The concept of church planting is not new, but that's not exactly what we're doing at least not in the modern sense. The Apostle Paul spread the Word of God in the 1st century. Others followed his example and now Christianity is spread throughout the world. The way that happened was disciples of Christ taught, mentored and trained others to be disciples as well--following in His steps thus making God's kingdom grow. This is what we have the passion to do.
We know the gospel hasn't been heard by everyone. We know that there are eager young men and women wanting to be taught and trained better so that they can take this message of salvation to them.
For years now, many have been dreaming of starting this program that will aid in ministering to young men and women, teaching them core Biblical foundations, discipling them to become more like Jesus and teaching them to be faithful so that in turn they will teach others to be faithful to the Lord, thus fulfilling the Great Commission. But this is more than just a school. It's an apprentice missionary program--it's about discipling. They will be student apprentices for a number of months while they are in the class learning the knowledge. We will incorporate practical experiences to add to their book learning. Then we desire to send them out on teams with their classmates to serve under experienced missionaries as apprentices in a foreign nation and even here in the United States.
This dream is soon becoming a reality. We hope to be a part of making that dream come true in August 2012 in Grass Valley, California under the leadership of the Grass Valley Church of Christ.
So, what does this mean?
This means that we will be praying as we make decisions regarding the student application process, choosing instructors, choosing mentors. This means that as we begin to put this program together, we will be looking for churches and individuals to sponsor us financially so that we may fully devote ourselves to the Lord's work.
We hope as you read this you will consider how you may involved in this work with us as partners teaching willing students God's Word who will then take it to other nations and serve as apprentices under an experienced missionary, teach people from that nation to be disciples so that they can participate in God's kingdom. This is kingdom growing. This is kingdom planting. Will you be a part of the Lord's work with us?
(from the newsletter posted on westcoastmissions.com)
West Coast Missions is a missionary training program designed for young 20-something year olds who
1) want to know their Bible better for themselves so that
2) they can teach others while
3) becoming more like Jesus and 4) bringing glory and honor to God.
It's a 2 year program designed with intense in-class Bible study combined with ministry practical applications in the community and the Grass Valley congregation. The first 5 months is designed for the in-class study. The next 16 months is designed for the field experience as apprentice missionaries working with an experienced missionary. The last 3 months are geared towards the student's re-entry and re-adjustment into the local culture as well as participating in church planting and/or other local church ministries. Our goal is to make lifelong disciples who desire to be better Christians, give them the resources and knowledge to remain faithful until death and to share the gospel with as many people along the way until then.
It's about faithful disciples making faithful disciples. 2 Timothy 2:2
