In a village south of Kathmandu, Nepal, Pastor AJ, his wife, and their two children are at the heart of a vibrant, growing church. Their story illustrates the need for trained leaders as the love of Jesus spreads in Nepal.

Five years ago, AJ’s pastor discipled him and presented him with a challenge: “There is one place, a village across the main road, and we have one family who is interested to know about Jesus… why don’t you plant a church in their village with them?” AJ started with that one family. Through Bible studies, fellowship, and sharing the Gospel, the small gathering began to grow. Today, that single family has become a church of nine families with fifty believers.

As the number of churches in Nepal increases, so does the need for trained pastors. Enthusiasm and a heart for God are essential, but pastoral training provides the tools to build a church on a solid foundation. Pastor AJ experienced this firsthand after enrolling in ServLife’s training school. “During the training… I realized that these were the very things I had been lacking and needed to improve on,” AJ shared. “Now I can properly prepare sermons in a systematic way. These things really helped me to improve and grow my ministry.” Training helps ensure that as a church grows in numbers, it also grows in spiritual depth.

Pastor AJ is also focused on the future. He is discipling the youth in his church, teaching them how to read the Bible, do missionary work, and serve others. He is preparing the next generation of leaders because he knows the work is far from finished. The model is for a trained pastor to plant a church, raise up a new leader from within that congregation, and then move on to plant another. This strategy for spreading the Gospel relies on a continuous supply of trained men and women.

AJ’s vision is a powerful reminder of our own role in this global mission. His final request is not for himself, but for the future of the church he is willing to leave behind so that he can plant again. He asks us all to join him in this crucial prayer:

“Pray that God would raise up a leader in our church so that we can plant another church.”

Editor’s Note: Names have been changed for security reasons.