Dramatic Need for Hispanic Church Leader Training

In response to rapid Hispanic church growth in the United States, the Bible Training Centre for Pastors (“BTCP,” www.bibletraining.com) has formed a consortium of ministries that will address the training needs of Hispanic pastors and church leaders.  Founded in 1990 by Dennis Mock of Atlanta, BTCP has extended non-formal theological training to the world’s untrained pastors in 85 countries through the help of unique partnerships with other ministries.  Over 57,000 pastors and church leaders have been trained since 1990 around the world due to the work of BTCP.  Near 35,000 currently are in training.

According to Mock, President of BTCP, there is “no known strategy to be found” for addressing the theological training needs of Hispanic pastors in the United States.  The needs are dramatic, Mock insists, because of low educational levels, lack of resources, and limited availability of facilities.  “The vast majority of these bi-lingual, bi-vocational Hispanic pastors will never be trained in traditional Bible colleges or seminaries,” says Mock.

The goal of the newly-formed Hispanic ministries consortium is to develop and implement a large numbers strategy to take non-formal theological and ministry training to the untrained Hispanic pastors and church leaders in the United States.

Research corroborates these needs.  In a study of Hispanic Bible institutes from 1998 by Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier of the Claremont School of Theology, the need for training will reach unprecedented proportions soon.  She states, “The Hispanic population is projected to be the largest minority population in the nation.  This places the Hispanic church in a key position as a positive contributing factor in the life of Latinos in the United States.  If, however, the leaders of the church do not receive the theological training necessary for contextualizing its ministry so that it responds adequately to the complexities of issues affecting the well-being of this group, then their future stands to be adversely affected.”

With a systematic and integrated curriculum and a solid educational philosophy, BTCP’s Consortium is now positioned to be involved in the training needs within the U.S.  The well-being of the Hispanic community is affected by the spiritual wholeness of the community and its future.  This is an opportunity for strengthening Hispanic churches that must not be neglected.

The Consortium’s new Director, Miguel Montenegro, has already started multiple classes in 12 states with over 1050 leaders in training.  According to Miguel, “Hispanic pastors need more than just basic training to be able to teach and lead their congregations.”  Miguel and his wife Maria seek ministry partners who may help train leaders and support the work of the Consortium.

For further information on this Consortium, please visit the BTCP website at www.bibletraining.com or e-mail consorciohispano@btcp.com.

A Third Man? Christian, Think Again

Not too long ago I used to run up and down the road doing development work for a college.  During that time, I would stop by the public library and pick up some of the newer books on CD to take along for the ride.  This was a new experience for me.  I know that sounds a bit behind the times, but I discovered the joy of following a story in much greater detail and length than most of us experience among our tweets and texts these days.

One particular joy unwrapped itself in the telling of Ernest Shackleton’s great adventure to Antarctica on the Endurance.  Caroline Alexander’s The Endurance: Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition provided the perfect escape from the day as I moved to and fro.   If you don’t know this extraordinary feat of an expedition, you must find the book.  I have been captivated only a few times like this.

For time’s sake, I can’t get into a detailed retelling.  But I do want to focus on one moment where I sensed something beyond me, something that was quite spiritual.  In fact, I was moved to tears.  Toward what was to be an end to their journey and at the most extreme fatigue and impossible circumstances, Shackleton and two of his crew, Worsly and Crean, walked across a mountain without any equipment for mountain climbing.  It would have seemed that death was close, however they moved on in determination to save their expedition and the lives of the other men waiting behind.

They made it under conditions beyond human endurance.  At a later point in comparing notes about the trip, Shackleton shared that he had a strange feeling that there was a fourth person in their party.  Crean confessed the same thing.  All three remembered a strong arm helping them down the mountain.  Hallucinations are not unusual under extreme conditions of suffering, but all three men shared the same account of a fourth man.  You’ve got to read this book.

Well, I started thinking about this the other day when I read in the Wall Street Journal about a new book coming out next week called The Third Man Factor by John Geiger.  Geiger retells the Shackleton experience among other accounts of humans that survived and transcended extreme conditions.  Each of these accounts describe some force, some presence, that helped them survive or that guarded them from danger.  Geiger surveys the theories behind the third man phenomenon and seems to endorse a biochemical explanation for this response.  He does not shoot down any of the other theories for the third man, including the spiritual.  But I am curious about this quote by the author, “Imagine the impact on our lives if we could learn to access this feeling at will.  There could be no loneliness with so constant a companion.  There could be no stress in life that we would ever again have to confront alone.”

