When we think of entering vocational ministry we often focus on building a solid theological foundation. For many leaders this means undertaking a Bible college course and immersing themselves in studying Scripture. Having robust and faithful biblical knowledge is vital for any Christian leader, but as Tim Johnson reflects on his own journey, he’s quick to point out something many leaders quickly discover: Biblical knowledge is only the beginning.
“Three years at Bible College teaches you tools that hopefully you’re using for the rest of your life,” Tim explains. “But, Arrow taught me things that you don’t necessarily get taught in your theological studies.”
And for Tim, it was leadership training for Christian ministry that Arrow helped him navigate through.
Tim’s Journey to Faith
Tim’s story begins in a familiar place. He was raised in a Christian home, with parents who helped shape his early faith around rhythms of church, prayer, the Bible and a loving family.
But a significant moment for Tim included shifting churches and joining a vibrant youth ministry in late high school. Witnessing the passion of other Christians and their faith was an encouragement for Tim to continue exploring his faith and belief in Jesus.
Faced with questions many young adults encounter: Do I really believe this? Or have I simply inherited it? Tim found clarity in a simple but transformative truth: his standing before God was not based on his own efforts, but on what Christ had already accomplished.
“I remember walking out thinking, ‘Jesus has done it all for me.’ That changed everything.”
After theological training, Tim stepped into church ministry. For over 20 years Tim led teams, managed responsibilities, and navigated the complexities of people. Now Tim has started a new journey as a lecturer at Ridley College in Melbourne.
The Gap in Leadership no One Talks About
During Tim’s early days as an Associate Pastor, he was invited to participate in Arrow’s Emerging Leaders program.
“I’d done my theological training and I was working in a large church with a fair bit of responsibility,” he explains. Tim had heard positive testimonies from previous participants and was eager to gain more leadership tools to assist him in his new role.
Tim quickly realised that the Arrow program was not merely leadership training; “my experience of doing Arrow exceeded my expectations, providing really high level leadership training for Christian ministry” he shares. While a theological degree is comprehensive, covering the Bible, theology, and church history, along with some practical ministry skills, Tim discovered a gap in his leadership skills.
“There’s other elements a theology degree can’t cover. For example, managing conflict, leading teams, even self-management… that don’t really fit and maybe you’re not even ready to learn them at that point in time as you’re doing your theological studies.”
A Community that Grows with you
Tim expected the Arrow program to deliver high-quality leadership knowledge and skills. The program not only met these expectations but exceeded them.
“Arrow brought me into a community of very gifted leaders who I walked alongside… talking with them and observing the way that they were leading and so growing in my own leadership capacity and thinking.”
Gathering with leaders from across denominations, Tim found himself in a space that transcended traditional boundaries. Different perspectives, different strengths, different approaches, all centred on the same mission.
This interdenominational environment encouraged thinking, challenged assumptions, and expanded vision. As Tim reflects on his time, he shared, “I love the fact that it breaks down the denominational brands and it actually centres us on Jesus who is our hope.”
Tim recalls being inspired by leaders who approached ministry with creativity, courage, and a deep trust in God’s ability to do more. For Tim, he felt stretched “to think outside my box and to think ‘yeah that is a different way of doing it and it’s a good way of doing it.’”
The Hidden Strength of Leadership
Some of the most impactful leadership lessons Tim learnt doing Arrow were what he calls the “scaffolding” of ministry, the unseen structures that support everything else.
Arrow emphasised the importance of thinking about different levels of leadership, such as moving from performing tasks to leading others and then leading leaders, which helped Tim grow in his capacity with increasing responsibility.
A specific highlight was the self-management session, which involved reading “Getting Things Done” by David Allen, allowing Tim to establish effective self-management systems to avoid becoming overwhelmed or ineffective in ministry.
Formation First, Before Function
More important than leadership skills and tools, Tim praised Arrow for its emphasis on spiritual formation before leadership growth.
Tim appreciated that the Arrow program emphasised spiritual development as much as practical skills, stating that the focus was on “becoming more like Jesus.” This prioritisation was evident in the program’s structure, where “time was set aside for prayer, fasting and spiritual reflection.”
In a culture that often prioritises output over character, this emphasis is both countercultural and essential. Tim recognised that Arrow was “actually about spiritual growth and developing spiritual habits for the long term.”
A Lifelong Posture of Growth
Today, Tim lectures at Ridley College, mentoring and equipping the next generation of church leaders. And the influence of Arrow continues to shape how he invests in others.
At the heart of his encouragement to future leaders is a simple but powerful message, “Leadership is not static.”
Tim advises future leaders to consider their specific leadership context, recognising that they will face continuous change and growth. In this dynamic environment, Tim encourages leaders to have a “growth mindset…and to be continually reading, learning and growing as a leader.”
Even now, decades later, he continues the disciplines Arrow helped establish; reading intentionally, reflecting deeply, and asking, what do I need to learn next?
When reflecting on the impact Arrow can make for Australian Churches, Tim does not shy away from singing Arrow’s praises: “Arrow was a gift to me and I think Arrow is a gift to the Australian church… So if people get the opportunity to do it, I’d definitely encourage them. It is gold.”
If there’s one message Tim would leave with emerging leaders, considering doing Arrow it’s this:
“If you get the opportunity to do Arrow then that is a gift. It’s a wonderful way to grow in leadership.”
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