Developing Leaders for Hispanic Churches

Paul returned to the churches he had established in order to strengthen those churches and assist with the development and appointment of leaders. Paul left Titus on Crete to correct the things lacking and to establish leaders. We have a clear New Testament model. In the twentieth and twenty-first century, however, at times the work of church planting has been left incomplete because young, immature, struggling churches have been left leaderless.
The history of churches without effective leadership tends to follow a predictable pattern of growth and decline. Progress is made but then lost. The result is small, struggling churches that barely have a foothold and have little influence in the cultures where they exist.
By working with already existing churches across Latin America and also in the United States, we are trying to change this situation. Establishing leaders is a process of teaching and training–for congregations and members, for preachers, and for future leaders and teachers. When churches become self-governing, they are more likely to become self-sustaining and self-propogating. The work involves outlining biblical principles and values. The churches are then able to apply the teachings of Scripture in their own cultural context.
I am aware of some U.S. elders and church leaders who travel to Latin America to teach and share their experiences. I applaud every effort that is being made. The great need, however, is for intra-cultural applications to help churches develop leaders. This week, I will work with the Iglesia de Cristo-Park Plaza in Tulsa in a leadership development seminar. Our primary presenter is Pedro Sanchez, elder and teacher from Santiago de Chile.
I ask your prayers for the seminar. I ask your prayers for the work of developing leaders in Hispanic churches. This is a unique work. There is much to do. Write me if you would like information about how you can be involved in a work that is making a great difference across Latin America.