Global Training Network

1. Who You Are – In a few sentences, tell us about yourself and/or your ministry and what you do to serve pastors. 

After 25 years in the pastorate, my wife Lisa and I felt God’s compelling call to help equip and encourage the next generation of pastors and leaders in parts of the world with the least access to biblical and theological training. In the summer of 2004, that calling led me to found Global Training Network (GTN). My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Ministries from Arizona Christian University, a Master of Divinity in Ministerial Studies from Western Seminary, and a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University. Lisa and I currently live in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area, where we are blessed with two married children and four grandchildren. Through GTN, our staff serve Majority World pastors with teaching and training in essential Christian doctrine, vital Christian character, and practical ministry skills, and beyond content, we seek to bring spiritual refreshment and encouragement to weary pastors and their spouses.

2. Why Pastoral Leaders Matter – Why is training pastors a priority in your ministry or work?

At least 75% of the world’s Christians are non-Western, living in the Majority World, yet 80% of those pastors have no formal biblical training. In the U.S. there is one trained pastor per 250 people; globally, that ratio drops to one per 450,000. Scripture commands pastors to “teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), and poorly trained leaders risk distorting the gospel itself. GTN believes the most effective way to reach and disciple a nation is by training national pastors who already know the language, culture, and customs, empowering them to reach their own people for Jesus Christ.

3. Developing Pastor Trainers – How are you helping raise up new trainers of pastors where you serve?

GTN begins every training event with 2 Timothy 2:2, challenging each pastor to multiply what they have learned to at least three others within three to five years. On average, each trained pastor impacts around 100 people in their congregation, and as those believers carry the gospel into their families, neighborhoods, and villages, a single training investment ripples out to touch approximately 1,000 lives. Our ultimate goal is to “work ourselves out of a job”: as national leaders are equipped and empowered, GTN can reduce the frequency of direct intervention in established areas and open doors in new ones.

4. Better Together – Why does collaboration across pastor-training sectors matter to your work?

GTN highly values partnership with Christian individuals, local churches, and missions organizations across denominational lines. No single organization can address the global pastoral training gap alone, and collaboration multiplies both reach and credibility in ways that independent efforts simply cannot. Our training teams work in close coordination with key indigenous leaders who know their countries, cultures, and communities, and whose existing ministries are already bearing fruit. These partners provide the local knowledge and logistical support that make each conference possible, and their involvement ensures the training is contextually relevant and trusted.

5. Join the Work – How can others connect with you or get involved in what you’re doing?

There are several meaningful ways to connect with GTN. We welcome your prayer for our conferences and for the staff, pastors, and leaders involved. Volunteering is another avenue, and we encourage you to contact our office to explore how you can serve. Financial giving directly equips pastors and leaders to spread the gospel in some of the world’s most underserved regions. You can also stay informed and connected by subscribing to our monthly newsletter. To reach me directly, please email paulmadson@gtn.org, or contact GTN at info@gtn.org or (623) 217-3867.