One way Campus Outreach SERVE empowers CO Ministries worldwide is by investing in the new staff planning to join existing teams. Nine men and women converged at the Birmingham office this month to receive specialized training for their fast-approaching deployments. Laborers heard teaching from CO SERVE staff focusing on their identities in Christ, cultural acquisition, evangelism, stages of ministry, and engaging with the local church. 

Ministry begins with one’s Identity in Christ at the center. “It’s the foundation of all we do,” says Aaron Webb “Helping someone grasp their union with Christ prepares them to labor for a lifetime—whether in New Zealand or Arkansas.”

Each attendee arrived already having some evangelism experience, but mostly with Americans. Time was spent discussing seven differing cultural “pillars” and how each affects the hearing of Truth. Comprehending the gospel from within these cultural contexts differs from what these new staff are used to, and time was spent helping them expand their understanding and skills.

Another way CO SERVE staff help prepare new staff for ministry is by helping them understand the stage of ministry the team they are joining is in. Whether investigating a new location, intensively evangelizing the lost, identifying and developing leadership, or mobilizing laborers, each stage is highly important, and each individual’s role is valued.

“A lot goes into pulling off pre-deploy,” Aaron said offhandedly. “What we teach is built on 30+ years of experience: mistakes made and lessons learned that allow the next generation to thrive.” Six days spent in intense training is a short commitment that provides new perspectives with the potential to shape future generations of ministry. 

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