A Program to train mentors for literature evangelists in North Philippine Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Abstract

North Philippine Union Conference (NPUC) enlists big numbers of literature evangelist (LE) recruits each year but only a few remain committed and competent. New LEs lose interest and commitment in the literature ministry. This phenomenon could be attributed to the lack of training programs for LEs which enables them to be effective and competent in this ministry. This study was designed to enhance the LE training programs in NPUC through the mentoring/discipling approach. This research involved 9 successful LE participants (3 publishing leaders or area publishing ministry leaders, 3 credentialed LEs, and 3 intern LEs under NPUC) to determine the common factors which make them successful and committed LEs. Moreover, the participants are all Seventh-day Adventist LEs of NPUC. From the LE participants, I found 13 characteristics and practices which made their ministry a success: (a) personal qualities, (b) professional qualities, (c) missional duties, (d) relationship building, (e) discipleship, (f) mentoring, (g) motivation, (h) inspiration, (i) modeling, (j) enthusiasm, (k) encouragement, (l) qualities of LEs, and (m) qualities of mentors. Based on the findings and recommendations, the ACHIEVE LE mentorship training program for NPUC was developed and introduced. The program was supported by and based on the scriptural principles of mentoring in the OT and the NT. The 13 characteristics and practices were included as guiding instructions in the administration of the program. The program consolidated all the findings of the study.