Notes: A Vision of Christian Leaders Institute

A Vision of Christian Leaders Institute

Henry and Pam Reyenga

Ten-Year Need and Multiplying Dream

The dream, from 2023-2033, is to develop 100,000,000 Christians into Christian leaders. We humbly ask the Lord to assist us in encouraging a movement of Christians to enroll at CLI. In every nation where Christian Leaders Institute operates, we will encourage and help organize the multiplication of Christian leaders.

Mark 4:7-8  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so they did not bear grain. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew, and produced a crop, multiplying thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times.

Early Christian Leaders Understanding

The Ministry of the Global Mission

The Ministry of the Local Christian Leader

The Ministry of the Word (Global Mission)

In Acts 6:1-6, we observe that the Apostles were attending to numerous needs, to the extent that they required additional assistance. They decided to mobilize more ministers for expanded ministry.

Act 6:4 says, 

4) ἡμεῖς δὲ τῇ προσευχῇ καὶ τῇ διακονίᾳ (ministry) τοῦ λόγου προσκαρτερήσομεν.


4) But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

What is the Ministry of the Word? 

Options:

"Ministry of the Word" could refer to "preaching." This is the traditional view. A local minister meets the spiritual needs of the congregation. 

"Ministry of the Word" could be a ministry derived from the cause of Christ's Mission. The Apostles act as heralds and promoters of the Christian movement (i.e., Ministers of the Mission).

The Apostles were both mission-oriented and ministered to needs -

Both senses of the ministry of the word

Up to this point, they were prayerfully promoting the movement and meeting spiritual and physical needs.

Now, it had become clear that they needed help! Therefore, they appointed and ordained seven Christian leaders through the laying on of hands (the first deacons, diakonoi).

Seven Were Ordained

Acts 6:5

5) καὶ ἤρεσεν ὁ λόγος ἐνώπιονπαντὸς τοῦ πλήθους καὶἐξελέξαντο Στέφανον, ἄνδραπλήρη πίστεως καὶ πνεύματοςἁγίου, καὶ Φίλιππον καὶ Πρόχορονκαὶ Νικάνορα καὶ Τίμωνα καὶΠαρμενᾶν καὶ Νικόλαονπροσήλυτον Ἀντιοχέα,


5) These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;

The ministers of the mission can minister more effectively

Acts 6:7 

7) Καὶ ὁ λόγος(word) τοῦ θεοῦ ἠύξανενκαὶ ἐπληθύνετο ὁ ἀριθμὸς τῶνμαθητῶν ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ σφόδρα,πολύς τε ὄχλος τῶν ἱερέωνὑπήκουον τῇ πίστει.


7) The word (cause or mission) of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

Notice Christian Leader Stephen

Stephen was devoted to both the spiritual and physical ministry needs of the widows. Later in Acts 6, he championed the cause or mission of the Word, which led to dire consequences. He was the first martyr for Christ.

Notice Christian Leader Philip

In Acts 8:26-40, Philip played a significant role in the early spread of Christianity. While serving in his ministry, he had an encounter with an Ethiopian eunuch, whom he baptized. This event is seen as one of the pivotal moments in the spread of Christianity to Ethiopia.

Christian Leaders Takeaway One:

The Apostles had a dual ministry: one dedicated to the mission or cause, and the other to addressing specific needs. Essentially, all ministries focus on spreading Christianity and serving others in a specific role. This holistic approach to ministry was evident when the Apostles began to mobilize more ministers, as depicted in Acts 6. In contemporary times, Christian leaders continue to uphold this dual responsibility, dedicating themselves to the overarching mission and ministering to particular needs.

Christian Leaders Takeaway Two:

Both Stephen and Philip embodied this dual-purpose dynamic. Although the Bible does not detail how they served the widows, it does depict how these ministers advanced the mission of Christianity. Stephen was martyred, while Philip introduced Christianity to Ethiopia and to his family. Today, Christian leaders serve in their local contexts and further the mission of Christianity.

Each Recruit Two Christian Leaders Who will Recruit Two Christian Leaders, Repeating

We promote online ministry training and credentialing programs globally, urging Christians to become Christian Leaders. In most cases, the recruiting leader will function as a mentor. 

This strategy enables ministers to serve and inspire others following the footsteps of the first Apostles. Our role isn't limited to ministering; we also cultivate and foster emerging ministers.