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Summary: 

The December First Monday Gathering reflected on the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) General Assembly in Seoul, where global leaders affirmed the need for affordable, locally delivered pastoral training to advance global evangelization. Dr. Ramesh Richard underscored the importance of pastoral health to church and societal health and welcomed Rev. Botrus Mansour, who encouraged trainers to remain reliable, qualified, and continually refreshed in ministry, drawing from 2 Timothy 2:2.

Rev. Samuel Chiang offered a post-Assembly briefing, describing the multi-day gathering of thousands in Korea, shaped around Ephesians 2:13-18 and four gospel movements—living, proclaiming, representing, and celebrating the gospel. He reported on discernment processes, global research on Bible engagement, and key emphases such as understanding personal giftedness, vocational discipleship for everyday believers, and the role of beauty and the arts in strengthening the church’s mission.

The Patmos Initiative Booklet

Discussion Questions

Reflective

1. How does the call to be “reliable” and continually equipped, as in 2 Timothy 2:2, challenge your current approach to ministry and leadership development?
2. Which of the four gospel movements—live, proclaim, represent, or celebrate—speaks most deeply to your present season of ministry, and why?

Action-Oriented

1. What specific steps can you take in the next three months to strengthen or expand non-formal pastoral training in your local context?
2. How might you integrate vocational discipleship or the arts more intentionally into your church or ministry’s efforts to disciple and engage believers?