Multiplying Laborers for the Urban Harvest

M u l t i p l y i n g L a b o r e r s f o r t h e U r b a n H a r v e s t

1. Are we assured that God is leading us to start this endeavor? God‘s oversight and counsel at every step are critical for the initial strength and on- going successful growth of your Institute. 2. Have we isolated the specific target population in our community that we believe God is calling us to reach? The call to train leadership for the urban church, especially among the urban poor, is a remarkably important one. Do the initial spade work to identify those men and women in your area who could most benefit from the kind of biblical training you will provide (see Appendix 22.1). 3. Should we consider enlisting the support of a sponsoring advisory board for our Institute? Pray about those individuals who could commit to equipping leaders in your community who have the desire, credibility, and resources to guide your Institute. Be flexible. For instance, you could use your current church board or ministry board to govern its affairs, or if you start a community Institute, you could create a fresh board independent of the church, to assist in the governance of the school. You may decide to incorporate, with your own constitution and bylaws (see Appendix 9), or simply function in conjunction with an established church or organization. Affiliate in the way best suited to your identity and purpose. 4. Have we identified prospective students, individuals, organizations, and/or churches who might want to share in this enterprise? Use the enclosed materials to identify those who could be potential students, faculty, and support staff. Call and contact others in your area who are interested in training leaders within the urban community, and get fresh leads from them. Your canvassing of these students and individuals will prove to be an invaluable asset for student recruitment, financial support, teaching faculty, and promotional development. Keep accurate records, and develop your mailing list of friends and supporters who can assist you in your startup. Counting the Cost: Questions to Answer Before You Start Your Institute

For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Luke 14.28-30

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