Frequently Asked Questions

You Asked

If I support Global Disciples, am I helping to create sustainability?

We Answered

Why least-reached?

A third of our world has not yet heard the Good News of Jesus. That third are what we refer to as “least-reached”: people in ethnic, linguistic, or cultural groups with little or limited exposure to the Good News of Jesus Christ, and no significant church movements. Yet in today’s world, many of those considered “least-reached” may be within reach of a local church. That’s why we partner with local churches to train disciples to go to the least-reached. We want to equip disciples of Jesus from the existing churches to go out and reach those still waiting.

How does your mission model work?

Our Global Disciples model is about equipping people to reach their nations. We make it possible for local churches to train their own people as “near-culture” mission workers—disciples of Jesus who can share the Good News, disciple others, and plant churches. It’s simple and effective, with the Bible as our textbook. Trainings are owned and operated by the local churches. We simply train their trainers to use this practical and reproducible model within their context and using local resources. It’s a methodology that empowers the global Body of Christ to share Jesus in their nations and cultures, multiplying disciples and locally sustainable fellowships. “

Why near-culture?

As Global Disciples, our “near-culture” approach to missions is what sets us apart. We are committed to training indigenous Christians who live near or have access to people still without the Good News of Jesus. It is easier for these indigenous disciples to relate to people and share the Gospel because they speak a similar language or a have familiar cultural background. That bridges the gap and creates deep, authentic connections with the people they want to reach. Our local trainers often report that when people see a near-culture disciple—someone who looks and sounds a lot like them—it overcomes the suspicion or distrust of Christianity as a “Western” or “foreign” religion, and they are more willing to listen and learn.

How does near-culture missions work?

We focus on training indigenous leaders who equip others in their own countries and cultural context. Context is key—when you know your setting or the people you’re working with, you have a better understanding of how to communicate with them or serve them. Near-culture workers can overcome hurdles that would often take years for cross-cultural workers (people from another unrelated culture). If you hear the message of Jesus from someone who looks like you, sounds like you, lives where you do—it’s powerful and eye-opening. It means Jesus is for you!

How are you growing as Global Disciples

Global Disciples is riding a wave of multiplication around the world. How? Our model encourages growth in several ways. It’s doable: Church of any size can use the training. It’s done in partnership: We encourage three or more churches to work together for training. It’s resource friendly: Our discipleship-training can be done with a Bible, a training manual, and…not much else! It’s reproducible: The model can be reproduced by disciple-makers, church planters, and leaders at every level. Life change and results speak the loudest! We gain new church partners by word of mouth, and the testimony of those trained and transformed. We have never had to advertise to create interest in our training.

How is Global Disciples able to multiply so quickly?

God has gifted His people in every context to carry out His mission. We simply put a tool for training in their hands that they can use to equip their own people. Our part is to train program directors who then go on to train disciple-makers, mentor leaders, and equip disciples with small business skills. The church cluster is responsible to manage the program, send participants for outreach, and nurture any churches planted. It is “their” program, not ours.

Let’s Keep Talking.

So…what’s this ministry all about?

We believe that every person should have an opportunity to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s why Global Disciples exists – it’s our vision and our passion. So, we partner with groups of local churches around the world, to develop practical training that uses their own resources to equip their own people as near-culture workers. We develop disciples-makers and leaders, empower church planters, and multiply church planting movements among least-reached people.

What is your denominational affiliation?

We aren’t affiliated with any one denomination or church organization. Our theological understandings are consistent with the Lausanne Covenant and the Manila Manifesto. We’re simply grateful recipients of God’s grace – seeking to act justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). We want to always seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33).

Can our church partner with you or host a speaker?

We’d love to partner with your church to reach the unreached. Contact us to meet with you or your missions board. As long as it’s in the United States, we’d love to speak at your church or missions event! Just let us know the when and where.

How do I get in touch or stay updated?

Still have questions? Call us at 717-290-7550. Or send your question now. You can also follow us Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Or sign-up for our quarterly newsletters, email updates, or prayer calendar.

How are you going to use my information?

Don’t worry! We don’t share your information with outside parties. E-mail addresses are only used by us and not shared with outside parties. And we’ll always provide you an opportunity to opt-out of our emails. LEARN MORE