Local Institute Handbook 1E

The church must teach. Jesus told the church to go everywhere teaching his commands (Matthew 28:19). Paul said that a pastor must be able to teach (1 Timothy 3:2). This teaching is part of the work of discipleship. The church teaches people how to live as believers, living for the glory of God. This teaching should occur everywhere that believers exist. Strong churches are equipped with biblical truth and practical methods to purposefully teach their people.

The church must train.

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

The necessity of teaching creates the necessity of ministry training. Paul told Timothy to train men who could teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Training is not just the teaching of information. Training is not just teaching believers for their own benefit. Training equips believers to help others.

Jesus demonstrated the priority of ministry training. At the beginning of his ministry, he chose a few men who would guide and extend the church. He did not spend all of his time preaching to crowds of people; instead, he often took time to train twelve leaders. He extended his ministry through those that he trained.

Shepherds Global Classroom provides a transferable training program to be operated by local ministries.