The Model Church

The backbone of our work is the model church.  Everything we do in outreach to a city and a nation begins with a solid base of operation that I call The Model.  Once a model is established we have an example for our other church plants in the region and an infrastructure for church planting and humanitarian work.  When everything we do originates in a model, then everything we do has a natural and intentional common purpose.  That purpose is to establish a visible evidence of God’s Kingdom and God’s love for people.  The Kingdom is evident in an orderly church government.  Love is evident through the works of local congregations.

Our three most effective model churches are beginning to produce results in three measurable areas: income, congregation membership and regional influence. 

Income

Our work in Colombo, Sri Lanka is approaching 1,000 adult members in regular Sunday attendance.  There are forty congregations under the Colombo church’s supervision, and the effort to launch a work in north Sri Lanka among the Tamil speaking people is progressing nicely.  The Colombo congregation consistently generates the equivalent of over $100,000 USD annually and has been fully self-supporting for over six years.

Membership

The Islamabad model has been one of our fastest growing works as far as model church congregation members are concerned.  It has surpassed 1,500 adults in Sunday attendance.  It has been behind schedule in the financial area.  This is due to three different factors.  Firstly, the economic challenges of the Christian community in Pakistan.  Secondly, because of the mindset of Pakistani Christians, and thirdly, because of the challenges of rapid growth.  I have continued monthly support of the Islamabad church past my normal three to five year period, but we have been cutting back that support over the past two years.  The church has responded well, and their offerings are increasing dramatically.  Pastor Safeer has self-initiated the launching of a medical and educational outreach as well as a widow and orphan support program.

Regional Influence

The Nepalgunj, Nepal model has been the fastest growing work in terms of regional outreach.  We now have 135 community churches, and the model church in Nepalgunj has surpassed 750 in Sunday attendance.  The humanitarian work overseen by the Nepalgunj model includes a developing children’s village, a blind children’s home, primary schools, rescuing young girls from human trafficking, adult literacy and micro business loans.

I am grateful to the Lord for the plan he gave Bev and me ten years ago to build model churches.  It has honestly been the most fruitful and rewarding season of our lives.  Thank you for being a part of that dream.

Rick