A QUALITATIVE DESCRIPTION OF PARTICIPANT EXPERIENCE OF

LIGHT INDIA PROJECT FIRST STEPS TRAINING

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Submitted to the Staff of

e3 Partners

San Diego, California

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Being a Summary of Twenty-one

Interviews Conducted in

Three States of South India

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By

Galen Currah

April 1, 2011

CONTENTS

BACKGROUND.............................................................................................................................................1

RESEARCH QUESTIONS................................................................................................................................1

METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................................................2

FINDINGS.....................................................................................................................................................3

First Steps Training..................................................................................................................................3

Training Methods................................................................................................................................3New Ideas............................................................................................................................................3Attitudinal Change...............................................................................................................................4Skills Acquisition..................................................................................................................................4Evangelistic Initiative...........................................................................................................................5Cell Group Planting..............................................................................................................................6Before and After..................................................................................................................................6Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................7Recommendations...............................................................................................................................8

First Steps Manual...................................................................................................................................8

Recommendations.............................................................................................................................10

First Steps Training Outputs and Outcomes..........................................................................................10

Outputs..............................................................................................................................................10Outcomes..........................................................................................................................................12Recommendations.............................................................................................................................14

Community Needs and Problems..........................................................................................................14

Human Issues....................................................................................................................................15Christian Responses...........................................................................................................................16Recommendations.............................................................................................................................17

Desire More Training.............................................................................................................................17

Pastoro-ministerial Training..............................................................................................................17Ecclesio-missional Training................................................................................................................18Socio-family Training.........................................................................................................................18Biblico-theological Training...............................................................................................................18Pratico-spiritual Training...................................................................................................................19Form and Format...............................................................................................................................19Recommendations.............................................................................................................................19

Other Matters........................................................................................................................................20

SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................................21

Manifest Strengths................................................................................................................................21

Room for Improvement.........................................................................................................................22

RECOMMENDATIONS................................................................................................................................23

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BACKGROUND

In 2009, e3 Partners (e3) entered into an agreement with My Hope India network whereby the

latter would implement evangelism and church planting training, employing e3’s First Step© manual and

the Evangecube®, as Light India Project (LIP). That training was undertaken in early 2011 and is to

continue through 2012. Late 2010, the two organizations agreed to undertake a qualitative description

of trainee experience with the program and materials. Thus, over a two-week period, 21 focus group

discussions were held in various cities and towns in the states of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and

Tamil Nadu. These sites were chosen by LIP who organized the effort, arranging air and ground transport

and interpretation by LIP state coordinators. The interviews were conducted by Galen Currah (Paul

Timothy Trainers) and Daniel Watson (e3).

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

E3 was interested in learning two things: (a) what was the trainees’ experience of the First Steps

training? And (b) what were the hindrances to timely reporting of outcomes to LIP? These were

expanded into these research questions (see the appendix):

1. What are the hindrances to timely reporting?2. What steps can be taken to improve reporting?3. In what ways can implementation of the Light India project be improved?4. What happened in grassroot level training events?5. In what ways do trainees feel they are quipped to plant a church?6. How many churches were planted by trainees, following their training?7. What can trainees remember from the First Step material?

In the field, these questions were transmuted into open-ended discussion queries, tested and

adjusted until they proved effective in eliciting lively responses. Wording and order could vary according

to the flow of conversation:

1. In what ways has the First Steps training helped you and your church members to serve Jesus?2. What has the Lord done through you and your church members since you received the training?

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3. How do you get new cell groups started, and what happens during cell group gatherings?4. What are some needs and problems that folk have and they want help from Jesus?5. To whom do your report what Jesus does, and what makes reporting hard to do?6. The First Steps manual, is it more easy or more hard to read? How would you improve it?7. What other kinds of training would you like to have from Light India Project?8. What would you like to say to the folk who created the First Steps training and manual?

METHODOLOGY

This was neither a quantitative study nor a statistical survey, but a set of qualitative “focus

group” interviews. Sites were chosen, not randomly, but by two criteria: accessibility and success. LIP

invited as respondents First Steps trainees located within a day’s drive of a main city and were known to

have implemented part of most of their First Steps training.

