There are always several highlights at the CPI Conference. This time I was able to work it out to train in two sessions for missionaries in their first stages of church planting. Normally running the conference I have no energy or time for this. But God opened some opportunities and I love equipping and training church planters.
I had two sessions with 12-15 people each time. They were from nearly everywhere in Japan from Sendai in the north to Yamaguchi in the south and everywhere in between like Nagano, Nagoya, Tokyo. There were also 5 people from a Filipino church in Tokyo! One was still in Japanese language school. We discussed vision, calling, target group, philosophy and strategy.
What an opportunity to teach others what I have learned so they will not repeat my mistakes. So many church planters do not even know where to begin so we help them with solid training. We did receive some feedback on an evaluation form which is so encouraging to me. “John has done it and so he knows it. It is obvious John loves Jesus, the church and helping equip people…. John is passionate and pours out in what he shares. I am thankful ~ he shares content naturally.” Well I cannot wait to train the next batch. Several have asked me for coaching along the way. How exciting!
An entire seminary attended the conference. The president told me at the end of the conference they were all going home changed. They are considering making CPI part of their curriculum.
I talked to one Rengo pastor who attended and was trained and encouraged. He asked if he had to wait 2 years for the next conference. I said “no way” as we hope to bring more regional training to him.
The post conference, regional training in Tokyo was extremely effective with 5 tracks offered during the day. The training on the gospel renewal was very effective. Some Japanese commented, “Why hadn’t we been taught about how God’s grace affects our sanctification before!” One of the men who attended is a very influential leader through his publications. He was excited to be able to apply these truths to his work. “I’ve thought throughout the years that we need to emphasize grace more but have never been taught how to do this!” was his comment!
In CPI we continue to emphasize Kingdom vision for Church Planting and also Gospel Renewal. Both are blessing people in their hearts and their ministries. Thanks for praying and encouraging. Maybe you could send a team to be part of the conference in 2011.