More than 80 house church leaders from across a country in South Asia recently gathered for three days of intensive training, worship, and fellowship. The focus was on deepening their understanding of Scripture and strengthening their ability to live out and multiply their faith among others.
The Big Picture
The training began with a big-picture look at the story of the Bible—the story of God, the author. It’s the “metanarrative” that ties everything together from creation to the end of the age, how God faithfully is carrying out His plan to bless all families of the earth through Jesus and how we each fit in His purpose.
Leaders explored how God created both the visible and invisible world, what happened when Lucifer fell and became Satan, and how God originally made humanity to share in His rule over creation. From there, they learned how, even after humanity’s fall, God continues to call us to serve as His priests and ambassadors—witnesses who help others know Him.
Practical Tools
Much of the training focused on the practical side of discipleship—what it means to be a follower of Jesus who helps others become followers too. Leaders learned a simple, biblical pattern: Hear, Obey, Share, and Train others to do the same. They practiced listening for God’s voice, abiding in Him, and living holy lives set apart for His purposes.
In small groups, participants practiced Bible study using the SOAPS method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer, Share), writing and sharing their personal testimonies, and holding one another accountable—letting passages from James 5:16 and 1 John 2:15–16 help spark the prayers and conversations. They also explored being healthy churches by discussing the example found in Acts 2:36–47, noticing how prayer, community, and obedience to God’s word builds strong, reproducing fellowships who love God and love each other according to the power of the Holy Spirit working within them.
The group heard inspiring stories from ministry efforts in other countries, where believers are leading with love and seeing God transform communities through relationships and bold witness—even in Muslim contexts. Trainers also shared how to begin meaningful spiritual conversations with Muslim neighbors, starting by listening and finding common ground in the question of how sin can be removed.
The fruit of this training is already taking root. Within hours of returning to their communities, our dear brothers and sisters were sending in their reports celebrating new believers, new baptisms, and new trainings. Seventeen new ministry teams have been set apart and are now preparing to go out (as soon as possible) to districts and villages where, as far as we know, no church has ever existed.
We thank God for the faith of our brothers and sisters and for the open doors He is providing to advance His Kingdom where Christ has not yet been named.
