we are committed to the training, equipping, and mobilisation of pastors and leaders across the world
One of World Outreach’s five focuses is ‘raising leaders’. Consequently, we are committed to the training, equipping, and mobilisation of pastors and leaders across the majority world* for ministry and mission.
A BRIEF HISTORY
World Outreach is a missions agency, which means we’re a ministry organisation that exists to facilitate Christian missionary endeavour. This includes things like: evangelism, discipleship, church planting, community development, and humanitarian aid.
WHY DO WE TRAIN LEADERS?
Firstly, pastors and leaders in the majority worldMajority world refers to the developing countries within Asia, Africa Latin America. A synonymous term is the ‘Global South’. are often untrained or have limited Bible knowledge or ministry skills to lead their local churches; however, they love God deeply and are passionately committed to the kingdom of God. The cry for relevant training from these leaders across the world is staggering in size and scale.
One of the foundational ways in which leaders can be developed is through intentional, focused, and contextually-relevant leadership training.
Secondly, WO recognises that conventional missionaries are not going to be able to accomplish the massive task of reaching the unreached people groups (UPGs) alone. The answer is to equip and mobilise the church in the majority world to reach out to near neighbour people groups with whom they share an affinity of culture, ethnicity, or language.
This, too, can only be accomplished through the ongoing development of leaders who will be equipped to mobilise their churches for mission.
OUR LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TEAM
World Outreach has an experienced team of practitioners from different cultural backgrounds who bring a wealth of experience and expertise.
OUR TARGET
The seminars are run for two different demographics. The first is pastors, and the second is emerging leaders (aged 18-35). In some countries, both groups are targets, but in other places it is one or the other.
WO values partnership. In regard to leadership development, WO partners with key leaders or missionaries in the respective nations. WO seeks to serve what is already taking place in the nation without being aligned with any particular denomination.
Wherever possible, an exploratory trip to potential nations is arranged before conducting a seminar. The purposes of the visit are to: meet WO personnel and key national leaders, ascertain leadership training needs, and set dates for future training seminars.
Yes and no. YES, for the LOL (Leaders of Leaders) emerging leaders’ programme, which is culturally adjusted. NO, every nation’s leadership training needs are different, so (after consultation with local leaders) the topics are tailored for the particular context.
WO is committed to go back and work with the same group of people for three to five years, depending on the context. Three-day seminars are run once a year in each location. This is why the partnership with key local leaders is crucial: it means the information shared at the seminar will have an ongoing application.
Raising
Leaders
WO applies a number of criteria in determining which nations to target for leadership training seminars:
- Large numbers of UPGs in the nation or surrounding nations
- WO has a presence or a key partner in the nation
- WO has the expertise to be able to help the specific leadership training needs
- The leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit (e.g. Macedonian call in Acts 16:9-10)
- The nation has a strong church and has the potential to ‘send’ out missionaries
- To develop the emerging generation of leaders
- To equip pastors and leaders with skills to develop their leadership and grow their churches
- To develop ‘trainers’ in these strategic locations
- To encourage, strengthen, and minister to pastors and leaders
- To inspire, equip, and mobilise churches for cross-cultural ministry (especially to UPGs)
The ultimate goal is to equip and mobilise the church to grow prevailing churches and mobilise them for effective cross-cultural missions.
In the majority of countries, the pastors and leaders who attend do not have the financial means to cover the costs, so WO raises sponsorship to fund the seminars. The seminars operate because of the faithful and generous giving of people, churches, and businesses.
The sponsorship works out to an average of US$ 50-75 per leader, per seminar. This cost covers their transportation, meals, accommodation, and notes. In addition, the costs for the Leadership Development Team’s flights and expenses also have to be raised.
The seminars are primarily focussed on leadership development, but time is taken in every seminar to minister to each attendee by preaching and the laying on of hands.
Can You Help?
Your donation will allow our Raising Leaders Ministry to facilitate leadership development around the world and help us continue to make disciples among people of other cultures.
Funds given to Raising Leaders on the donation form above will go to our World Outreach offices in the USA. To give to another World Outreach country office please use the following link:
Some of Our Projects Focussed on Raising Leaders
Raising Leaders
We are committed to the ongoing development and discipleship of leaders across the majority world.
Evangelism & Church Planting
We actively share the Gospel and empower people to plant churches.
All Nations Mobilisation
We are passionate to see Christians encouraged, equipped, and mobilised to make disciples among their own people.
Children's Ministry
We are dedicated to sharing the Good News with the world’s children, then discipling them, and providing loving and supportive care.
Humanitarian Aid
We are committed to combining practical compassion with the hope of Jesus.