Respondents were contacted in advance by LIP and met at agreed sites, each interview

numbering between one and twelve pastors and church members who had attended a First Steps

training. In a few cases, a pastor had later trained his members using the First Steps manual and

methods. In all, 21 interviews were conducted at 19 sites in three states, with more than 100 trainees.

Typically one or the other of the interviewers would ask the following questions, in one form or

another, whilst one of them took hand-written notes. All interviewees were invited to reply to any

question according to their own experience. Each interview lasted between about 40 minutes and more

than an hour.

In the first two interviews, specific questions about training content did not elicit responses, so

these were not asked at subsequent sites. Fields notes were later sorted into themes and categories and

compiled into the summary paragraphs reported in the next section.

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FINDINGS

First Steps Training

Interviewees related their experience with the First Steps training in several ways. Some

emphasized new ideas or changed attitudes, others new skills or practices or changes in their ministry.

The sheer number of observations proved surprising, leading to the following summaries. This report

will deal in another section with outcomes from the training.

Training Methods

Interviewees noted facets of the training event that they found helpful to their learning. These

included illustrations (agricultural analogies of preparing fields and multiplication of seed); Jesus’

methods (his approach to the Samaritans through an insider; step-wise models (Ministry cycle of reach,

win, teach, train), hand gestures for remembering main points. One quipped, “Seeing is learning”.

A frequent descriptor sited at locations was that of “step-by-step” instruction to follow in

planning, evangelism, disciple-making and cell groups planting. One who had received the training a

second time remarked, “After the second training, everything seem more practical, and we applied the

training.”

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New Ideas

Most interviewees sited concepts and insights from the training that for them proved new and

liberating. These included the church as a training centre and the pastor as a trainer of new leaders; or

the ministry being as much the believers’ privilege as that or their pastor, for example in evangelism. It

seems new to some the think about children and youth winning their parents to faith; about churches

formulating a vision and implementing a strategy for reaching neighbourhoods and villages; about all

churches spawning new cells and about those cell becoming new churches; about believers growing into

disciples.

It seemed innovative or revolutionary to think about church attenders developing into ministers

and taking responsibility to evangelize. God has purposes for churches in the world that go beyond

listening to sermons and paying tithes; he wants them to grow in faith, to trust him more to do more.

Several found it a new insight to practice iintercessory prayer to prepare others to receive the gospel.

Some now have their church members pray for five neighboring households before witnessing to them.

Attitudinal Change

All interviewers cited changes in how pastors and church members alike now feel differently

about their Christian service. Most trainees “gained confidence in evangelism,” with many members

now “keen to do ministry”. One said, “Before, members only came to church to clap hands to music;

now many want to start churches;” another, “All my church members are now aware that they are all

ministers;” and another, “Sharing testimonies and telling the gospel now seem easy.”

Some pastors frankly admitted that their church members are bringing many more to faith in

Christ than do they themselves. With many church members reporting that evangelism is now easy,

many “now see themselves as their pastor’s equal in ministry responsibility.” Before the training, all

expected their pastor to do all evangelism and ministry; now most lay trainees recognize that all

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believers are responsible to evangelise and minister. “Before it was generally believed that only the

bible school graduates were qualified should do ministry; now it is seen that all are called to do

ministry,” with many taking initiative and some training others, in turn.

Skills Acquisition

Most interviewees cited as a strength of the training its “step-by-step methods to follow for

telling the gospel” and for making disciples. Beyond evangelism, one said, “We know how to start prayer

cells and train leaders of prayer cells” as a way in which to “reach neglected areas by train believers and

send them to various places to make disciples.”

Amongst observations on new skills, various ones mentioned “turning friendship into

evangelism; making disciples through intercessory prayer; sharing Jesus’ love with others regarding their

felt needs; preparing others through prayer before ministering the gospel to them; improved individual

and family prayer life. Several pastors now feel confident to delegate ministry opportunities to church

members.

Evangelistic Initiative

The major behavioral changes attributed to the training by interviewees revolved around

evangelism. One noted, “I learned more about sharing the gospel than I did in bible school.” Another,

“Most Hindus and Muslims want to escape from hell and receive eternal life, and I now know better how

to share the gospel and how to pray.” Another, “I now teach that everyone is a soul winner.”

