Finishing Up Furlough Leadership Training in Eurasia 2007-2012 Basic Training and Continuing Education for Lay Leaders on the District Level
…and the disciples gave them to the crowds
Can you imagine serving a meal to 5,000 men plus women and children? That is what Jesus asked his disciples to do in Matthew 14 and John 6. They were in a remote place along the coast of the Sea of Galilee far from any big city, café, or store. Jesus had been healing the sick and teaching all who were gathered there. It was getting late, and the people were hungry. The disciples asked Jesus to send the crowds away. Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16.) John 6:9 tells us, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish.” “Taking the five loaves and two fish Jesus looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves. Jesus gave them to his disciples and the disciples gave them to the crowds. They all ate until they were full, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.” (Matthew 14:19-21.)
The United Methodist Church has over 100 churches in the Eurasia Area from eight countries and eleven time zones. Churches are in large cities and small towns. God is asking us to feed our people physical food and, more importantly, to give them the “Bread of Life.” Notice that Jesus told the disciples, “You give them something to eat.” Through Pastors’ Continuing Education and Lay Leadership Training, we will learn how to be teaching and experiencing the “Bread of Life” through Bible Study, evangelism, worship, and Sunday School classes based on our Christian Beliefs in the context of the Orthodox world in which most of the local churches minister. Our goal is that all people will know the Living God and receive God’s blessings through the Bread of Life.
These Pastors’ Continuing Education events and Lay Leadership Training events are very important as we hear God’s call to nurture and grow the church.
In the districts
These events will take place on the district level to connect pastors and lay leaders working in similar contexts and to provide opportunities for follow up and accountability.
Continuing education is mandatory for pastors under appointment. There are typically two seminars, Tuesday-Thursday, every year. In most cases, church council members and other lay leaders will be invited. Each district throughout the Eurasia Area will be doing the same event titles, but the order of study may vary due to the needs of each individual district.
Lay Leader Training is a series of weekend events over two years. Each seminar is open for individual participation, and certificates will be given upon completion of each event. Those who participate in the full series, including reading and writing assignments, will be given a Diploma and will be eligible to become Lay Speakers.
Coordination
There will be a volunteer District Coordinator of Education in each district, pastor or lay, assigned by the District Superintendent. The responsibility of the district director is to learn about the needs in the district, plan events in cooperation with the district superintendent, and be in contact with the Area Office about topics, leaders, teachers, prayer support, resources, and books to be used. The Area Directors of Education assist in planning and, if needed, in implementation, and coordinate contacts between guest teachers and the district.
Finances
Travel, food, and lodging at pastors’ continuing education events are normally provided for by the local churches, either directly or coordinated through the district. In vast districts travel support will be provided. The Area Office and international supporters will provide for event leadership, teachers, and certain books and other resources.
Where is the boy?
Jesus performed the wonderful miracle mentioned earlier when a boy shared his “five barley loaves and two fish.” Some of us have the educational skills that are needed in Eurasia. Some of us cannot go there ourselves, but we can share our financial resources. All of us can share in prayer ministry for our church in Eurasia. We give what we have to Jesus; he will give it to his disciples in Eurasia, and the disciples will give it to the crowds.
If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact any of the following people:
- Jim Athearn, Consultant, Russia Initiative, jimathearn@gmail.com, (540) 662-2066
- Patrick Whaley, Sasha Ministry, sashaministry@gmail.com, 901-681-0623
- Lena Kim, Executive Director of Education, kim-lena@mail.ru
- Administrative Director of Education, Katya Kim, education@umc-eurasia.ru
If you wish to support this program financially, please make your check payable to the General Board of Global Ministries. Write on the check Advance #11510-A, “Edu 2007” and (optional) the name of the receiving district in Eurasia. (See Russia Initiative Funds Transmittal Guidelines, Line #2, available at http://new.gbgm-umc.org/work/initiatives/russia/).Send contribution to: General Board of Global Ministries
Advance GCFA
P. O. Box 9068 GPO
New York, NY 10087-9068
Training Plan
1. How can I learn more about the Bible?
The Bible is God’s book for all of God’s people. It is the primary source and criterion for our faith and our life. As disciples of Jesus Christ we want to know more from the Bible and about the Bible, about how it was given to us, and how it speaks to us today.
2. How can I grow as a Christian?
As disciples of Jesus Christ we are called to follow our Master. As we daily walk with him and learn from him, we are transformed to be more like Christ. We need to know about the possibilities God has given us, and make use of them intentionally.
3. Can I learn something from those who lived before me?
The Christian life does not start anew in each age or each person. It does not leap from New Testament times to the present as though nothing were to be learned from those who were Christians in between. From history we are reminded of God’s faithfulness, and by understanding the examples of the past we can grow more deeply in our faith today.
4. What do I need to know about my church?
God has given us a spiritual home in the local church, and guided us to The United Methodist Church. As disciples of Jesus Christ, and especially as leaders in the church, we need to know how our local church works and what The United Methodist Church stands for.
5. How can I understand the faith for myself and explain it to others?
The Bible encourages us, “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:16 As disciples of Jesus Christ we want to be clear about our faith, especially when we in leadership positions are expected to explain it to others. It is important that we understand the core beliefs of all Christians, and how they differ from other religions. We also need to have a clear understanding of what we believe as United Methodist Christians, so we can appreciate similarities and differences with Brothers and Sisters in other churches.
6. How can I help somebody to become a Christian?
The mission of The United Methodist Mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. Most people come to faith because they have been told about Jesus and invited to church by someone they know. We can learn the Biblical principles of evangelism and how we can best share our faith with others so they too will know the joy of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior!
7. Can I be a leader in my church?
Disciples were not pastors; they were ordinary people like us. But Jesus saw the potential in them. Under him their skills developed, they learned from his words and his example, he sent them out to practice. God gave his Holy Spirit, and eventually the disciples were ready to take over the leadership. Today lay people can develop leadership skills they never thought they had and can play an important role both in the ministry of the church and in their daily life together with other people.
8. How can I give advice and help in difficult times?
An untimely death, a tragedy within the community, a war in another part of the world, sometimes we just do not understand. As humans we sin before God and one another, causing broken hearts and broken relationships. This even happens in the church, causing conflicts. God did not cause these events to happen. Yet God through the church is present as we seek answers that will lead to deeper understanding, forgiveness, and a new opportunity to live life. As Christians we can learn how to understand and support one another.
Books to Read
1. How can I learn more about the Bible?
2. How can I grow as a Christian?
3. Can I learn something from those who lived before me?
4. What do I need to know about my church?
- The Northern Europe Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2005, three excerpts that are published in Russian in separate booklets,
5. How can I understand the faith for myself and explain it to others?
- Maxie Dunnam: “This is Christianity”
6. How can I help somebody to become a Christian?
- “Three Story Evangelism” (Youth for Christ, USA, 2006)
7. Can I be a leader in my church?
Rick Warren “The Purpose-Driven Church” (Ed. 6000, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1995)
8. How can I give advice and help in difficult times?
