Why do we train up gospel workers? – 2 Timothy 2:2

Children, you might have some questions about what is going on today.

Why are we saying goodbye to Ben and his family, now that he has finished his training with us?  Why are we sending him to be an assistant pastor at another church?  Is it because we don’t like him?

Why are we saying goodbye to James, as he move to London to work with students in a few of the universities?

Why has Tim moved from Oswestry to Banstead to become the new trainee pastor at this local church?

All this coming and going can be a bit confusing.

Why do we as a local church, train up gospel workers, and send them out to serve outside of Banstead?

The best way of explaining why is to ask two more questions:

How will people in different parts of the world hear about Jesus?

How will people living in the future hear the good news about Jesus?

The answer comes in 2 Timothy 2:2.  “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Paul tells Timothy that the way people around the world and in the future will hear the good news about Jesus and how He died to save everyone who trusts in Him from their sins, is if this message is passed on, and especially to men who will be able to teach others it.

[Illustrate by handing someone a ball, representing the gospel, at the front of the church and get them to pass it on so that it reaches someone sitting at the back of the church].

So we are sending out Ben and James so that other people in different parts of the country (even the world) will be able to hear about Jesus.

So we are training up Tim and will send him out in 2 years time so that other people in different parts of the country and in the future will be able to hear this good news.