Examples of evangelistic “passion for souls” included a woman who witnesses to all who

frequent her beauty salon; a pastor who photocopies the Evangecube pictures for his church members

use; members witnessing with the Evangecube or pictures on public conveyances; the Evangecube

opening up conversations in villages; believers who write names of contacts, pray for these by name,

then go tell them the gospel; others who write gospel tracts distribute these everywhere they go.

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In all interviews, participants offered that they “now know what to say.” They talked about

themselves and church members able to share their testimony and to tell the gospel “in three minutes,”

having “Steps to follow in sharing the gospel.” All trainees queried claimed that they can follow the

steps they learned, having both “a method and materials” with which to do so.

Some pastors seemed amused at their witnessing church members. One related, “My church

members call witnessing an ‘equal opportunity.’” Another said he now feels “qualified, like a PhD.”

Illiterate Christians, equipped with pictures, are now able to tell the gospel in “simple sentences,” and

can do so “in only a few minutes.” Others felt that their church members have become quite

“courageous.” Visuals provide “an effective way of communicating,” especially those materials that

prove easy to transport. A few felt that the Evangecube was too bulky for everyday use.

Witnessing, some explained, means telling (a) how one was before, (b) why he believed in Jesus,

and (c) how I am today; whereas telling the gospel story must include an invitation to become

committed to Jesus. Both activities should be preceded by intercessory prayer and followed by forming

new prayer cells. Several related how they listen to folks’ problems, then tell how they themselves

overcame similar problems with Jesus’ help.

Cell Group Planting

Most interviewees spoke about an increased number of “prayer cells” (described elsewhere in

this report). The training provided instruction in how to start and care for cell groups, and how to raise

up new leaders for every cell group. Some talked about their intention that “every cell group should

start another,” and about cell groups becoming new churches. One shared, “Believers are praying

together more, even daily.”

Briefly, most cell groups from around believers residing at any place, have a leader who may

have an apprentice, gather daily or weekly, invite in friends and neighbors, share their experiences with

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Christ, pray for everybody’s needs, and make disciples of seekers and new believers. Some groups grow

up around the tutoring of non-Christian students or children’s clubs. (We were able to observe a

children’s club that was in session during the interview.)

Before and After

Many of the interviewees responded to the interviewers’ questions in the form of contrasts

between how things were before the training and how they are after the training. For example, “Before

we pastors only gave messages in church; now we make disciples.” “Before we won souls; now we grow

them into disciples.” “Before many pastors did not know how to evangelise, they only condemned other

religions.” “Before I only preached; now I do more teaching.”

Some were self-critical: “Before, preachers used to repeat their messages and proved boring;

now we know how to involve the believers.” Before pastors preached only in their chapels; now many

witness in the streets.” “Before pastors were narrow minded: ‘my church only’; now they seek to go

plant new churches.” “Before pastors were easily misled; now they have understanding of biblical

priorities.” “Before many pastors did not want to empower church members lest these become

competition; now many see that their task includes the raising up of new leaders.”

Others put their emphasis on how they have improved: “Before many believed evangelism was

what healers do from public platforms; now pastors are leading others to Christ.” “Before, about 60% of

pastors have never had any training and so do their ministry with no systematic approach; now pastors

have a systematic way of doing evangelism and making disciples.” ‘Before, I used to think only about my

one church; now I want to plant many churches.” “Before pastors mostly promised healing and material

benefits from God; now they clearly tell the gospel.” “Before I did not know what to day during

evangelism; afterwards the Evangecube helped me to focus. After some time, I no longer need the

Cube.” “Before believers attended church and gave their offerings; now they want to plant churches.”

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Of course, the gospel figures prominently in their remarks: “Before only I would visit one or two

villages a month; now believers identify whom they want to win to Jesus, and they write names. They

then pray and bless 5 persons for 5 weeks. Next they go to tell them the gospel.” “Before pastors

wanted members to come to church; now they want members win others, too.” “Pastors are now

showing their church members how to pray, share and follow up.”

Conclusion

Although, the state coordinators may have chosen as interviewers only those who they knew

would give encouraging reports, all proved positive about the training experience. A few who had

recommendations to make cited the short duration of their training. Indeed, some training hardly lasted

more than five or six hours, given the difficulty of bringing folk together for more than one day. Others

felt that they or their church members needs repeated trainings. Some pastors are training their church

members from the First Steps manual. Some trainings were held before the First Steps manual became

available in their language.

