Growth Dynamics International was birthed from the need for an organizational vehicle for the ministry that was already happening based on the grounds of Three Hills Inn. The beginning of the whole venture began with the on-site community beginning to develop tasks of essential remodeling, developing operating procedures, and learning the overall workings of running a Bed and Breakfast business. The second year brought steady expansion through more guests, more staff, and more learning. Questions of philosophy, direction, and long-term sense of call brought about a period of serious soul-searching and discussion with the two other couples that had joined Doug and Charlene Fike as partners in this venture.

The Lord used that process to test the sense of call to provide a place of ministry, retreat, training, and blessing for leaders, and a base of operation for our broader translocal ministry. The result of this processing resulted in greater resolve and understanding of that call as well as revelation of God's heart in setting Three Hills into motion. The priority of ministry was further established through the buyout of partners in initiating this venture.

Through the ministry that was already happening on-site and translocally came the formation of the non-profit entity Growth Dynamics International, Inc. The ministry of GDI can be best understood by describing two venues of ministry: Through on-site ministry and translocal ministry GDI endeavors to work toward the mission of investing strategically in leaders and organizations, enabling clear vision, unleashing potential, and fulfilling God's purposes.

On Site Component
From the early days of Three Hills, God brought a trickle of organizational leaders including pastors, corporate executives, missionaries, and other Kingdom-minded individuals who were in need of replenishing, counsel, and renewal. The primary profiles of people who come for ministry are Kingdom-focused business, government, arts or church leadership families who are burnt out and need replenishing, young leaders creatively exploring God's call, and leaders in a transition phase. There are also retreats, seminars and networking events which are open to a wider range of people, often including people from organizations and leaders whose connection is primarily translocal.
 
Translocal Component
GDI also works with organizations and leaders in the US and internationally. GDI provides oversight, consultation, leadership training, troubleshooting, and strategic planning based on the organization or leader's needs. Churches in crisis have looked to GDI to help provide a crisis intervention system. GDI has been involved in conferences, retreats, and leadership training programs around the country.