The need

Today's 'typical' pastors are very different to those from a century ago. Rather than being white, western, educated, professional and middle-class, they live in the global South, have limited formal education and are often self-supporting.

They go by many names, but whether they are called pastors, elders, church planters or other titles, it is these local leaders that are E3's concern. This is because, while they form the majority of pastors today, they are in the minority when it comes to receiving effective training.

Equipping these grassroots pastors is important because of the kind of churches they build. Their congregations tend to be small, localised, community-based churches set amongst the urban and rural poor. They are well-placed to have an impact on the grassroots communities in which they serve, as they respond to HIV and AIDS, poverty and other local issues, and offer sustainable solutions. That is why training, equipping and encouraging churches like these is so vital.

But it’s not just about churches responding to immediate felt needs. E3 wants to entrust the gospel to pastors who will empower their churches to engage with all suffering: eternal suffering as well as present suffering. We believe that an integrated approach is the way in which people will be saved, communities transformed and God most glorified.