Something Was Different…
/It was hard to put our finger on, but Percy, Abby and I sensed a shift in all three of our student groups this trip. There was an even deeper openness than usual, a healthy impatience with the status quo, and a deeper hunger to explore new possibilities. It was both exciting and sobering at the same time.
The pastor-centered model for church life in Southern Africa has left the pastors exhausted and vulnerable. In addition, the pressure to compete with the glitter of the traveling “prophets” with their false promises of prosperity is great and always a complete waste of time. Thankfully, the “prophe-liars” are being exposed for the charlatans they are as the promises of health and wealth have failed to come to pass.
Our students spoke often about their desire for a new approach to ministry. This same conversation is happening among some significant academic leaders in Zambia, as well. Pastoral training is being rethought, especially with the desperate need for competent church planters and pastors as Christianity in Southern Africa continues to multiply. On top of this are government demands that pastors be legitimately trained and certified.
It begs the question of how a one year accredited training program might look given the reality on the ground. A three year traditional seminary program is simply unworkable for the majority of pastors given the time and money required. Given that, would something like an official one year, give or take, “Church Planting Academy” make any sense?
Historically, the sort of training the Methodists used in the 1800’s for their circuit riders comes to mind. It was outcome based training that allowed the Methodists to plant healthy churches. Relational training in spiritual formation, sound doctrine, preaching, evangelism, pastoral ministry and leadership laid the foundation well. The training was experiential, doctrinal and spiritual, stressing personal holiness and relational accountability. The goal was the empowerment of capable practitioners who could multiply the Gospel in a rapidly growing and expanding nation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s practical approach to seminary during WW II, chronicled in his book Life Together, emphasized the discipline and value of living in community while studying Scripture and theology and practicing ministry at the same time. This is another model that could be adapted to African culture and contemporary needs.
In addition, BWTC’s new entrepreneurial training will continue to grow in its importance to pastors in Southern Africa who must make a living outside the church that is adequate to love and care for their families.
Our training has always been relational and outcome based so it lends itself to these sorts of models. And, we’d love to be part of a more defined movement in this direction. It will be interesting to see how things develop over the coming years as we continue our work.
Our time with pastors from Divundu, Namibia, who came to the border town of Katima Mulilo, Namibia to be trained in Phase 2 courses was exhilarating and rich in discussion. They camped at Pastor Jack and Kalleny’s church which hosts an accredited Bible and Vocational School, and a few of their students joined in, as well.
Our dear student and friend, Bosco Kutoma, his wife, Phenny, and their lovely 3 month old daughter, Favour, came to join us at our lodge all the way from Mongu, Zambia, where they have helped to plant more than 10 churches! Bosco joined in the training and spent one afternoon with the pastors from Divundu presenting Church Planting and encouraging them. The Holy Spirit was building all of our relationships like crazy.
So, yes, it was a very significant trip. As always, we deeply appreciate your support, prayers and encouragement. And please remember that where we go you go!
