A Response to the 95%

According to The Center for the Study of Global Christianity, there are “5 million pastors/priests in all Christian traditions worldwide (Catholics, Orthodox, Protestants, and Independents, including bi-vocational).”[1] They further estimate that “5% (250,000) are likely to have formal theological training (undergraduate Bible degrees or Master's degrees)”. This means that of the estimated 2.3 million evangelical, pastoral leaders globally (some estimates put this figure as high as 3.4 million), only 5% have received formal training (i.e., a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree).” This is a staggering statistic, and one, which for me, confirms the single biggest crisis in the global church, namely, poorly trained or untrained pastors. Add to that the phenomenon that most Christians simply do not ever get involved in any form of ministry, and the problem is compounded.

Now it would be wrong to conclude that the 95% are receiving no training at all, because there are some organisations which are doing a sterling job in this area, but the curriculum content, length and levels of training vary greatly. Until now, there has been no international standard for non-formal or informal training of Christians for ministry.

However, an initiative called Re-Forma (www.re-forma.global), may supply the answer. This movement responds to the crisis by fostering, enhancing and multiplying sound biblical training for ministry for the global church. It exists for the following reasons:

1.  To help and encourage existing global and local training programs that are not part of formal training program (e.g. ICETE), by providing a list of subjects and outcomes, with emphasis on, for example, evangelism, discipleship, best practices, etc.

2.  This training will be eligible for the Certificate of Biblical Training for Ministry, which is underwritten by the World Evangelical Alliance.

3.  To provide the same Re-Forma biblical ministry training programme, which could be used for new believers and new churches.

4.  To enhance the effectiveness, reach, and networking among providers.

5.  All Re-Forma’s ministry training will be intentionally biblical, simple, global, transferrable, affordable and sustainable.

This curriculum is intentionally designed to reach people who may never have access to formal programs, but covers the essential competencies that Christians need in order to minister effectively. The curriculum, which is made available free of charge, can be found at www.re-forma.global/outcomes. Existing providers, whose students have successfully demonstrated the outcomes in the Re-Forma program, may automatically receive the Certificate, whilst those who teach only part of the Re-Forma curriculum, may supplement their program with the balance of what is required. It is also ideal for providers who have no program at all, as well as for churches which want to train their members for various forms of ministry. It can be taught in a classroom, or online or in mixed mode format and can easily meet the needs of providers in very rural communities who have few (or no) resources. The curriculum is simple, yet comprehensive.

We need urgently to make a significant dent in the huge shortage of Christians trained for ministry in the global church. We trust that tens of thousands will complete this program and thereby be equipped to minister effectively. For more information go to www.re-forma.global.

Dr Reuben van Rensburg, who formerly served as President of the South African Theological Seminary, is the Project Director of Re-Forma.

[1] https://www.gordonconwell.edu/ockenga/research/Quick-Facts-about-Global-Christianity.cfm#pastors