I just reached down from the laptop to pet our cat Celeste, a constant companion as we sit on our porch.  But I don’t think Geiger was talking about pets.  Geiger comes to the edge of admitting a spiritual presence, but leaves us with his physiological theory of accessing this companionship at will.  I felt sorry for Geiger, or I should say I feel sorry for Geiger because he is afraid to accept the existence of God.

Christian, think again.  God is with us.  He is ever present.  His name is called Immanuel, which means “God with us.”  One of His characteristics is His omnipresence.  Are you award of this as a believer, as one who is experiencing salvation?  I take great comfort in reminding myself of this each day.  When I awake, when I work, when I play, when I lie down again, God is with me.  I don’t have to summon some biochemical response to remind me.  The Holy Spirit reminds me.

If you don’t realize this as a believer, find something in God’s Word to awaken you.  One of my favorite thoughts is expressed in James 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”  Approach Him with clean hands and a pure heart.  God has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 as quoted from Deuteronomy 31:6).  Does that not excite you?  Wow, the God of the universe is with me!

It is reassuring for the Christian to know these things and it helps us understand when others try to explain the phenomenon of a presence they can’t explain.  We are His creation, we belong to Him, and He is present with us all the time.  Our senses are surely heightened when we are in stressful situations and I am thankful that God made me that way, so that I  draw near to Him during those times and am reminded of His presence.

The Disciple’s Dilemma—Realizing the Source

Imagine the first steps you make as a follower of Christ and think about the strength it took to make those steps.  When you really did something that you did not have the power to do, it became very real to you Who you were following.

The dilemma of Jesus’ disciples was just that.  They responded immediately in obedience, but as they moved on in their followership it became apparent that something transformed their service.  It was the power of the Lord.  After all, He is the source.

This morning I read in the Sermon on the Plain, Luke 6, that power was coming from Jesus and healing all of them who came to Him.  Can you imagine such power?  What could that power have been like?  It probably seemed like a force field or something of that nature.

This power spoken of here had two agents:  a source and a recipient.  That’s the way all power works.  Your electrical power has its source in the power plant.  The power plant reels in the force and tames it to move toward the recipients.  The recipients pay their bills in order to obtain it.

Well, our bill as a follower of Christ has been paid.  The penalty for our sins, that is, has been taken care of.  If the bill has been paid, then we have access to the source.  Believing is part of the process.

Jesus’ disciples encountered this same power when they were involved in feeding the five thousand.  Jesus asked them to look for some food and they found only a few loaves and fishes.  Jesus told them, “You feed them.”  They probably looked at each other and wondered what to do.   Go ahead and feed them was their Lord’s instructions, so they started.  Pretty soon, they began to notice as they reached the end of the food line that there was bread left over.  We did it!  Wait, Jesus did it through us.  His power was expressed through us.

Well, let’s now go to the other side of the lake ahead of Jesus.  How many times have we done this?  Let’s go on now to the next thing ahead of Jesus.  The disciples rowed and rowed, strained until about 3 in the morning.  Head winds kept coming.  Then they say a figure coming toward them on the water.  It was Jesus and as soon as He got into the boat, the wind died down and they were able to make it over to the other side of the lake.  Whose power?  They forgot the lesson of the loaves and fishes.

This is so like us today.  The dilemma in doing things in our own power, instead of relying on the power the Lord who is ever present with us.  Israel forgot as well.  In Psalm 78:42, it says “they did not remember His power.”

Today, take time to ponder whether you need power on high to do something.  Better yet, make sure what you are doing is following the Lord and His will so that His power carries you through to the other side.

What is a Disciple? A Disciple Lifts

This is the fourth lesson centered on the question, “What is a disciple?”  As noted in earlier lessons, we saw that a disciple lets loose, that a disciple leans, and that a disciple loves.  A disciple also lifts.

