). Curt resides in San Diego, California with his wife, Lisa, and son, Michael.

Marlan Mincks, Co-Director, is a church planter from Waukon, Iowa. The church he planted four years ago now owns a movie theater and pizza restaurant which ministers to the community in creative ways. Marlan has previously started three businesses, served as an interim pastor and has been with the Converge Assessment Center since 2004. He is married to his wife Terri and has two sons. He enjoys mountain biking, baseball, time with his family and new challenges.

Susan Ward, Administrator, lives in New Ulm, MN with her husband Scott. She has two young adult daughters. Susan has a Masters Degree from Bethel University in Organizational Leadership and is a Certified Leadership Coach.

 

 

Strategic Team Makers, Inc. was founded in 1985 as a consulting firm that specializes in building productive relationships in business and organizational settings.

Jerry Dahl - Founder, has been a relational consultant and counselor for over thirty years. He is a nationally recognized lecturer, author, and skilled facilitator.  He has been serving as the resident counsel of the TeAmerica Assessment Center since its inception.  Also serves as the resident counselor of many other church planting assessment centers throughout North America.

Steve Dahl - Vice President of Production and co-facilitator, brings to STM certification and 9 years experience in facilitating and personality instruments.  He has been serving as the administrator/facilitator of the TeAmerica Assessment Center for over ten years. 

For more details on the ConvergeUSA Assessment Center process