3 Things It Took Me 40 Years to Learn!
It seems like yesterday I was in my 20's planting a church. Now I'm in my 60's learning how to be a grandfather! How did this happen?
As I look back on almost 40 years in ministry, I've learned that 3 things must be central in ministry:
#1. The Gospel
The purpose of the gospel is not merely to forgive us, but also to change us into true worshippers of God, authentic lovers of people, and agents of transformation in the world.
#2. The Church
The church is the only institution on earth Jesus has promised to build and to bless. This is why the church is the most effective evangelistic, discipleship, and mercy methodology.
#3. The Education of Church Leaders
The health of the church in every generation is directly linked to the health of its leaders. When church leaders flourish, churches flourish. When churches flourish, people and societies flourish. To put the education of church leaders first is to put society first.
Looking back with joy and sadness
In partnership with people like you, I've had the privilege of helping educate church leaders from more than 50 countries and 300 denominations. But I've also had my heart broken by seeing this critical need of church leaders.
Most church leaders around the world lack the training and tools to start and develop churches that transform lives and have a lasting impact on their communities.
Looking forward with new hope
For the first time in history...
We can bring affordable, practical, seminary-level courses to students where they live, in their language, and adapted to their culture.
Using our innovative online and onsite educational platform, we can now equip leaders, wherever they live, to start and develop churches that have effective ministries of evangelism, discipleship, and service to the poor.We're launching new courses for under-served church leaders in West Africa, Southern Asia, North America, with new doors opening in Europe. Take a look at some of the things God is already doing through Pathway Learning-and what lies ahead in 2017:
West Africa
After years of training West African leaders, next summer we're launching our "training trainers" course. See French video and leader testimony: Click Here.
South Asia
After launching our first Mandarin course this year in the underground church, next year we'll train hundreds more with a new course. See photos: Click Here.
North America
More than 400 students have taken our courses in USA. And more than 100 students are taking courses for seminary credit now. See video: Click Here.
As I look back, I'm filled with gratitude to God for your partnership with me. Paul captures my emotions with his words,
"I thank my Godin all my remembrance of you...because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."