You can help leaders like Pastor Li prepare a new generation of workers for long-term ministry.

I graduated from Bible School over a decade ago. I have faithfully served as a church leader day in and day out; always striving to do a good job. I work hard for the Lord. I am trying to obey his will and to develop the ministry of the church. I am clear about God’s calling for me, yet I grow more and more perplexed under heavy work pressures. I do not know how to manage my time. I struggle to set a good example for my congregation. My love and patience are wearing thin. I am exhausted, both physically and mentally. I have learned that busyness alone achieves nothing.

Long on knowledge but short on character

We young pastors might be rich in theological knowledge but this knowledge has not always increased the quality of our spiritual life or made us effective leaders. However, reading Leading from the Heart: Six Leadership Essentials has invigorated my work. This book says that when a leader is clear about his calling and mission, and is on good terms with God, then he should proceed, following God’s plan. If we can do that, the burden is a light one.

I have come to understand more about my calling. Now I know that God builds my character as my relationship with him develops. This takes time. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)

Too busy not to pray

I now have a vision and determination for my work. No matter how busy or tired we are, we must regularly and deliberately spend time with God. This is the secret to a sustainable ministry. As a full-time church worker, I am very excited to have read this book. I have learned how to better serve God’s people, by putting knowledge into practice. I am able to manage my time effectively and work with my team to lead our congregation. Reading the Bible, going on retreats and arranging gatherings with my team and small groups allows us to grow together.

Local writers with local understanding

We have started using Leading from the Heart in our discipleship training. The church is responsible for passing on its mission. We must prepare Christians to spread the Gospel and drive the church’s growth. We must nurture the spiritual leaders who will take our place. The prospects are bright for a church that makes disciples who make disciples.

Leading from the Heart is especially relevant to us because it is written by Chinese church leaders with local experience and understanding. They integrate management techniques and leadership theory, examples from the Scriptures and real-life, Chinese-specific applications.

Please pray that this book will empower pastors to serve the church in China. Pray that the Lord will give us the wisdom to serve with all our heart, for his glory!

Pastor Li pastors a church in rural China.

$22,000 will provide a copy of Leading from the Heart by Otto Lui and Lau Chung Ming to 4,500 graduates from 45 training centres.

You can help Pastor Shi prepare a new generation of church leaders for long-term service.

I notice that Shun is discouraged. He has been struggling for too long. He desperately wants to serve God and has been working diligently at his church for over a decade. Yet, he has never been given responsibilities or opportunities to exercise his gifts. He has little to show for his efforts. He has lost sight of the big picture. No one seems to care about his personal development or aspirations. The joy has gone. Shun is burnt out.

On the other hand Pastor Wei is full of energy. Despite his lack of experience he was a popular choice to plant a new church. Unfortunately, conflict follows him wherever he goes. He is young, talented and confident, but immature. His lack of empathy and respect eventually alienated his team and congregation.

Equipped to serve

Both traditional and contemporary models of leadership in China are leader-centric. They emphasise charisma, authority and control. Rather than building up followers they build up leaders. Some pastors make all the decisions, no matter how small. Too often team members are prevented from using their gifts, acquiring skills or appreciating how their work contributes to the mission of the church. They frequently feel isolated and discouraged. Consequently there is little enthusiasm, cooperation or collaboration.

Faith building and sustainable growth requires humility, discipline and patience. We urgently need to introduce a Biblical style of leadership that emphasises godly character, service and collaboration. Above all we need to train leaders to disciple and nurture future leaders.

Leaders can encourage team members by reminding them how their work contributes to the overall vision. This enables us to focus our time and resources on fulfilling God’s call to serve him.

Equipped to lead

By making possible the publication of a Simplified Chinese translation of Relational Leadership: A Biblical Model for Influence and Service by Walter Wright you will help equip leaders to nurture others for the sake of the Kingdom.

For seminary graduates, this book will bring a new leadership perspective which emphasises character rather than charisma. They will be inspired to build up future generations of leaders by investing in those who work with and under them. They will be encouraged to empower others to grow God’s people.

Please pray that through the provision of this book, seminary and Bible college graduates in China will strive to be godly leaders in their churches.

Will you continue to support us as we equip pastors, preachers and teachers? Pray that I will faithfully build up the body of Christ in love.

$5 will provide a Simplified Chinese edition of Relational Leadership to a Bible college graduate.

Image: Last year a SparkLit grant made possible the translation and publication of a Simplified Chinese edition of The Call to Joy and Pain by Ajith Fernando and its distribution to 3,000 Bible college graduates.