Yesterday I had some minor COVID PTSD as I joined a Zoom call with ministry apprentices from all over New Zealand. We gathered online for the last time this year to reflect, share, and pray together. It was such a joy to hear from other apprentices, some finishing up and making plans for study, others only a year in and reflecting on how they’ve grown so far. We also heard from future ministry apprentices who will be starting in the new year, sharing their hopes and fears about beginning their apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships are supported through an organisation called Multiply NZ. Their mission is to partner with local churches to multiply the training and development of healthy gospel leaders and the planting of new healthy churches, all to the glory of God. Their vision is to see a gospel focused healthy church local to every person in New Zealand.
It’s a big, long-term vision, and it’s been wonderful to see how God is already at work throughout the country. I’ve heard many stories (and witnessed it here through our own Hutt plant) of new churches being planted and more people coming to know Jesus. But as new churches are planted, the need for more leaders and pastors also grows, and that’s where Multiply steps in.
Over the past two years, I’ve personally benefited from Multiply’s training days and resources, and I’m grateful for their heart to equip, encourage and train people in gospel ministry. It’s been exciting to see and hear how God is growing His church and raising up workers for the harvest field.
Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 9:37-38:
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.
Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”
I love how Jesus tells us to ask the Lord of the harvest. We’re to pray that God would raise up and train more workers to be sent out into His field.
So as a church, it would be great for us to be praying for these things. Maybe take a moment now and pray:
For new apprentices starting next year — that their transition into ministry would be smooth and fruitful, and that they’d be able to raise enough financial support.
For current apprentices continuing into their second year — that God would keep growing and shaping them as they take on more responsibility in their churches.
For those finishing up their apprenticeships — that God would continue to use them for His kingdom as they move into theological study or other ministry opportunities.
For Multiply NZ — that they would continue to connect with more local churches across the country as they work towards their vision of seeing a gospel-focused, healthy church local to every person in New Zealand.
For more workers — that God would continue to raise up and send out workers into His harvest field.
Grace and Peace,
David