Teaching and Training Leaders for Lasting Results
by Sidney Grant
THE WEAVING OF GOD'S TAPESTRY 
in changing, molding, and grooming people for life-time ministry usually begins in dark, dismal, and difficult circumstances. From the dusty desert of Mexico to behind the iron clad curtain of China, God's providential and watchful eyes have guided individuals to places where He can speak to them.
Chris and Crystal, a couple from mainland China, are no exception. Crystal's younger sister shared her faith and Crystal accepted Christ. Crystal's husband also accepted Christ soon after coming to the US. God dealt with them about preparing to return to their native land as missionaries. They both were very successful in their country as well as here in the US. But Sister Schwartz reports,"There are quite a few Chinese students who became believers after they came to the US, yet only a few of them are willing to dedicate their lives fully to missions. This would be a setback for them, because the main reason they left their country is to seek freedom and a brighter future. To be a Chinese whose life is dedicated to God means to choose a different direction and future. God began to deal with Chris and Crystal to sell their house and move to Hobe Sound to begin their training. Friends who loved them warned them to think it through and make a rational decision."
Teaching is perhaps one of the most important activities given to us by God and a major occupation of Jesus' earthly ministries.
Teaching is perhaps one of the most important activities given to us by God and a major occupation of Jesus' earthly ministries. People listen to what we say, look at what we do, and learn from what they see. They eventually develop a philosophical lifestyle according to their teaching.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching people for generational results. Teach, teaching, and taught are used profusely in the Bible: Genesis 18:19, Deuteronomy 4:14, Matthew 28:20, Acts 18:11, Colossians 1:28, II Timothy 2:2, Titus 1:9.
Subsequent generations do not always appear the same because advancement and innovation take primitive usage and modernize them for expeditious efficiency. While there is danger in our incorporation of these cultural and generational shifts, we need to carefully teach people the biblical principles of usage and abstinence.
With the assistance and leadership of the Spirit of God and the support of God's people, HIM hopes to develop the following seven principles as we continue to focus on teaching and training leaders for lasting results:
- The source of education must be biblical. It is our firm conviction that everything we do must originate from the Word of God. God's Word is our final authority for our activity.
- The substance of education must be theological. Our Wesleyan distinctive must be at the forefront in our teaching. We intend to teach grace that delivers from sin, deepens us in the Savior's love, and deploys us to serve this present generation with a vision and mission that results in passion for God and compassion for the lost.
- The saltiness of education must be moral. It is the exposition of biblical truth that will bring the change in our society that we so desperately need. Our teaching should produce thirst for God, preserve the truth of God, and prepare us for the task of God.
- The sociability of education must be cultural. While changing culture should never be the driving force behind what we do, engaging the culture of our present age should not be shunned or disregarded.
- The support of education must be financially sound. Private education is proving effective in providing generational societies with sound and healthy families and citizens. We need the prayerful and financial support of God's people to teach Judeo- Christian principles. The world is no better off than the morality of its citizens.
- The service of education must be ministerial. Our teaching must be objective. We must teach people about who God is and what His will and plan is for the world. It must also be subjective. Any teaching which excludes personal responsibility is incomplete.
- The spirituality of education must be strong. The education we receive becomes lasting for generations to come. This is done by teaching and training leaders for lasting results.
To Chris and Crystal, "God's calling was stronger than all human suggestions." Two years after their dedication, Chris and Crystal moved to Hobe Sound's Sea Breeze Community. They are currently preparing to train people in their own country for lasting effects in the future.
