This is the final post in the Vanuatu 09 reflection series. In the previous post, I suggested that one of the dangers in Vanuatu is that of Christianity becoming a cultural marker rather than personal relationship with Jesus. I suggested that the solution is that the gospel must be the daily for every generation of Christians.
There are lots of countries in a similar position. There was incredible gospel growth through Western missionaries sharing the gospel during the 1800’s and 1900’s. Many countries have become ‘Christian’. The key to guarding the gospel is having strong theological colleges where the gospel continues to be guarded and pastors continue to be equipped to preach it to each successive generation.
Along with Bible translation into indigenous languages, I think establishing and/or bolstering evangelical bible colleges is one of the most strategic missionary endeavours of the 21st Century.
Pastors need to be able to handle the scriptures, discern error and preach Jesus.
The Mormons are growing in the South Pacific. I had a pretty interesting conversation with a number of them in French (that’s another story!) last year. I reckon that the average pastor would know it in their gut that the Mormons were part of some cult, but they wouldn’t necessarily be able to articulate how their errors.
More could be said on this. Not now.
If you’re interested in partnering with evangelical theological colleges in the developing world, check out the fantastic work of Overseas Council.