Church Multiplication Workshop—Day 3

Today, we began by addressing the needs of a trainee who is leading others in the formation of other small groups. As we mentor other leaders, it is important to address their needs rather than follow a strict training schedule as we might in a formal educational setting. We address training needs as they arise which is more significant for the trainee's learning than a rote schedule.

We also addressed the key items that should be covered in every mentoring session:

1. Pray to begin


2. Listen to reports (of what the trainee has been doing or what the flock is lacking)


3. Plan ministry (plan together with the trainee what he or she will do with the flock over the next weeks)


4. Assign reading (Bible readings and other studies that correspond with the plans)


5. Review studies already done (what learning was gained from prior studies assigned at previous mentoring sessions)


6. Practice new skills (if you introduce a new activity, show him or her how to do it)


7. Pray for each other (pray for the plans and for each of your flocks and for each person by name who was mentioned in the mentoring session)

This seems very easy but it is amazing how often these things don't happen. Speaking from my experience, I don't know how often I was intentional about my own mentoring to insure that these intentional training steps were followed. From my viewpoint, we often mentor or disciple others in the same way that we ourselves were mentored or discipled. If that mentoring or discipleship was not intentional, it is unlikely that our trainees will be intentional in their own mentoring or discipleship of others (or whether they will do it at all).
The workshop has been very good and we received good feedback. However, it was not without its challenges. As I was discussing traditions that may hinder church planting and specifically mentioned allowing other leaders to have authority to baptize and serve Communion, there was a lively discussion on whether only pastors have the authority to baptize and serve Communion. It is a significant issue here in Haiti as well as in large churches in the U.S. Our authority as pastors comes from Jesus (Matt. 16; 18) and that is also given to others who gather in Jesus' name. God has also given various people with specific gifts to the church that includes but is not limited to pastors (Eph. 4:11). Needless to say, we can continue to pray for Haitian pastors (and pastors everywhere) that they would share their authority so the church can be empowered to grow to the glory of God.
Reid
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Our workshop participants on the last day.

Location:Haiti