A Guide to International Church Ministry

A Guide to International Church Ministry: Pastoring a Parade explores the unique dynamics of international churches. In a diverse congregation with many nationalities, denominational perspectives, and continual turnover, pastors and leaders face distinct challenges. Drawing on the experience of 24 international church pastors and leaders, this guide gives practical insights about how these dynamics affect daily life and ministry. It will encourage people who are involved in international church ministry and help inspire others to consider this rich and rewarding ministry.

Topics include:

— Benefits of international churches

— Challenges of pastoring an international church

— What makes a good international church pastor

— How the unique dynamics of international church affect:

— preaching

— teaching

— worship

— member care

— fellowship

— governance

— and more

— Lessons for churches in the US

This book will be especially helpful to:

— those who are active in the leadership of international church ministry

— those who are exploring the possibility of international church ministry

— those who serve on a board of an international church

— national churches who want to be open to the diversity of their community

— mission agencies who want to see how international churches can help overseas workers and their families to have longer and more effective terms

Jack Wald has served as pastor of Rabat International Church, in the capital city of Morocco, for sixteen years.

Here is what some international church pastors are saying:

Louwrens Scheepers, former pastor of an international church in Fez, Morocco

If I had this guide in my hands before coming to Morocco, it would have made our transition into Morocco so much easier. This is not only a guide for pastors, it will also be helpful to those who know they are going to a foreign country and want to join an international church. All the practical illustrations from pastors in different contexts help to make this guide a very helpful tool for anyone involved in an International Church.

John Mullen, pastor of an international church in Prague, Czech Republic

Nineteen years ago I jumped blindly into international church ministry. How fortunate are those who have the opportunity to read this guide before they jump. Most international pastors do not last long on the field. Ironically, stable pastoral leadership is more needed in an international church context where lay leaders are rotating through. I believe this guide will go a long way to give leaders the footing and grounding needed to serve long-term in an international church ministry.

Barry Gaeddert, former pastor of an international church in London, England

I wish that this book had been available to me when I started as pastor of an international congregation 8 years ago. I am grateful for Jack's research and pastoral insights through which many new international pastors can learn the way forward in 'pastoring a parade'.