If you have ever worked in a warehouse, you know the purpose of a forklift.  When the goods are heavy, you bring the forklift over to lift the goods.  The lift is stronger than you are and capable of handling the stuff you can’t do on your own.

Well, a disciple of Jesus Christ is a lifter.  Disciples help others with their loads.  If someone is weighed down by the things of life and the things of the world, a follower of Christ should seek to help carry the load.  This may simply mean just taking time to let someone talk to you.  Other times, it may mean more involvement.

Here’s a simple example.  This morning I headed into town for a few tasks and stopped at a place for a sausage biscuit.  When I walked around front of this store, there was a man sitting by himself at a table outside.  I simply stopped, said hello, and asked if I could buy him a biscuit.  He said sure and how about a Coke too?  Well I didn’t need to get into a discussion about nutrition at that time so I said OK and went inside.  I bought him 2 sausage biscuits and a Coke and on my way out stopped to deliver the goods.  I thought I would take time to listen to him, so I probed with some simple questions.  Turns out, this guy was 69 years old and living on the streets of this small NE Georgia town.  He used to own a farm, he told me, and also worked at the Coca Cola plant for many years.  Now, he just spends his days roaming around town.  I told him that God provided this food for him today and how thankful I was for how the Lord took care of us.  He said yes he was thankful too.  I asked him what he thought about spiritual things and this led into a conversation about Jesus.  I shared my encouragement from knowing the Lord and he responded with some kind words.  I thanked him for his time, and encouraged him to keep seeking God for help.

Now, I hope this lifted this man a bit today.  He looked down and out, just the right time for a disciple of Christ to come along and lift him up.  Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 perhaps describe the process of being a lifter:  “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:  If one falls down, his friend can help him up.  But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!”  The Proverbs illustrate the idea of being a lifter in 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”  A further illustration is available in Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

The disciple of Jesus Christ is known for lifting up the sorrowing and the weak.  The disciple is an energy giver, not an energy taker.  Are you this type of disciple?  Ask God to show you how to be a lifter.

What is a Disciple? A Disciple Lets Loose

Read the passage from Mark 1:15-20 for the background to this lesson.

A disciple is a real loser.  Well, I mean that the true disciple of Jesus Christ let’s loose of things.  This may mean things of the world, i.e., possessions.  Or it may mean something personal, i.e., your right to your self.

You can tell a lot about a person by what they let go of, what they give up.  Sometimes it is seemingly insignificant stuff that we let go of, but if you are sincere about being crucified with Christ (see Galatians 2:20) then you will be willing to let go of anything.  This may be something significant, like your own livelihood.  In Mark 1:15-20, when Jesus told Simon and his brother Andrew to come follow Him they responded immediately by leaving their nets and following.  I thought about those nets lying there on the ground by the water.  In that day, those nets were your life.  You got food for you and your family.  You made some money selling your catch of the day.  But they left them on the ground to follow.  This is radical stuff.

Your mind might be racing like mine to missionary Jim Elliot who gave his life to take the Gospel to the Ouichua Indians in South America.  His statement illustrates letting loose, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Can we say that losing things that are good and things that are important to us is a part of discipleship?  According to Scripture, the answer is “yes.”   If you do not follow Christ where he wants to take you because there is something you just don’t want to let go of, then that thing is more important to you than Jesus Christ.

Consider this statement by Jesus in Matthew 10:37-39  “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy or me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Or what about these statements by Paul Philippians 3:7-8 and 3:13-14  “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.  I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him.”  Also, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Hard stuff, huh?  It’s real folks.  I can’t describe it.  The other day I had coffee with a friend and he asked me what was on my “want” list.  I was caught off guard by his question, and really had to think before responding.  I said, “I don’t know.”  I think what I meant was, “I don’t have a list of things from this world that I want.”  I am not trying to be pious, but I really feel like there is nothing tangible that I want.  Yes I want my family to be taken care of, and a roof over my head, and a way to get around, but my wants at this age are nothing like what I thought I wanted when I was getting out of college in my early 20s.
How about you?  Are you letting loose?  Jesus wants us to let loose and let Him work in and through you.  Respond immediately without thought for yourself when He calls you.

Attempt Great Things for Who?

