In this life, disciples never graduate. Both of our own graduates would agree. Ruth graduated from Columbia International University with a degree in Psychology and Bible. Paul graduated from Heritage Christian Academy as Salutatorian of his senior class. Ruth and Paul both agree that their walk with Christ as disciples has barely begun.
We are often asked how many graduates we have in our church planter training program. Church Planting Institute (CPI) was designed to be a three year training program that includes theological training, practical ministry training, and on-the-job experience. In reality, it has become a life-long discipleship relationship between senior church planters and their disciples. Trainees that “completed” their training long ago have never stopped attending the training sessions, especially since they are now mentoring their own disciples to be church planters.
More than a training program, CPI has become a fellowship of senior and junior church planters and church leaders, all continuing to learn and grow together. This fellowship of workers provides a rich support system, as each encourages the others to keep serving Christ faithfully. Recently, we had the joy of helping lead a CPI communion service, as these workers from multiple church planting locations all shared the Lord’s Table together. This deeply moving service reminded us that we, like the bread, have been broken apart from each other to bring the Bread of Life to many different places. Even so, we are still one Body of Christ in this world.
There is a graduation day for disciples. When Christ returns He will give a “Well done, good and faithful servant” graduation address. Until then, these Filipino workers do not want to graduate. They would rather remain part of a fellowship of disciples who are learning, growing, and serving together until Christ comes! Thank you for being just as faithful in your prayers and support of their ministry through us.
Servants together,
David & Joy & Weaver Family
Praise the Lord for children who are becoming life-long disciples of Christ. Thank God for Ruth’s graduation from college and Paul’s graduation from high school. Praise God for Filipino disciples who are also life-long learners and trainers of others.
Pray that Ruth and Paul will each launch well into their next phase of life. Ruth and Nathanael will be married June 12. Paul will start college studies in Bible and Business at Columbia International University this fall. Pray that all of our Filipino workers will remain united as “servants together” even though we are separated by distance. Pray that we will provide the training that is needed for each disciple, regardless of their experience or stage of church development.
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