Frequently Asked Questions
What is pastoral training and why is it important?
God has called Leadership Vistas to train church leaders in Africa which we have been doing since 2002. 85% of churches in the world are led by men and women who have no formal training in theology or ministry, according to the World Evangelical Alliance report in 1999. Many African pastors who are among the 85% are not able to attend a formal seminary or Bible college because of a lack of funds, but most of them also support their families and ministries through farming, a small business, or other tent-making work. In these circumstances they are not able to take time away to attend a formal program and cover the additional expenses of tuition and other school fees.
Many of these pastors lack an understanding of basic biblical doctrines such as the Trinity and salvation through grace; they are also contending with popular heresies in their communities. Bible commentaries and other study aids are largely unavailable in Africa, and many rural communities do not yet have computers or internet access.
Without this crucial training false teaching will continue to spread, as many Christians in Africa are currently being led astray by the influences of the prosperity gospel, cults, and traditional religious practices.
Many of these pastors lack an understanding of basic biblical doctrines such as the Trinity and salvation through grace; they are also contending with popular heresies in their communities. Bible commentaries and other study aids are largely unavailable in Africa, and many rural communities do not yet have computers or internet access.
Without this crucial training false teaching will continue to spread, as many Christians in Africa are currently being led astray by the influences of the prosperity gospel, cults, and traditional religious practices.
How many conferences do pastors attend?
Pastors attend a series of 5 conferences, with a total of 15 courses. These training programs take place over several years and allow for relationships to develop between the pastors and teachers. The courses offered include such topics as Theology, Old and New Testament Surveys, Church History, Missions and Evangelism, Mentoring and Spiritual Gifts, and Pastoral Leadership Skills.
What happens at a conference?
At each conference pastors or church leaders attend class for 4 days. Each attendee takes 3 courses and receives course materials to take home and use in his/her church. Many of the pastors translate their materials into local languages and share them in their communities.
Pray. We greatly appreciate your prayers for the pastors as they serve their families, churches, and communities. Visit Pray with us.
Give. You can sponsor a pastor or a woman church leader for a conference or a series of conferences. Visit Pastoral Scholarship Initiative. Go. If you are in seminary, a seminary graduate, and/or a pastor, we would enjoy talking with you about teaching on a trip. Visit Go With Us and complete a volunteer application!
Give. You can sponsor a pastor or a woman church leader for a conference or a series of conferences. Visit Pastoral Scholarship Initiative. Go. If you are in seminary, a seminary graduate, and/or a pastor, we would enjoy talking with you about teaching on a trip. Visit Go With Us and complete a volunteer application!
What additional resources do you provide to the participants?
While our primary mission is teaching pastors and church leaders, we also mentor and minister to participants on a limited basis. We provide Bibles in available native languages and reading glasses to those who need them. In addition, we sometimes help churches or their ministries in emergencies, such as when we came alongside our pastors in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help with food shortages during a conflict several years ago.
Who teaches the classes?
Our teachers consist of seminary graduates and church leaders. Currently we draw our teachers from 3 continents. A number of these teachers have also assisted in developing courses and have made several trips to Africa. These experiences have enabled us to build relationships between our team members and African national church leaders as we have joined together to serve the Kingdom. Interested in teaching? Visit Go With Us and complete the Volunteer Application. We look forward to hearing from you!
