How do you receive a precious gift? Intentionally including international students in the ministry of an international church (IC) is strategic, missional and simply a joyful response to God’s gift. Forty-five years ago this Fall, the Lord called me (Leiton) to mobilize the church for ministry among international students. The call came when I […]
“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV[1] In his classic book on preaching, Between Two Worlds, John Stott uses the metaphor of a preacher as a bridge-builder. “Now a bridge is a means of communication between two places which would […]
This book is a book for “limpers” by one who limps. I believe you will find it pastorally helpful and theologically insightful in your own ministry within an international context. Everybody walks with a limp. Some may hide their limp better than others. Nevertheless, the limp is there. From cradle to casket, we sooner […]
Jason Seville, in his article “The Global Ministry Opportunity We Don’t Talk About” (https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/global-ministry-opportunity/) raises a concern about what he calls “a massive gap in international ministry efforts.” Seville cites three categories of people often overlooked by mission organizations in their international ministry endeavors. First are the global cities full of “international international students”—students temporarily […]
Since last writing in INCENDIUM, I have continued to connect with other IC leaders in Europe, including meeting some in person. That has been a joy. It is good to hear about the Lord’s work among international church communities across the continent. Various congregations have also partnered with One Collective in Ukraine to support pastors […]
Recently our International Church team met for our monthly meeting to hear one another’s hearts, cast vision, and implement ministry. As we shared around the circle an obvious theme emerged. Let’s move from “National to International.” Please allow me to ask. Large churches exist around the world. Can the National churches factor in the growing […]
A short, and biased, testimony on how the COVID-19 crisis impacted churches in France, and a comparison with the reactions of some churches in the States Rachel and I have the privilege of traveling the world for our ministry and to live, mostly, in two countries, France and the USA. We were home in […]
There has never been a greater challenge within the international church than to be a genuinely united community. In an increasingly polarized world, divided along ethnic divisions, economic disparities, political affiliations, ethical values and other ideologies, we are called to be “one body” (Eph. 4:1). One of the amazing hallmarks of the early church was […]
We never know the future. Someone quipped that when they were forced to leave the Garden, Adam said to Eve, “My dear, we are now living in times of transition.” Ever since the Fall our times have been uncertain, and whether things are good or bad we know that change is coming. Covid has […]
Okay, time for a true confession—full disclosure. I spent a good part of yesterday writing what I thought would be this article for INCENDIUM. Being a Type A, task-oriented individual who loves to check off every item on my agenda before tucking myself into bed at night, I had a check on my spirit instead. […]