Empowering International Church Leaders

At FMI, we believe that international churches present a unique and powerful opportunity to fulfill the Great Commission of going unto all the earth (Matt. 28:18-20). As leaders of international churches are equipped and empowered, they in turn disciple their congregants to be missionaries in their local contexts, and these people end up in all corners of the earth.

But also these international churches are able to target their local communities in obedience to Jeremiah 29:7: “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Some of these churches are in Muslim countries, others in Buddhist and Hindu countries, and others, like mine, are in post-Christian countries. But all have a unique opportunity to reach people with the Gospel who likely otherwise would never hear it!

So I believe strongly that God is using international churches as a critical tool for His Kingdom in these end days. And we want to do what we can to help these leaders and churches be as healthy as possible, so they can accomplish all God is calling them to do.

One way we do this is through my service as the Director of Empowering Leaders for the International Baptist Convention (IBC). You can see the Empowering Leaders website here to get a sense of what we are doing:

This past week I was at the IBC’s Annual Convention Meeting (ACM) in Germany. We had a very productive time where a lot of progress was made. Not only did we get to roll out some of the new Empowering Leaders plans but there were many other encouraging developments. For example, a new church joined the IBC, a new president was elected, and we learned how the IBC is partnering with a new network of churches in Turkey. This connection may result in FMI providing training to their pastors in the future.

IBC covers most of my costs for attending these meetings and the volunteer work I do for them, which is a blessing. But I still wanted to let you know about this work, as I value your prayers for me, the entire Empowering Leaders team that serves with me and these international church leaders. Thank you for your partnership and support in this work; together, we can make a significant impact around the world!