In India, over one billion individuals have yet to encounter or receive the gospel. There remain more than 2000 unreached people groups. Fortunately, numerous believers are becoming involved in the church planting movement to reach their own and neighboring communities.
Thousands of Independent pastors who have received no formal theological training are passionately involved in the ministry of evangelism and church planting. Amazingly, almost every one of them labor hard and successfully plants a couple of house churches or cell groups within two years of ministry. However, their lack of training often produces a lower level of fruitfulness and higher level of persecution for themselves and their churches.
To be effective as soul winners and church planters/leaders, these individuals require training in scriptural knowledge and ministerial skills. Therefore, we offer in-the-field training for FAT (faithful, available, and teachable) pastors, church planters, and evangelists who are unable to attend Bible school for their basic theological education, spiritual formation, and leadership development. Our program includes seminars lasting one, two, or three days, conducted in rural areas of India.
To date, we have provided training to over 7,500 pastors across 11 states in India. We seek your assistance in continuing to train current pastors and offer financial support to those who are facing challenges.
The Need for Careful Contextualization
In the age of education, technology, religious intolerance, atheism, and opposition to the Christian mission, India’s independent pastors need to be aware of cultural and contextual logistics in addition to their call for the ministry.
One of the reasons some Christians are opposed to how the work of God in India is accomplished is due to an evangelist’s or church planter’s inexperience. This stems from a lack of theological training. As a result, many of these teachers are unable to comply with local social customs to make the gospel relevant or effective. While many of the non-Christians in India love Christ and even accept His divinity, the message of Christ is not articulated well enough to bring glory to God.
Serving Alongside International takes these aspects and challenges into consideration, and provides independent church planters/evangelists meaningful, culturally relevant, and practical in-the-field training so they may serve the Lord with dignity and joy.
