The Right Tools for the Task
I’ve heard it said that you can repair
anything worth fixing with duct tape and a hammer.
In my years of experience of
getting in over my head with emergency home repairs and remodeling, I have not
been able to survive without accumulating quite a few tools and skills. Each
one has a similar story. It all starts with me finding out that what looked
easy enough at the outset now has me totally stymied . . . till I go find this
guy in coveralls at the back of the local hardware store who listens
sympathetically and then says, “Oh, you just need this tool and that part and
let me show you how you can fix that.” Not once has he recommended duct tape or
a hammer.
When Entrust is invited into a country to equip church leaders, we realize they will require specialized tools. In fact, we know that the equipping that might help an American pastor lead a flourishing ministry will often be totally different from what is needed in another country. Entrust breaks the mold of typical training institutions by refusing to say “these tools have worked for us and we know they will work for you.” Rather, we come to listen to the culture and hear the questions that no American pastor has ever heard. We partner with people who are already doing ministry in that culture and in similar regions until we have identified the necessary ministry knowledge, tools and skills needed to see people transformed into the image of Christ. Then we help local leaders set up a biblical system of training that enables them to train other leaders. Our goal is that the people we train are well on their way to becoming like the guy with the overalls at my local hardware store that can answer most of the pressing questions that are put to him. Ultimately, we know that if together we take the time and effort to discover the right biblical tools for that time and place, we can leave behind a movement of transformation. And besides, these workmen, who strive to be approved by God, deserve something more than duct tape and a hammer.
David
G. Goodman
President, Entrust