Here’s a familiar scene in the developing world: An indigenous
ministry leader eagerly summons you to see, first hand, his or her ministry.
You stand in awe. God is doing extraordinary things, often biblical
in proportion, through the untiring industry of these intensely committed
and zealous leaders. One cannot help but come away with a fresh sense
of this Scripture; I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields!
They are ripe for harvest. (John 4:35, NIV) These impassioned leaders
reveal unlimited ministry potential with peerless vision for the peoples
of their homeland. Then, predictably, virtually every conversation ends
with: Without more money, there is nothing more that I can do. You know
this is their way of asking for more support.
This economic dependence must be addressed by those institutions that
train ministry leaders (Bible colleges, seminaries, etc.). Candidly,
there is a dismal void of biblical training and teaching on matters
related to the grace of giving, stewardship, and fund development.
International Steward has now developed a course for teaching this message
in these academic settings around the world. The response from the Christian
Academy in emerging nations has been overwhelming. How fast can you
be here to teach this course? They quickly see both the necessity and
the potential of this type of course offering in their institutions.
In January, we will be piloting this project in Nairobi, Kenya.
This strategy to train future leaders makes good sense: Ministry leaders
will become comfortable with their role in biblical stewardship and
fund development; God’s people, in both the emerging church and
the western church, will grow in the grace of giving; and, the emerging
church will be released from the shackles of financial dependence.
Tomorrow’s leaders are the ones who will be able to conquer crippling
economic dependence. Thank you for making it possible for these leaders
to ensure a vibrant ministry.
