The vision of the Pastoral Training Center which we help lead is an:
Abiding Network of
Gospel-Centered,
Bible Saturated,
African Led Churches
In other words, a relational and self-sustaining group of churches, with indigenous leadership and the Gospel at the center.
This all hinges on what we call LEAD Trainers (LT’s), previous participants who have set themselves apart and have responded to the invitation to be trained to advance this cause. The hope is that they will take over leadership in 2026 (we finish this cohort in January of 2026, God willing). Then the abiding network will come one step closer to reality.
My two LT’s, Vincent and Moses, are both capable of taking things to the next level. They are smart and well versed in Scripture with some strong leadership backgrounds. Moses came to Christ from a Muslim background and was banished from his family for 22 years for his faith in Jesus and was reunited after building a home (hut, really) for his parents who rejected him as they aged. His desire is to see Muslim people in Congo with viable churches and hopes this network will help bring it about. He lived for years in his church, cleaning in exchange for housing, and managed to get a quality education in the process.
Vincent is a humble, capable leader. When I came into our classroom today, he was sweeping the floor. He currently runs the farm associated with Four Corners Ministries, the organization that houses the Pastoral Training Center as well as a church and school. He is kind and smart and excited to learn. I am excited for his future.
Between the two of them, they carry 40% of the teaching load. After each session, I give them immediate feedback which they receive well. I do get a bit picky because they are already well on their way. I want them to excel for their nation and the future churches that will come to pass.
There are three of our LT’s that we could anticipate being sent to other countries to do training with Training Leader’s International (TLI), the Minneapolis based ministry that trains leaders in dozens of nations.
I am so humbled to be a small part of what is unfolding here…time to go to bed!
Weather Update for March 15, 2026