Recommendations

Given the hugely affirmative responses regarding the First Steps training, it seems that it would

prove strategic to repeat workshop at each locality after a few months, to refresh understanding and

reinforce new practices, perhaps employing a different presenter each time. By the second training,

other ministries, having heard about the training and its outputs, would want the same. Many second

time trainees would likely feel motivated to give more time to benefit from a second round. It goes

without saying that the First Steps manual should be published and be available at every training.

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First Steps Manual

As one would expect from any manual written by Westerners for Easterners, the First Steps

Manual provokes both praise and concern from trainers and their trainees. Without exception, users

found their translation to be “practical,” “simple,” “easy to read and to understand,” and “well

translated,” “making it easy to learn.” Only one noted some “old” vocabulary. Most cited its detailed,

“step-by-step” guidance in how to implement its principles. “It tells how to do ministry, presented in a

progressive manner,” with “clear ideas and goals.” Several interviewees noted how bible verses are

written out, making study less tedious, since one does not have to look up the references.

All seemed pleased with the many meaningful and memorable symbols, hand gestures,

diagrams, agricultural analogies, and photographs. Most noted the manual’s step-by-step instructions

and its non-theological teaching on themes such as obedience, multiplication, generations of leaders,

personal witness, and starting churches in neglected communities. Besides these, trainers supplement

the manual with local examples and from their “own experience” or materials from Campus Crusade

and My Hope India. Others liked learning methods that make sense to illiterates, such as the

Evangecube. One biblically-honest pastor noted, “Since the Bible says little about evangelism, this book

provides a sequential method” that folk can follow, even with strangers.

Interviewees pointed out several subjects from the book that they found helpful for ministry.

These included “how Jesus protected his disciples;” “listing names of reachable folk and praying for

them before sharing with them;” “reproductive goals;” A couple of leaders photocopy out portions for

their church members and workers. Most cited the sections on how to “tell the gospel and lead folk to

faith;” intercessory prayer for unbelievers and their needs; how to launch new cell groups; stress on

gospel “truth” over doctrinal theory; Love as believers’ main motive; struggle for souls; focus on the

cross of Jesus and on his resurrection; how most problem arise not from enemies but from believers’

own faults.

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At every place, some manual users expressed recommendations for an eventual revision.

Several wanted “more culture-specific illustrations and stories,” that is, “more Indian examples,”

sensitive to “class and caste differences” and “religious contexts.” Whilst some found the “African”

photographs “acceptable,” others wanted “Indian pictures.” One illustration did not make sense, as one

noted, “The cat and mouse illustration is meaningless here, for Indians to not keep cats. A cat is a bad

omen.” In one region, the translated manual was not yet available, so only English readers got a manual.

A few suggestions were made on content enhancements, such as providing a “supplementary

work book,” points on how to employ other methods than the Evangecube, including new technology.

Others wanted “more visuals appropriate to illiterates,” “more practical examples,” “more how-to

steps,” “advice on social involvement,” or a “more compact size easier to carry.” A couple of them

wanted the material on a compact disc or in an MP3 player. A couple observed that “it is too expensive

to provide to all who want it,” or wanted a shorter, cheaper version he could provide his church

members. Of course, there remain some typographical errors and mistakes in biblical references.

Recommendations

It was announced at the mid-March Light India conference in Hyderabad that a condensed

version of the First Steps manual was being prepared. Any revision of the manual should include a

thorough going over by nationals who can recommend or approve culturally-appropriate adjustments,

especially to illustrations. Since the current physical dimensions seemed cumbersome to several users, a

more compact format should be considered. There remains far more material in the manual than

trainers had time to present. Thus, the manual could be furnished in two or three smaller volumes.

Alternatively, each chapter could be published as a stand-alone booklet, so that users can choose the

ones that fit trainees’ churches’ most urgent learning needs.

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First Steps Training Outputs and Outcomes

Outputs include efforts undertaken by trainees and outcomes cover the results of those efforts.

Outcome and output descriptions can only be presumed to derive from the training, because some may

have happened even if the training had not been given. The question asked what had happened “after

the training,” since it would have been psychologically difficult for respondents to discern true causes

and effects.

