Mongolia (MNN) – Those unfamiliar with Mongolia may imagine it as a country of wild expanses, yurt dwellings, and nomadic herders. However, Mongolia’s capital city has a population comparable to Dallas, Texas.
The Church has also grown since the introduction of democracy and the Gospel over thirty years ago. Yet, new approaches are needed, says Chinzo, the A3 Mongolia national director.
Over 90 percent of Mongolians are still considered unreached even with the evangelical Church growing at a rate three times the world average. Ministry practices that were introduced by missionaries have helped the Mongolian Church to grow quickly but may not be enough for the future.
“The ministry we’re doing is outdated, so we need to renew,” says Chinzo. “I mean, when I say renew, it’s not really brand-new stuff, but going back to Biblical roots. And really, exploring or redefining gospel and redefining church and ministry, again.”
While a small minority, Mongolian Christians have come together in meaningful partnerships to make disciples and multiply churches. A3 provides training to help with church growth and leadership development.
“We have great sense of unity among denominations, groups, networks and churches,” says Chinzo. “Probably one of the most well-known partnerships is the Mongolian Evangelical Alliance, where evangelical churches came under one umbrella of alliance. And we tried to give a united response to the needs of the society in terms of sharing the gospel, and making disciples, and multiplying churches.”
A3 invites internationally known teachers and pastors to share what they have learned with Mongolia’s Christian leaders. They have also discussed how to prioritize making disciples over maintaining church rhythms and programs.
Chinzo says, “We’re investing into Mongolian Church through those strategic teaching and developing learning communities and contributing to overall unity among pastors.”
Pray for A3’s Mongolian cohorts to grow in faithfulness and effectiveness to reach their nation. Ask God to also raise up a new generation of disciples into leadership.
Chinzo says, “We want to see more Christ-like leaders emerging in the Church.”
Header photo of people in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (Belgutei via Unsplash).
