IFES Worldwide Training Consultation Ghana - Day 7 (and last)

Some thoughts on Colossians 1:28-29 by Uncle Tibi

What was Paul’s goal in ministry to be able to present everyone perfect (mature) in Christ.

Not focus on one, but all. Paul was not interested in numbers.

Marks of maturity

• Character, because there is “infancy”, there is jealousy, etc.
• Stability in our faith. We are not blown out by any new teaching. Understanding of Christian truth. Hebrews 5:11 Solid food is for the mature.
• Able to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 

Means

• Proclamation, we proclaim Him. And Christ crucified 1 Corinthians 2:1-2.
• Admonishing. Warning (RSV). Acts 20:31.
• Teaching. Apostles teaching. Acts 11:25.

We have no job in transforming the church in a business school. We need to teach the Word.

Not only becoming a student leader but becoming mature for the service in the church.

How he did the work

·       Hard work:

o   Labour

o   Struggle

o   Teach

o   Admonishing

This includes suffering 2 Cor. 11: 26-29

Ephesians 3:20

Ephesians 1:19

·     Prayer

Colossians 2:1

He prayed for people in meaningful ways. So that they will be encouraged. He will teach them in their presence, he will wrestle in prayer in absence.

Small Group Discussions on training gaps - some insights

Gaps in Staff Training

• Lack a culture of developing staff
• Organization is too flat, no long-term strategy for staff roles
• Staff initiative in personal development 
• Training to supervisory staff/Gen Sec/board/Administrative is a big need
• On job training missing 
• Too traditional overlooking the right medium (technology & pedagogy) 
• Staff training too event oriented 
• Most training are not practical
• Need for modular training
• Student contribution into staff training
• Evaluate training
• No pastoral care 
• More theological training

Gaps in Students training

• We put things in a box and the whole is not comprehensive. 
• Gap and/or inconsistency in the whole process: curriculum development, content, delivery.
• No defined curriculum.
• No Training in self-formación.
• Too much confidence in programmes and events, but not enough investment into informal relations.
• No intentional training.
• Training programs are not tailored to students’ needs. We design them based on what we think students need.
• Evangelism as priority – training neglected (in pioneering situations).
• Afraid to lose content so we stick to old ways.
• We think that by changing methodology we are changing contents.
• Gap between doing things and effectiveness. 
• Too much information transfer in trainings.
• Inconsistent training methods.
• Being creative and creating space for exploration and reflection what is taught.
• Training not relevant enough.
• Theologically heavy teaching. No change of attitude. No relationship in how to impact the world. 
• Gap between the biblical teachings and our culture. Lack of critical thinking in how we need to change the culture with Biblical patterns. 
• Fostering effective practices, not just techniques.
• Involve students at all levels.
• Staff should be facilitators than rather than being lords.
• Not enough prayer.
• Multiplying the good thing we are doing.
• Networking to be improved for sharing best practices.
• Reassessment of what we’re doing in training.
• Follow-up.
• Teacher-disciple model .
• Use of new technology.