Leadership Development
In order for the church to grow and flourish, not just in the immediate future but over the course of time, discipleship and mentoring are needed. In His Steps seeks to develop leaders not only in Cambodia but across the world. We believe that without effective, integris leadership, the body of Christ will be limited in its ability to reach the darkest parts of the world with the Gospel. For that reason, Eric and Ginny Hanson, IHSI's directors, regularly travel to other nations teaching leaders how to engage in strategic warfare, minister healing and deliverance, operate in their spiritual gifts and love their neighbors in spirit and truth.
With regards to IHSI's work in Cambodia, it is important to consider that the nation is predominantly Buddhist (97%) and lacks any type of Christian heritage or foundation upon which to build. sLuke 6:47-49 talks about the difference between a man who comes to God and practices His ways versus a man who hears God's words and doesn't put them into practice. The first man's foundation is laid on solid rock and cannot be shaken. The second man builds a house on shaky ground and the house is ultimately destroyed.
In His Steps International is committed to helping Cambodians build on a foundation that cannot be moved -- a life walking with Christ and following in His ways. We want their lives to be grounded in God so that when trials and tests come, they will be able to stand firm and help others to do so as well. We accomplish this in several ways:
Teachings: Whether it's in staff meetings or the weekly leadership development class in Saang, we cover topics essential to the Christian life like resisting temptation, spiritual warfare, our identity in Christ, spiritual authority, the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, servant leadership, hearing the voice of God, living a lifestyle of repentance and what the kingdom of God is like.
Lifestyle Mentoring: Our lives speak far louder than words, and we believe that spiritual maturity is not measured by education but by lifestyle. We strive to set an example for other believers in speech, life, love, faith and purity.
Practical Life Management: Leadership development is not only spiritual, it influences all of life! For that reason, we also train on foundational principles like marriage and family, financial responsibility, health care, and cultivating a personal prayer life.
We believe leadership development may be one of the most essential ministries for IHSI because of its foundational nature. As Colossians says, "Let your roots grow down into Christ and draw up nourishment from him. See that you go on growing in the Lord and become strong and vigorous in the truth."
Highlights:
- Every Thursday, Eric Hanson, IHSI's founder and director, teaches twelve members of the core leadership team serving in Saang. Many of these leaders are quite young which is exciting as they will have many years to serve and influence Cambodia.
- Recently we saw fruit of this development. Culturally, when Cambodians marry they go through a variety of Buddhist rituals including making sacrifices to Buddha. Cambodian Christians often go through these rituals rather than saying no because they fear that the family may cancel the wedding. One member of the leadership program, however, stood strong and explained to his fiance's family why he could not bow down to Buddha. It was a difficult time of testing but eventually the family agreed and wedding is proceeding as planned! We see these changes as exciting steps toward following God no matter the cost.