A Locally Sustainable Model

Local sustainability is our goal on many levels, and it’s built into the Global Disciples model.

We partner with a cluster of churches to develop a training program, but they own it. The cluster covers at least half the initial expenses and Global Disciples offers seed funds for the rest. Over three years, local support increases, seed funds decrease, and by year four, the training is fully resourced by the church cluster.

Currently, 736 active training programs have reached sustainability. In fact, 84% of Global partner programs launched in the last 24 years are actively training and equipping disciple-makers and church planters.

Church clusters experience the joy of giving by investing in our Multiplication Fund, which helps launch new training efforts among least-reached people. Many churches have discovered that no matter how limited their resources, they’re able to support multiplication efforts.

Small business training offers another level of sustainability. Church planters and leaders are equipped to use a small business which opens doors for outreach and helps support their families. They often contribute to further trainings and church planting.

Another way we build sustainability is by expanding the number of Facilitators prepared to “train the trainers.” They’re able to equip program directors to develop discipleship-mission, leadership, and small business programs. Each regional team is developing specialists who are able to train directors in every phase of training. This has proved strategic at a time when travel is restricted.

“When I learned we could run our training through local resources, I was so excited. I shared the vision with my local church. Many believers were eager to contribute, and we raised the rupees we needed in a week!” —Baijali, a global disciple, Nepal