Outputs

All attenders can now present the gospel more easily. Fear has been replaced by confidence in

evangelism. “Prayer prepares both believers and prebelievers.” “All our workers now travel to start new

cell groups in other places.” Even the illiterate witness using Evangecards. Some do so without pictures.

One pastor reported that his members “have gone door-to-door, witnessing in some 2500 homes and

presenting the Evengecards in about 60 of them.”

Others testified how “believers used to think it was enough to go to chapel and listen to a

sermon; they now have a vision to do ministry.” Believers research needs, buy and give New

Testaments, share gospel easily with Hindus. “My whole church now knows how to witness and explain

the gospel. We tell that humans are sinners, for many know they are sinners and idolaters; we tell about

the living God. Believers feel confident to tell the gospel and can do so within three minutes.” “I now do

follow up in villages where I have evangelized.”

One pastor taught all the church children and youth the gospel with the Evangecube. One said

that a Christian student “is teaching the Evangecards to his day school chums.” Hindu parents, another

claimed, have complained that their children have become fond of Jesus. Many youth and adult

members are now confident to share with others using the Evangecube, tracts, magazines, and pictures.

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One pastor showed us an inexpensive “36 Pictures for Coloring” that his members employ with

children’s clubs.

One ladies’ ministry evangelizes using the First Steps method and the Evangecube. One woman

now leads for women’s prayer cells in song, Word and witness. “Even Illiterate women are now sharing

the gospel with others.” Some believers learning to counsel those with problems, or they tutor students

and share Jesus with them. Believers have learned intercessory prayer and gained boldness to tell others

about Jesus. “Before, believers proved lazy; they have now become proactive. Even new believers are

using the Evangecube or pictures to witness to others, in turn.”

Pastor and members now pray more. “Some church children now pray when they used to watch

TV.” Churches are now praying regularly for folk to get saved. Many laymen, even men, now do ministry,

besides their pastor. Evangelism now proves easy, whereas before it seemed hard. Believers are now

praying for souls, and others are getting saved. “My church members now go pray for the sick and take

help to the needy.” Many church members go pray for the sick and offer practical help.

Teams go witnessing from several MPA churches, and new believers are turned over to the

nearest MPA church. Some 25 women go out witnessing together, distributing tracts, visiting homes and

employing their Evangecube. Outreach groups go weekly to gypsies, laborers, rock breakers, peasants,

spending time, sharing tea and biscuits, forming prayer cells. “Before, none know how to share the

gospel; now they lead folk to faith in Jesus using the Cube.” “We go into homes of those who hate us,

make friends with them, cast out their evil spirits and heal their diseases.”

One pastor revealed that he is training a fourth generation of new leaders. Another pastor new

teaches and trains new prayer cell leaders from the First Steps manual. Another pastor has delegated

some of his authority to new leaders called elders. An evening bible school director teaches the

Evangecards to his students. Some pastors now teach their church members from the First Steps

manual, employing the gestures and skits. “I now delegate many ministry activities to my church

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members.” Another pastor said, “I choose leaders, pray with them, spend time with them, teach them

the word, and go with them to apply their learning.”

Outcomes

Most interviewees testified to increased numbers of seekers, new believers, baptisms, cell

groups launched or churches planted. Some used vague terms such as, “Many have received Jesus

Christ;” “Neighborhood youth are being saved and now coming to church;” and “New folks are coming

to the Lord.” “Before the training, one girl student witnessed to 30 friends and school with no results;

after interceding first, then sharing, next inviting to repent and pray, many did so.” “Others are

preparing for baptism.”

Others offered numerical counts, mostly from amongst Hindus. Those noted are as follow.

Conversions: 5 families, 15, 20, 90, 20, 10, 7, 20; baptisms: 25, 33, 20, 30, 15, 18, 42, 2, 10, 2, 63, 6, 3;

new church members: 45. One pastor and some believers went out witnessing; “next Sunday some 100

Hindus showed up for church. Believers have been following them up.” That is, some 70 conversions

were noted, some of which may be included in the 240 some baptisms, across 21 interviews and 150

respondents.

