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Pastor David has a pastorate in a Muslim area, where he and his family experience much hostility to his ministry. He is gracious and hard-working, but often feels discouraged. The opportunity for him to meet together at the IBM seminars provided a welcome break from the day-to- day strains of pastoral life. He can express his prayer needs, and receive encouragement and supportive counsel from his colleagues.

Who pastors the pastors? In the Coastal diocese of Tanzania, the Institute of Bible and Ministry is seeking to provide part of the answer.

For most AIC pastors and evangelists, graduation at Bible school marks the end of their theological education and pastoral supervision. Armed with a certificate or diploma, they are thrust into the demanding world of church life.  These new church leaders are spread across the country with little support and few resources to help them.

FOR PRAYER

  • Thanksgiving for the IBM committee, a wonderful group of Christians who oversee the running of the Insitute together with Tony.
  • The aim is for the IBM to be self financing. To the end plans are in place to start a well project, selling water. Pray for ‘The Wellspring of Life long Learning’ as we look for capital resources.

The IBM was set up just over a year ago with the aim of providing a forum for teaching and fellowship in the form of regional and national seminars for leaders and their spouses. Tony Swanson spent the first year of this assignment traveling across the Pwani diocese together with Emmanuel Masanja the Bishop’s secretary, carrying out interviews with each pastor or evangelist. The purpose was to identify key needs which would form the basis of the curriculum. Topics at the conferences and seminars include teaching on marriage, the Holy Spirit, setting up finance generating projects, HIV/AIDS prevention, urbanization and preaching.

Many leaders are discouraged and tired and this makes them vulnerable to temptation in various forms. However the chance to realise that others are  facing the same struggles and to enjoy fellowship and fun is a definite encouragement to them. They are given assignments to complete which are marked and commented on, thus providing an emphasis of ongoing learning.

If you would like to support this project financially, please click here.
 
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