by Dr. Kristopher Endean on Jun 10, 2024
“The pastors want to know if IBCS would host a conference,” Jake explained. “They want you to help train Chuukese leaders and pastors to reform their doctrine and practice to the Word of God so that they can teach others.” Jake, currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Christian Service program at IBCS, is originally from the Micronesian island of Chuuk. He is pursuing pastoral training even while he solidifies his acquisition of the English language. Already, he is respected among Chuukese pastors for his fervent love for God and the gospel.
“Would you all at IBCS teach us?”
“Of course!” I responded. That is exactly why IBCS exists—to fulfill the apostolic pattern of 2 Timothy 2:2 to entrust the truth to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
And so, on May 17–19, we hosted a couple dozen Chuukese pastors and church leaders from across the Western United States—from Missouri to Hawaii!
They were hungry for the Word. Faculty and staff of International Baptist College & Seminary presented sessions and workshops on hermeneutics, evangelism, prayer, Bible study, the Holy Spirit, the gospel, counseling, music, and preaching. When we scheduled in free time, they took turns doing 30-minute presentations for one another on important topics—like the 5 solas of the Reformation or the doctrine of the Trinity. And then they stayed up late into the night discussing what they had learned.
After the Sunday morning service at Tri-City Baptist Church, the conference officially concluded, but these pastors gathered in a neighboring town for the initial service of a church that Jake is planting to reach his extended family and fellow Chuukese living in the East Valley. What a joy it was to see them already applying some specific things that they had learned!
No one from our staff has traveled to Chuuk. But as one of the pastors commented to everyone during our Saturday evening banquet, “The mission field has come to you.”
We were exhausted and refreshed. May God continue to raise up men and women who fear God, love truth, pursue virtue, and serve faithfully!
If you are hungry to know the Word of God better and gain additional tools for faithful service, the Bible & Christian Service degree might be a good fit for you.