One way Campus Outreach SERVE empowers CO Ministries worldwide is by investing in the new staff planning to join existing teams. Nine men and women converged at the Birmingham office this month, and CO SERVE staff equipped them for their fast-approaching deployments. CO SERVE staff developed these laborers through teaching that focused on their identities in Christ, cultural acquisition, evangelism, the stages of ministry, and engagement with the local church.
Ministry begins when one’s Identity in Christ stands at the center. “It’s the foundation of all we do,” says Aaron Webb, “Helping someone grasp their union with Christ prepares them to labor for a lifetime—whether in New Zealand or Arkansas.”
Each attendee already had some experience in evangelism, primarily among Americans. As the group discussed seven distinct cultural “pillars” and how each shapes the perception of truth, CO SERVE staff developed new staff members’ understanding and skills for communicating the gospel within these cultural contexts.
CO SERVE staff also prepare new staff for ministry by clarifying the stage of ministry of the team they are joining. Whether investigating a new location, intensively evangelizing the lost, identifying and developing leadership, or mobilizing laborers, each stage is crucial, and leaders value the role of each individual.
“A lot goes into pulling off pre-deploy,” Aaron said offhandedly. “What we teach is built on 30+ years of experience: mistakes made and lessons learned that allow the next generation to thrive.” Six days of intense training require a short commitment but provide new perspectives with the potential to shape future generations of ministry.
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