The launching of new cell groups, usually called “prayer cells,” was a part of the training and of

reported outcomes. Again, some responses came in vague terms: “We now have cell groups that meet

daily in various homes.” “All our churches have started prayer cells, including believers on a military

base. Jealous Hindus and Muslims have begun forming their own home-based prayer cells.” “When we

hold bible clubs for Hindu children, we no longer entice them with candies. Those children now share

the gospel with their parents and bring them to church.” “Prayer cells have started, and our members

now make disciples of others.”

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Others offered numerical counts. One pastor said, “I and eleven church members have stared

between one and four cell groups each, mostly through evangelism.” Another “started four cell groups

with many new believers.” The starting of cell groups has led to the emergence of new leaders, often in

neighboring villages. Another reported, “27 cell groups have been launched and are being led by 18 self-

supported assistant shepherds.” The counts offered included cell groups: 27, 18, 7, 20, 7, 2, 5, 6, 3. Some

pastors spoke of raising up groups leaders or assistant pastors, others of new church plants or cells that

have become churches.

Several interviewees offered testimonials of healings or miracles that accompany their

evangelism though more typically of their cell group ministries. One said, “My new youth worker was

saved from drug addiction and black magic through the Evangecube.” One woman, after seeing her son

healed in Jesus’ name, now prays weekly for the sick in local hospitals. Acknowledging that healings can

be hard to verify, one leader reported “one case of chest cancer healed through prayer; a doctor’s x-ray

shows how the tumors had disappeared.” Other miracles included a kidney stone that passed after

prayer; the paralyzed rising and walking; barren women to getting a child; provisions for financial need.

Although “believers’ neighbors have been helped or healed through prayer,” healing is not an

end in itself. “At first folk come for healing and miracles, later they stay faithful because of the love the

Lord, not because of miracles.” “I trained my church members. Some of these went and prayed for the

sick and started new cell groups.” “Several new, little churches have started.”

Neither simple confession nor the fact of healing suffices to induct new church members.

Pastors typically look for “changed behavior:” New believers start to pray in Jesus’ name, witness in

church, admit their willingness to follow Jesus, and so forth. Most wait until seekers “request baptism,

and never force or even offer baptism, for many wrongly believe the baptism will bring physical healing.

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Recommendations

Outputs and outcomes reported through these interviews, whilst proving highly encouraging,

mostly look only to addition growth, that is, new believers added to existing churches and cell groups

that belong to a church but are not recognized as churches in their own right. Even the few reported

new ‘satellite churches’ have yet to reproduce. The revised First Steps manual may enhance vision for

multi-generational growth, and future training can incorporate more multiplication training along with

demonstration of an approach to pastoral mentoring that empowers new workers to reproduce

themselves and their new cells and churches.

Community Needs and Problems

Interviewees usually related their outreach activities to community needs and problems. Further

queries about such needs revealed a fairly consistent social profile across interview sites. The following

derive from the interviews, not from social commentary or from external critics. India is currently

causing a lot of rejoicing in international Christian circles, yet she faces daily challenges that Western

partners understand poorly.

Human Issues

Regarding family and social problems, interviewees most frequent descriptors were

“disharmony” and “lack of peace” besides a litany of marital, family and personal problems, quarrels

worries, especially where the head of household has become a “drunken husband.” Seekers often come

looking for “peace,” leading churches to want “counseling guidelines and training for a variety of

personal and family needs.”

As social problems they cited instances of crime such as “hooliganism” and “thievery” leading to

arrest and jail, besides the nearly continuous “drunkenness and quarrels.” At one site, interviewees

expressed concern about an increasing rate murders perpetrated by local gangs. Personal failures

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revolve around alcoholism, “especially amongst men,” adultery and addiction along with financial woes

and ruin. “Immorality is very prevalent in villages.”

Spiritual issues include interviewees’ perceived prevalence of “spiritual oppression and

bondage,” “mental disturbance,” “demon possession” and “witchcraft” associated with Hindu temples,

snake worship, and fear of trouble from local idols. One explained, “Witchcraft makes folk go mad, each

grass or bangles, scratch themselves, scream, run or refuse food.” Many Hindus, upon hearing the

gospel, “ask how they could leave their idols. Some want both Jesus and their idols.”

In the midst of a rapidly-growing national economy, millions still live and die in crushing poverty.

