27/05/2025
Conducting Pastoral Training for our Pastors
I had earlier reported that the Islamic Missionaries are being sent to some of these remote communities to spread the Islamic doctrines and using money to convince the people to turn to Islam belief. As you may know, 80% of our Christian out-reaches are in the remote Muslim dominated communities. We concentrate on capturing the young minds of our children and youths in these communities.
Agape Way Ministries, Sierra Leone Conference does not believe in importing pastors to these communities. The authorities of this ministry recommended that we train the indigenous young men and women as pastors in their own communities.
Training indigenous peoples is crucial for their economic and social advancement, fostering resilience, and contributing to the overall well-being of their communities. It also strengthens their skills, empowers them to face challenges, and supports reconciliation by preserving and revitalizing Indigenous ways of knowing. The training young Agapeans as pastors for mission work is essential for equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation needed to effectively spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve communities.
The following topics were handled during the training sessions of our Indigenous young men:
1. The Mission and Vision Statements of the Agape Way Ministries/Agape Way Christian Fellowships. We emphasized on these topics just to let our young people clearly understand the directions the ministry is going why.
2. Our Statements of belief
3. The Duties and Responsibilities of a called pastor.
Agape Way Ministries/Agape Way Christian Fellowship in Sierra Leone issues.
Mission Statement
We are called to glorify God by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ, to encourage all people to a personal relationship with Him and membership in His family, to facilitate spiritual maturity and to equip for ministry in the Church, in the community and around the world.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to raise up and establish strong, local churches which will challenge, influence, and impact the people of the Agape Way Christian Fellowships and 1) Reach out with the gospel of Jesus Christ, and 2) Build a community of loving, forgiving and caring Believers in Jesus Christ who will share their lives with each other and who are committed to serving God by serving others.
The purpose of training Indigenous young people as pastors for mission work in their own communities.
Training pastors for mission work is essential for equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and spiritual foundation needed to effectively spread the gospel and serve communities.
We want to train and use these young men from these rural communities to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in their own communities. We don’t want to import pastors from other communities who do not understand the traditions and culture of our operational communities.
Here are some reasons why training indigenous peoples is so important:
• Economic Empowerment: Training provides indigenous peoples with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in the workforce and contribute to their communities' economic development.
• Social Development: It empowers individuals and strengthens communities by fostering a sense of belonging and resilience.
• Cultural Preservation: Training can help preserve and revitalize Indigenous languages, traditions, and ways of knowing, which are often threatened by assimilation and colonization.
• Reconciliation: Training is a vital component of reconciliation, as it provides Indigenous peoples with opportunities to learn their culture, history, and the value of their lives.
• Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer: Training can facilitate the transfer of knowledge from elders to younger generations, ensuring the continuation of Indigenous traditions and practices.
• Improved Relationships: Training can help build positive relationships between indigenous communities and other groups, fostering understanding and collaboration.
• Addressing Historical Trauma: Training can provide a space for healing and learning, addressing the historical trauma experienced by indigenous peoples during our 11 years of senseless civil war in Sierra Leone.
