Our Ministry
THE TRAINING PROGRAM
The
Good Samaritan Leadership training program is primarily not an
academic institution or Bible college or Theological college but
rather a local fellowship under the Headship of the Lord Jesus
Christ where men are trained for ministry leadership in an
atmosphere of practical Christianity. We seek to function according
to the pattern of the Church in the New Testament. The program is
established around a teacher-disciple relationship functioning as a
unit of the Body of Christ with a course of study focussed on the
students individual development and growth through the teaching of
the Word of God and the development of an intimate and personal
relationship with the Lord. We acknowledge that the basic
requirements for any form of Christian service is a genuine
consecration of heart and life to the Lord Jesus. We seek to foster
spiritual aims in the life of each student that produce a
Christ-likeness of character in preparation for Christian service.
THE DIFFERENCE
How often a young man on fire for God has been sent to a Bible
college only to come back cold. Professional theology is totally
ineffective to meet the need of this hour. Here the time is devoted
to "learning by doing method". What we say, we believe, must become
practical and workable in our daily lives.
VISION
We did
not begin with building, professors and curriculum but with a
definite vision to develop mature Christian Leadership with the
revelation of God's purpose in the Church and in the earth today.
God is presently extending His work of restoration in bringing the
Church corporately and individually into scriptural order. He is
breaking down traditions and establishing divine standards at every
level. He is restoring us back into the pattern in His word. We
believe, He is presently extending to all, the greatest honor that
has ever been conferred to mankind; the glorious privilege to bear
the life and testimony of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ to all
nations.
METHOD
Our Lord's method of training was far more radical than anything we
have seen any where. Jesus gathered a little group of twelve young
men to be with Him. He never built a building, never scheduled a
service or a class, had no curriculum, no courses. He simply told
His disciples to follow Him and then began to walk off. They saw His
miracles and heard Him talk to all sorts of people, to the crowds,
to the sick and possessed to the seekers, to his opponents the
Pharisees, the Sadducees etc. When there was time, Jesus sat down
wherever they were and talked to His disciples and answered their
questions. He did not pull rank on them but rather became their
friend. They ate and slept together and were continually in the
closest kind o fellowship. From time to time He seen them out on
their own to put into practice what they had learned. Then they came
back and reported and continued to walk with Him. Jesus obviously
wanted to introduce an entirely new method and concept of teaching;
because all of these were in direct contrast with the method of all
other religious leaders and teachers of His day. When we read in
Acts2 :42 that the Christian converts in Jerusalem after the day of
Pentecost "continued in the Apostles' teaching and fellowship", we
may be sure that Apostles used the same method that Jesus had used
on them. They did not build big colleges but met in close, intimate
fellowship in believers homes and broke bread and prayed together
with them. The people learned quickly in this close, informal
fellowships; and very soon they were able to become leaders. Paul
used this same method in training Timothy, Titus, Luke and others.
They were members of his team. They followed him around for a few
years, occasionally being sent out to practice on their own and
eventually sent out. In the traditional method of teaching theory
always comes first for a long time followed by a bit of practice. In
the Lord's method, the practice usually comes first followed by
explanation as time allowed.
PURPOSE
To
provide an atmosphere conducive to worship, prayer, Bible study and
Christian Fellowship. To develop sensitive and mature Christian
leadership with a vision of God's purpose in the Church and in the
earth today.
To reach and impart the five-fold ministry gifts as being restored
and revived in the Body of Christ.
To encourage the development of a vital relationship and walk with
God as the most important aspect of a person's life.
LOCAL CHURCH
A birds
eye view on the function of the Local Church
A survey of the New Testament will reveal that every church is
autonomous or independent. Every local church is self-governing,
self-supporting and self-propagating.
There is no headquarters or state level or district level oversight.
There is no medium between Christ and the Local Church. Though there
are ordained ministries, such as the Apostolic and Prophetic
ministries over the Local churches, each is complete in itself.
Elders are the 'supreme court' of the Local Church; though there are
ministries that have raised them. Every local church needs to be
under the Apostolic and Prophetic ministries that they may be
nurtured and governed.
We are independent but yet interdependent.
The principles applied in the functioning of the Local Church
For a healthy local Church, we believe that the members should
commit themselves to the following:
· The Leadership of the Church: In the Church, the Lord has drawn
together men of different personalities and ministries to function
together in leadership as ministries, elders, deacons & house group
leaders. Accept these men and those whom the Lord has placed in
responsibility. I Thess. 5:12-13. They are there to watch over the
sheep's lives, their joys, their problems and difficulties. The
members have to share with the leaders major areas of decision in
their lives that may effect the function and life in the Body.
· The teaching of the Church: The teachings and messages shared
through the word on a Sunday is designed to encourage and strengthen
the members. The members should seek to practically work it out in
cell groups. If they have difficulties over things that are taught,
they are to ask questions of the elders or cell group leaders. They
are to beware of private interpretations. II Peter 1:20; I Tim.
1:3-4
· The direction of the Church: As God leads us as a body by His
Spirit, we intend to move on and to be obedient to His ways. His
Spirit has led us out of many traditions and into new patterns of
worship, structure and church life. It has and will require
flexibility and submission to His ways and His teachings, as we seek
to follow the guidance of God.
· Our brothers and sisters: The Lord has brought the each member
into contact with others who are not all like themselves. They have
different views, personalities, opinions, gifts and ministries. In
all the difficulties they face with respect to relationship they
ought to remember how the Lord forgave them and accepted them and so
act towards others.The early Church did not simply have services,
but in daily life they met together (Acts 2:46), enjoying fellowship
over meals and in homes. The home is an important place that the
Lord can use. Exercise hospitality to others so that one may get to
know others better. Be prepared to invite lonely and single people
as well!As those under the Lordship of Christ, everything belongs to
Jesus. In the early Church, no one had anything that they called
their own. Acts 4:32. God is pleased with the sacrifice of sharing.
Heb 13:16. We encourage the members to look towards sharing in
practical ways with their brothers and sisters. Gal 6:10, but to be
cautious that they do not fall into soulish affections and love just
because they helped someone or someone helped them. These are good
works that follow faith. I John 3:16,17; James 1:27; James 2:26.
· The purpose of our cell groups is to know a group of people in
depths and that they may be helped in practical ways.
· Nothing can be built without unity. There is a unity that is by
the Spirit of God and we have to maintain that unity. Gossip,
grumbling and unresolved issues between brethren are deterrent to
this unity. In the interest of the Body, refuse to hear criticisms
or complaints of the brothers and sisters and leaders.
· Meetings: Our commitment and fellowship to the local church is
expressed both in the use of our homes and also our attendance at
the meeting of the church. Maintaining fellowship and avoiding
personal feelings of isolation are important for spiritual growth.
Church meetings and cell group gatherings should be priorities in
our lives.
· Communion: In our gatherings we break bread and drink the cup as
instituted and commanded by Jesus. In this way :
· We remember the love that Jesus had for us in dying for us.
· We re-express our commitment and love to the Lord and to His body
· We seek forgiveness of those we have offended.
· We seek to minister to one another in practical ways, remembering
that we are the body of Christ.