The Situation
The Churches of Christ have started many churches in Latin America, and today the hundreds of congregations across Latin American countries are joyfully celebrated! But after decades of missions, training, sending preachers to spread the Good News, and many miles and much money invested, it is a tragic reality that some of these same churches do not have established elderships or a solid leadership development process. Evidenced is the fact that in the church planting process in Latin America, there has been much focus and success on teaching the Bible, but not as much accomplished in providing follow-up and helping the church plants develop leadership that will carry the church into future generations, more lives and sustained growth.
There have been many factors that have hindered the development of leaders within Latin American churches, most of which would have been difficult to foresee and prepare for, including:
- The Latin American “cacique” leadership – Traditionally, Latin American culture has established a system around the Cacique, or, strongman. The image of a strong, individual, dominant leader has been the typical governance model. Unfortunately, churches have reflected that culture base rather than the Biblical model of church leadership.
- The church of the missionaries – Many Latin American churches identify as being mission churches rather than missional churches. They follow the example and models of the founding missionaries but with little interest in organically finding their own identity and guidance.
- A church unprepared to face changes – Like in many places, the church in Latin America is confronting changes related to cultural shifts and evolving mindsets. Without an established foundation of strong leadership, Latin American churches are more at-risk than in other cultures.
- No leadership development or mentoring system – Many of the preachers did not have continuous education after their Bible School education. Most have done well while facing the difficulties of ministry, church families and financial concerns. But, this feeds back into the cacique leadership and is a doomed model without the backing of a group of men who have been prepared for authentic discipleship and church leadership.
There is not a simple solution or remedy. Few have even recognized what is clear and obvious once it is pointed out. But one man is specially qualified, having intimately worked and discovered for himself the fundamental need for leadership training in the Latin American Church.
Javier Leon is educated, trained and experienced in working with the Latin American church and helping them identify, disciple, train and equip members of their own congregation so they might grow, serve and lead their congregation (and beyond).