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As preachers, we really have two options. We can try to build a large, influential ministry for ourselves, or we can build up faithful men to multiply the work.

Paul tells Titus in Titus 1:5 that he left Titus in Crete so that he should “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as [he] had appointed [him].” As we look at the narrative of the New Testament, it is clear that discipleship was a key part of this process. Men would not be ready to be ordained as elders until they grew to be spiritual mature and were trained in the practical aspects of ministry. The New Testament design is for this process to occur in community–-in the local church.

Paul gives a further glimpse of this process in writing to Timothy to commit the true things he has learned to other “faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.” (2 Tim. 2:2) Paul demonstrates how this is done throughout the Book of Acts. Consistently there are younger, Christian men traveling with Paul. He practiced life on life discipleship.

Is Paul the only example of this in the New Testament? No, there is a better One. Jesus Christ, our great Example in all things, lived this principle in all four of the Gospel accounts we have of Him. Christ had 11 whom He used to upend the world. He even demonstrates an inner circle of three (Peter, James, and John) to whom He invested even more.

For Slovenia or any other unreached area to be impacted by the gospel, it will take more than just one family or team. It will take more than one church planted in Ljubljana. It will take more than one national pastor. These are all significant, and there is no way to tell how God may bless these. Ultimately, Bible truth must be committed to men who will start more churches throughout Slovenia. Then they must win, teach, and train more men who will do the same.

While we understand that our role may be insignificant, our prayer is that we would win and train men whom God will use to bring an awakening to a dark place.