Contact: Tom Atema, EQUIP, 888-993-7847 ext 3350, tom.atema@iequip.org

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 26 /Christian Newswire/ -- EQUIP, a non-profit ministry dedicated to the development of Christian leaders internationally, recently concluded their first Partner Forum, March 23-25, 2010 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Building Kingdom Partnerships was the theme of this unprecedented gathering of nearly 90 ministry leaders from around the world. Participants were provided with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership skills, develop partnerships with other ministries, and hear from one of world's leading authorities on leadership, Dr. John C. Maxwell. Maxwell founded EQUIP in 1996.

"We wanted an event that would encourage our partners and give us a chance to say thank you," said Tom Atema, Vice President of International Ministries and Strategic Partnerships for EQUIP. "We have been able to form partnerships with 134 different organizations, which I believe is unprecedented. It has enabled us to exponentially increase our ability to train leaders around the world", he added.

Desmond Frey, President of Desmond Frey Ministries, Zurich, Switzerland, who has been using EQUIP's leadership training material throughout Europe was excited to be involved in the event. "This gathering impressed me," he said. "Just to see the diversity of the people in the room was a reminder of John Maxwell's heart to raise Biblical leaders and fulfill the Great Commission throughout the world," Frey added.

EQUIP is now developing faith-based leaders in over 137 countries. To learn more visit www.iequip.org or contact Tom Atema at tom.atema@iequip.org.