Some Christian leaders want more training in Personal and family economics and financial responsibility,

besides guidance in microenterprise training and lending schemes. “Poverty, sickness, and drunkenness”

were mentioned together, along with consequences that include “debt to money lenders,” leading to

high numbers suicides, orphans and widows, and the “elderly being left by families to die.” Other

consequences of poverty noted by interviewees include Illiteracy and ignorance, lack of food, clothing,

lodging, housing and living space, children’s school fees, and ability to “procure official papers.” Hence

many “commit suicide,” a fact often mentioned in newspapers, national economic reports and even

motion pictures.

All interviewees listed “sickness,” including HIV, amongst prevalent community needs. Health

needs become accentuated in the “hot season when many children, the sick and old folks die of the

heat.” Indian Christian everywhere pray for the sick, so much so that pagans come to them “for

anointing and prayer, some even buying and bring their own anointing oil.”

Whilst receptivity to the Good News of Jesus has been increasing in recent years, “persecutors”

remain a present fact nearly everywhere. Forms of “public spite” include the filing of annoyance reports

against Christian meetings, neighborhood leaders disallow Christian meetings, and “Hindus throwing

religious paraphernalia onto Christian meeting places, that Christians dare not remove lest they be

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arrested for antireligious acts.” One shared, “Direct opposition includes stopping pastors visiting, and

stopping Christians singing.”

Some seekers, while wanting to become Christians, “fear of being separated from one’s

community and family. Many ask whom their children would marry.” Others want to avoid “quarrels

between family members.”

Christian Responses

Christians respond to human needs in the ways that they can. One pastor said, “I give once or

twice. After that, I urge folk to have faith in God.” Anther added, “In our church, we tithe our own food

and feed the children and women.” (See the section in this report on the formation of Christian cell

groups to confront human needs and problems.) Various interviewees expressed interest in getting

more training so they could “move from being worship centers to become resource centers for various

social groups.” They want more “materials and training for youth, children, men, women, parents,”

along with “apologetics on the university campuses.”

Recommendations

Christians in India, living in daily contact with spiritual oppression, human suffering and political

opposition, remain keenly aware of their precarious social position, their own spiritual power through

the Name of Jesus, and their near complete lack of training and resources to meet their many

challenges. “First Steps” is helping them to advance into enemy territory. See another section of this

report on further, desired training from e3 Partners, from Light India Project, and from others.

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Desire More Training

Because of overall satisfaction, even delight, with First Steps training and outcomes, most

interviewees proved eager to solicit more training from Light India Project. One quipped, “Whatever the

project offers, we will take it.” Their training wish list proved quite comprehensive.

Pastoro-ministerial Training

Many want more help with “step-by-step” “leadership development” and “skills training” for

“ministry passion for pastors,” “motivating leaders to achieve goals,” youth workers, women leaders,

cell leaders of “groups of 12 to 15 members,” “all my church members.” One man wanted more on

“women’s issues. Many women do much more than most men do.” Some already see a need to prepare

a “second line” (generation) of apprentice leaders, so want help with “the next steps in their

development.” Some want “to communicate more effectively” and to find “practical ways to start more

churches that folks will be willing to attend.” Some want to “provide First Steps to next generations of

witnesses,” and to “better to track results from outreach.” “How to help pastors overcome their fear

that other churches may steal their sheep?”

Ecclesio-missional Training

While appreciating the Evangecube, many leaders want “more evangelism methods besides the

Cube, for example, evangelizing through sports.” “There are not enough Evangecubes and the Cubes

alone are not a sufficient method.” How to make better use of “skits, song, dance, puppets, magic for

telling the gospel?” Others now want “ways in which to evangelize whole villages,” making many

disciples, leading cell groups, planting new churches.

Many want more on “How to start a cell group with mostly non-Christians?” “How to make

disciples through follow-up materials?” “How to keep church planting going continually,” and “how to

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track what is happening with cell group.” How to teach about “spiritual gifts” in relation to “activities for

believers inside their cell groups,” including “making music and songs.”

Socio-family Training

Many sense a need to learn “how to resolve complex family and marital issues,” how to counsel

children, youth, families, to resolve property disputes. They hope to learn “relationship building step by

step.” Others are awaiting promised training in “character development,” for “inner healing, growth and

victorious living.” Several mentioned a need for training in “how do deal with demon possession which is

a common feature of Indian society.”

