This past week, I had the privilege of meeting with some of the most experienced and gifted men and women in our mission. Our Global Equipping Division is made up of remarkable people who have served for decades as pastors, missionaries, trainer and teachers. Now, each of us specialize in some aspect of training national leaders in order to “catalyze Gospel movements” globally.

What was unique about meetings this year, which took place on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, was the personal nature to our meetings. Our division leader, Phil Arendt, passed away last October, and his dear wife Peggy has joined our division. It was very special as she shared with us, and we spent time remembering the special man he was and the impact he had on us all. Then each of the other team members shared about their lives and ministries, particularly the several new members of our team who have recently joined. Our pastor training team has even increased by adding a new team member, Pastor Steve Hudson from Iowa, who will be focusing on training pastors in India and Nepal.

In the division, we are now offering global training in Pathways Bible Study Method (team I’m part of, training pastors how to study and preach the Word), and also training in church planting, leadership development, church health/discipleship, community development and organizational leadership. We spent time talking about developing movements globally, and strategized how to integrate our disciplines more effectively. We prayed together, studied the Word together, and had sweet fellowship together.

Following the three days of meetings, our Pathways Pastor Training Team met together for another 2+ days, and the bulk of that was spent hammering through curriculum for several workshops, refining and trying to improve our material to make it most effective for training pastors globally. We made much progress, and it was encouraging to hear all God is doing in the lives of pastors and their congregations through our trainings.

Along the way, we were also able to enjoy fun times of good seafood, outdoor activities and fellowship together. I am truly blessed to be a part of this team doing the work I’m involved in.

Pressing on, Eric