Finding qualified pastors is challenging here. Iglesia Nueva Vida of Jarabacoa presently has an American pastor. He will probably retire at some point in the next 5 years. Who will take his place? There are 4 daughter churches located in rural areas. None have pastors. How can we train leaders from the rural communities? There is a need for pastors for existing churches as well as newly established churches.
Fortunately for us, this challenge is not a new challenge. Missionaries all around the world are faced with the challenge of training nationals as pastors and teachers. As a result there are many resources available. Becky and I have evaluated a number of them. We looked for one that met the following criteria:
1. Free or very low cost: Cost alone removes education as a possibility for many people. The larger cities in the DR, have seminaries. But it isn't realistic for a person to go there, particularly after they have a wife and family. So, the study needs to come to the person and allow them to continue at their job so they can provide for their family.
2. Quality and Comprehensive: We wanted a plan that covers the whole Bible and focuses on on practical theology as well as understanding and teaching God's Word.
3. Transferable: A study that Dominicans can reproduce. Dominicans need to able to lead others through the study. And that is our plan. Those who participate are being asked to take others through the same study.
We found a school in Uruguay. Actually, United World Mission has connections with this school and one of our directors worked very closely with it. Its name is "Seminario Biblico de Las Américas." The school has a degree program but also offers certificate program with online courses that can be downloaded at no cost. Right now there are 10 courses available:
1. Doctrine of God
2. History of the Old Testament
3. Poets and Prophets in the Old Testament
4. Pauline Epistles
5. The Life of Christ
6. Homiletics
7. Christian Education
8. Evangelism
9. Sects and Religions
10. World Missions
Presently, Rick meets with six men each Thursday night. They are working through the first course, the Doctrine of God, and expect it to take about 2.5 - 3 months to complete. The courses could be completed on your own, but we feel that much more will be learned as we interact with one another. The men complete a lesson each week and come prepared to discuss the lesson.
While this looks like a good plan, we do have some concerns. Will men be dedicated to do the work? Educationally is this material beyond their ability? Is the reading level of the men sufficient to complete the study?
Dominicans tend to be Oral Learners. By "Oral Learners" we mean those people who learn best and whose lives are most likely to be transformed when instruction comes in oral forms. We are concerned that this curriculum is aimed at Literate Learners (most are). This may be a big challenge for developing those in the rural communities where many dropped out of school at a young age. Knowing this is a challenge, makes are meeting times all the more important since it is at those times that we are able to process and talk about the lessons.
Of course, all of these concerns will vary from person to person. We are excited about this opportunity. Dominicans, also have expressed a lot of interest. Rick's group is for men, and at some point, Becky would like to begin a similar group for women.
For those interested, the website for Seminario Biblico de las Americas is www.seminariobiblico.com
