Training pastors and christian leaders is part of obeying the Great Commission. As part of the supreme mandate to “make disciples” Jesus commands us to “teach them to observe all that I commanded you.” As we train Wayuu pastors and church leaders, they will be better equipped to make more disciples, teaching them what Christ has commanded. The Apostle Paul describes this model of ministry and disciple multiplication in 2 Timothy 2:2.
“what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
We don’t only make disciples; we make disciple-makers.
Wayuu pastors and church leaders can reach their communities better than we can. As a ministry working overseas, we understand that the best way to spread the gospel is through local believers and christian leaders. They can overcome the cultural barriers better than we can, they know and understand their culture and communities, they speak the language and have influence among their people. What many of these christian leaders are missing is foundational biblical and practical training for their ministry. In our experience, Wayuu pastors are aware of their need for biblical training. The number one request we get from pastors in Colombia, after prayer, is for biblical and theological training.
Did you know, 85% of world’s pastors have little or no biblical training.
Well-equipped pastors is crucial to achieving our goal of reaching the Wayuu people. It has been said that global missions is a very simple endeavor: All that is needed is a man, called of God, sent to the place where God has called him, with the right tools in his hands. In La Guajira, Colombia faithful christian leaders and pastors are willing to take the Gospel to their people, but frequently they are greatly hindered by their lack of even the most basic resources. At Bread of Hope, we believe that an essential part of our ministry is to provide these indigenous pastors with those resources that will empower them to make and multiply disciples in their communities, plant new churches and impact La Guajira region with the Gospel of Jesus Christ for His glory.
