Ministerial Training

Last night and throughout the day today Larry taught a quick overview of Free Methodist history and polity to three ministerial candidates -- Jackie from Belgium, Lawrence from Ghana (now living in Belgium), and Péter from Hungary. Larry provided each man with a 125-page notebook of resources for them to use in their future studies and ministries. The common language was English, even though this was the second language for each of the men. Topics introduced included general church history, John Wesley and the Methodist movement, B. T. Roberts and the foundation of the Free Methodist Church, denominational distinctives, Free Methodist polity, the role of the pastor, and leadership in the local church.

Unexpectedly another man took part in this morning's session. Dick and Sheila befriended a young Paraguayan man that needed a place to stay for the night, so they invited him to their home. This morning he was surprised to learn that Larry spoke Spanish and had lived in Paraguay for several years. It turned out that they have a common acquaintance in Asunción! What a small world we live in! Ricardo had a nice time getting to know Péter and listening to the teaching this morning. He was so interested that he asked to sit at the table and take part.