Training, Preparation, and Self-Control
South Asia Update and the Importance of Being Prepared
In mid-November we are training two groups of pastors and church leaders from two countries in South Asia. We have a three-fold goal for our leader development programs in South Asia: 1) advance our students’ understanding of Christian doctrines, 2) develop their Bible study and teaching skills, and 3) exhort them to cultivate personal spiritual growth by embracing spiritual practices and disciplines.
Ministry life involves faithful, life-long development as a child of God and ministry leader. Paul exhorts us to prepare ourselves for the work of the ministry. He challenges us to be disciplined in our training by exercising self-control.
…run that you may obtain it [the prize].
Every athlete exercises self-control in all things.
-1 Corinthians 9:24-25
He also encourages us to embrace practices which lead to godliness.
…while bodily training is of some value,
godliness is of value in every way.
-1 Timothy 4:8
And Peter instructs us to prepare ourselves by disciplining our attitudes, emotions, and thoughts as we develop an eternal perspective.
…prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded,
set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought
to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
-1 Peter 1:13
Simply knowing the truths of Christianity is insufficient for God-honoring service. Our training must advance us into a transformed life. Only then we will be ready for the work God has prepared in advance for us to walk in (Ephesians 3:10).
I am currently hiking a number of strenuous trails here in western North Carolina. Along the paths I encounter some people casually chatting with friends as they enjoy a leisurely walk together. I encounter dog owners giving their pets an enjoyable nature walk. And still others are simply relaxing in the sunshine on the mountain side. I, however, have an entirely different experience. My head is tilted to the ground to check my footing. I hike with a 20-lb backpack to develop leg strength. I move at a quick pace to cover ground as quickly as possible. And I use hiking poles to maintain balance on the fast-paced journey. I’m not out for a leisure walk; I am in training. So, I push myself to develop strength, balance, and endurance, to prepare for a high-altitude trek later this year.
Ministry, like a trek, is not an endeavor to take lightly, carelessly, or without rigorous preparation. Our students are faithfully doing the hard work of preparing themselves for life-long ministry. They travel long distances. They incur regular harassment and persecution. They study for hours over several days in conditions we westerners view as very primitive. They are diligent in exploring God’s Word together, pursuing questions, and discovering truth. They are enthusiastic, because they love our Savior and desire to please him in their lives and ministries.
Please pray for our students this November. The first group is midway through the four-year program. The second group is just beginning their training. Pray for physical health and stamina, security from any form of disruption, mental energy and spiritual wisdom, and rich fellowship between Brothers in Christ from different cultures.