A strategy to train local elders to nurture new converts at Emmasdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, Midlands West Zambia Conference

Abstract

Despite the significant growth in membership within the church, there remains a challenge in nurturing and integrating new converts into the fabric of the church community. Local elders, as key spiritual leaders, lack structured training programs tailored to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively guide and support new converts in their spiritual journey. Consequently, there was a pressing need to develop a comprehensive strategy for training the elders to fulfill their pivotal role in nurturing and sustaining the spiritual growth of new converts to mature, well-equipped disciples, thereby strengthening the overall vitality and resilience of the church community. Thus, this project reviewed the current practices employed by local church elders at Emmasdale Seventh-day Adventist Church, looked at their specific needs and challenges in nurturing new converts, how they perceive their duty in taking care of newly baptized members, and what strategies they believe would be most effective in fulfilling their role. In the findings, nine themes emerged, namely poor nurturing, resource constraints, lack of a sustainability plan, poor collaboration, lack of modelling, lack of cohesiveness, volunteers, small group ministries, and a sustainability plan. Finally, the project identified the key components of an effective training program for local elders to enhance their skills and capabilities in nurturing new converts.