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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.
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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.
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