AN URGENT NEED FOR TRAINED LEADERSHIP

         Xtend Ministries International (XMI) exists to extend the kingdom of Christ internationally. One of our chief strategies to accomplish this mission is to provide theological and practical training for pastors and church planters. Our reach has extended to 25 nations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Caribbean.

         While we are humbled and grateful to have been used of God in these places, there is so much more to be done. It is estimated that eighty-five percent of the world’s 2.2 million evangelical churches are led by pastors with little-to-no theological training or books. This reflects a theological famine in which our brothers in Christ around the world are crying out for relief. To assist in meeting this need, XMI is a partner with the Global Leadership Development Department (GLD) at the World Mission Center at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.

         As we work together in seeking to meet these vast needs, XMI continues to conduct pastoral and other leadership training and provide books and other needed resources. In this capacity, we are bringing vital training in remote villages and in large cities. Some settings are in regions where pastors gather for training in crude shelters or primitive church buildings, often walking or bicycling long distances to attend. Other settings are in larger cities where we teach in established seminaries. In each case, training is specifically tailored to the needs of the local setting.  

         Southwestern Seminary’s GLD fulfills its role through strategic partnerships with Baptist conventions and seminaries overseas. Integral to this effort are Champion Churches—mission-minded U.S. congregations that partner with an overseas seminary in order to meet that institution’s needs. While GLD handles the academic side of things, Champion Churches cover the practical—providing library and technological resources, teaching courses, funding students, etc. XMI seeks to promote Champion Church partnerships and to facilitate their in-country missions, as needed.

         Dr. Brent Ray, Director, SWBTS World Missions Center had this to say about our partnership:

“Dr. Richard Blake, who is an alumnus of Southwestern, has worked with our WMC Global Leadership Development efforts for many years. We are forever grateful for the cooperative ministry and leadership that he provides with our seminary partners around the globe!”

         We are proud of this significant partnership between XMI and Southwestern’s GLD program. Together, we are making a significant impact in nations where theological education is most needed. Will you join us in the effort?