Addressing a Lack of Theological Education. A key challenge village pastors face is lack of theological training. And because of their growing family and church responsibilities, they cannot afford to pursue theological studies, especially counting the costs of relocation.
Considering how critical theological training is, particularly in the wake of the rapid spread of "prosperity gospel" in Africa, Serve Africa provides short-term training programs to help village pastors acquire basic skills and education that they need to serve with confidence and efficiency.
Addressing a Lack of Resources. The pastors serve in villages where is no internet access. More besides, they do not have smart phones because of lack of income. This makes their need for physical books and study materials a necessity. Our effort is aimed at helping each pastor develop his own personal library with some of the most basic resources - a Study Bible, a Concordance, a Bible Dictionary, a set of Bible Commentaries, and a copy of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible.
Addressing the need of Transportation: With the help of our partner, GoServ Global, Serve Africa provided new motorcycles to 25 church planters to address their transportation need. The pastors/church planters work in remote villages that are not accessible by cars. Motorcycles are their only reliable means of movement. With the bikes, the pastors are ideally capacitated and will double the number of churches they plan annually.
Addressing Poverty.At least 70% of Liberians are unemployed. The village pastors have no means of income. They are poor and unable to provide for their families or send their children to school. This condition continues to make life and ministry work difficult for these men and women who have committed themselves to the services of God. Serve Africa comes alongside the pastors to provide them financial upkeep and critically needed resources, especially transportation help.
A Call for Partnership:We are soliciting partnership with pastors and professors who have keen interest in equipping pastors who have no training. This is a unique opportunity for you to make eternal impacts on lives. We also seek partnerships with churches and organizations that are intentional about empowering pastors, especially those who are faithfully serving under challenging circumstances.
Would you please consider sponsoring one village pastor at $50 a month? The amount will cover cost of food for a pastor and his family. An additional $50 will provide transportation and other daily living expenses. See a list of pastors here.