“Expect great things; attempt great things.” Originally spoken in his sermon to the Baptist Association meeting in Northampton, England, May 30, 1792, William Carey, the “father” of the modern missionary movement, used the citation to urge his Baptist colleagues to enter the missionary enterprise.  It formed the twofold division of his sermon, framing the challenge he set before them.  Today, we see the quote paraphrased often by agencies and individuals as “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”

I believe this admonition is extremely relevant today.  Can I get an amen?  Isn’t the single-most important focus for believers today to attempt great things for the cause of Christ?  There might be a hindrance, however, when we interpret this challenge from a fleshly viewpoint rather than a spiritual viewpoint.  Attempting great things for God elicits the common inclination to focus on accomplishments.  The pride slips in—“Look what I’ve done.”  We may get impatient—“I’m doing all the right things, why isn’t something happening?”  Discontentment rears its ugly head—“I thought all of this would make me happy.”  Jealousy may become a factor—“Look what they did.  I am attempting greater things than they are.”  Even material gain enters the picture—“If we attempt this, we will certainly get more results and we can do more stuff.”

When attempting great things for the cause of Christ, let’s be careful to observe our motives and attitudes.  These reveal a good deal about our relationship with the Lord and whether we are motivated spiritually rather than fleshly.  Here are some wise things to consider about the things we attempt:

The ways of success should not be reduced to a formula. Dependence on past successes lead to an independent spirit, rather than a dependent spirit where you are looking to God for purpose and direction.  I am afraid that churches tend to adopt the “how to” methods of secular businesses, looking for the factors of success and applying them across the board to the management of a successful spiritual enterprise.

When we mimic the successful strategies of others, we eliminate our need to be problem-solvers, to think reflectively, and to look for solutions from the Lord.  Oh, all the other nations have great leaders, why can’t we have one of the same stature and success?  Our church needs a preacher like that church because they are really bringing ‘em in.  Have we not forgotten that we are fearfully and wonderfully made and that God knows the plans He has for us?

God is more concerned about our character than our accomplishments. Accomplishments are outward, character is inward.  If you see someone attempting great things for the cause of Christ, check to see if it comes from inward motivation or from the desire to be in the position of being noticed by others.

Experiencing failure does not mean we are not accomplishing something. When we gain a holistic view of our life and when we do not compartmentalize our faith, then every component of life with its attempts and accomplishments and failures comes under the Lordship of Christ.  As expressed in Romans 8:29, we are being conformed to the likeness of Christ, conformed to His image.   Begin to live your life today not from the temporal, but from the eternal perspective.

Faith and Governance: The Role of the Ministry Board

Wisdom. Dedication. Leadership. Advisors. These are all terms commonly used to describe nonprofit board members. And all of these terms are applicable and relevant. But what about board members of the average nonprofit ministry? Is there one role that is more needed or desired over another? Or should other roles be added to the list?

To start, ministry board members play a unique role that contrasts with the secular nonprofit boards. Ministry board members are involved in spiritual work, that is, the mission of their organization takes its lead from the Lord and so all that comes under the heading of the organization is subject to the Lord’s leadership. This may sound overstated, but you might be surprised at how some board members of Christian organizations forget their spiritual roles.

Yes, there are common obligations for both secular and Christian boards. For example, board members have responsibility for the organization’s mission and strategic direction, for ensuring its fiscal health, for hiring and evaluating an executive director, for being an advocate of the organization, for making and monitoring policy, and for developing resources. In the Christian organization, let’s add to the list these items: ensuring the witness of the institution, promoting a Christian worldview, maintaining standards based in Scripture, and keeping the organization accountable to God.

Ministry board members have a double dose of responsibility. One thing is certain–continued success for the ministry depends on regular prayer and seeking the Lord’s direction above all else. Board members should not take this role too lightly. Spiritual direction is key and should drive all other decisions of the organization.

This spills over into developing support for the ministry. Board members must view fund-raising not as a transaction, but rather a chance to be involved in the transformation of the giver. When we understand that God owns it all and that we have a duty to be good stewards of all entrusted to us, it becomes exciting to be involved in the asking process. This is a direct invitation to lay up treasures in heaven, to have something credited in heaven to the giver’s account.

As ministry board members grab hold of the transformation process and realizes the significance of their roles, they will be better equipped to exercise faithful leadership for the organizations they serve.