South Africa School of Ministry Establishes Next-Level Training
“Go and serve knowing that you do not go alone” (Henry B. Eyring).
This was the motivation that drove an evangelistic team comprised of credentialed ministers, administrative bishops, lay leaders, and Dr. Michael L. Baker, President of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary and Chancellor of Education, to make the financial sacrifice to travel to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Several of the group traveled in 2016 to minister to local churches and provided leadership training to further implement the educational mission project initiated by Dr. Vassell Sr. two years ago, and inspired by the FINISH Commitment that is the focus of the general church launched by Dr. Tim Hill, Presiding Bishop, this ministry collaboration set its sights on Pretoria, South Africa.
The educational ministry collaboration, was designed to engage local church leaders and laity of the Full Gospel Church of God through challenging seminars. To enhance their understanding of their role in propagating the gospel, various topics were considered essential for church growth. These topics included a PTS cohort training session for registered students, mentorship, leading prayer groups, evangelism, church membership, children’s ministries, and presenting the gospel through media and the arts.
Baker opened the first day’s training session with an overview of the FINISH Commitment – FIND, INTERCEDE, NETWORK, INVEST, SEND, HARVEST. The two days of training saw over 200 participants engaged in biblical enrichment classes directly tied to each of the letters of the FINISH Commitment taught by the evangelistic team members. Concluding the educational missions event, Baker issued a charge to participants to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NASB).
In addition, the executive leadership of the Full Gospel Church of God in South Africa joined with the Global Education Initiative of the Church of God and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding joining in collaboration for educational endeavors in South Africa. This was a momentous decision to join hearts and hands together, standing shoulder-to-shoulder to see the FINISH Commitment come to fruition.
Also, credentialed ministers traveling with the group, several of whom had also been part of previous missions trips headed by Dr. Daniel Vassell, conducted evangelistic services. The opportunities to minister at various churches in Johannesburg were coordinated by Dr. Stafford Petersen, General Secretary of the Full Gospel Church of God.
Souls were saved and renewed as a result of the anointed, compelling gospel messages and the sacrificial efforts of the group.