Biblico-theological Training

Some asked for help in “wow to build up believers in their faith,” teach doctrines such as

“heaven and hell, how to provide useful apologetic arguments, how to explain the Book of Revelation.

Can Light India or e3 provide “bible study guides for use in cell groups?” “How to help believers

overcome their irrational opinions learned from American denominations?” such as “King James only?”

Others want better “answers for Hindu and Moslem detractors,” or methods to “win Muslims to Christ.”

Pratico-spiritual Training

Some interviewees want more insight on “spiritual development,” to “help seekers overcome to

receive Jesus” and believers “to respond to persecution,” “to grow new believers into disciples,” and to

“help with on-going growth of Christians.” All interviewees want “step-by-step help for new believers,”

to do a better work of “making disciples,” of “growing new believers into disciples who are strong in

their faith” and in “growing in Christ-like character step by step.” This includes “spiritual life and fruit-

bearing for a better reputation.”

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Other want a greater “healing ministry,” so want to learn “how to do more miracles for the

Lord.” Some want, specifically, help for “alcoholics and other addicts who often fall away after

conversion,” or ”counselling skills for the depressed and the oppressed.”

Form and Format

Besides train seminars, several interviewees asked for “step-by-step leader development

materials,” discipleship materials, tools to make disciples and tools to develop leaders. Some want more

First Steps manual, and others “visuals” and “material on CD-ROM for illiterate village workers” and for

“those who do not like to read,” that is, “simple materials for the less educated and advanced materials

for the more educated.” Several felt a need for more means of evangelism, including “CD-ROM discs of

methods and materials for evangelizing youth.” One requested, “specific training and materials for

youth, the N generation.”

Recommendations

Light India Project, with sufficient help from partners who hold special skills and knowledge,

could provide a series of training seminars and workshops for vast networks of denominations, churches

and institutions across India. As churches grow numerically through evangelism and multiplication of

cells, those churches will be able to pay for the cost of training that strengthens them, extends their

leadership networks and expands their movement.

More immediately, e3 Partners can work up a Next Steps training manual or serial training

materials, and model workshops that lay a practical basis in leader development and reproduction

integral to church multiplication. Such a second phase training will provide accessible written and

electronic media and materials that address the strongest felt needs of new churches and emerging

leaders. One well-tested leader reproduction program already available in Indian languages is Train &

Multiply® (www.trainandmultiply.com).

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Other Matters

All interviewees proved effervescent with their “joyful,” “heartfelt” thanks to Light India Project

and the creators of the “very useful” First Steps course “for good teaching in simple, practical ministry

methods.” Thanks for such a step-by-step manual that proves easy to read in our mother tongue. Your

love for Jesus has been expressed through us to surrounding villages. “We thank you and pray for you.”

“You are helping church growth in India.”

At several locations, the interviewees seemed pleased that the interviewers would come so far

to hear from them. One said, “Since First Steps is culturally weak, we are glad someone has come to see

our situation.” Another, “We are happy that e3 sent someone to meet us.”

Jeremiah 33:3 is becoming true for us: “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great

and hidden things that you have not known.” “Help us reach every church and every believer in India

with this training.” “We are now confident to make disciples and want more training on how to make

disciples.” Light India has provided “wonderful training and book for uneducated pastors in AP.” “Our

pastor is now better able to train us.”

We asked no questions about the Evangecube, yet several interviewees expressed an opinion.

One shared, “We sell a cube, 50 thus far, to those who demonstrate that they can use it properly.”

Another, “What one gives becomes a toy; what one buys proves a tool.” More than one found the Cube

“too expensive,” or that “there are not enough of them.” One pastor requested an “Evangecube for

Muslims, starting with selected Koranic verses.”

Several reiterated their evangelistic practices and plans. “We want to multiply leaders and

believers.” “Colossians 3:1-2. Jesus’ return is near; we want to prepare folk to meet him; time is short

and Satan remains alert.” “My goal is to plant 1000 new churches for my denomination within the

coming five years. So far, I have trained 220 personnel to do so.” “Pray for our ability to implement First

Steps in the midst of our many problems.”

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Most want more training and materials. “Light India Project should lay more long-term plans.”

“We are awaiting Next Steps.” “Create and supply more resources for explaining the gospel and

encouraging folk towards Jesus.” “Even those who have not had the training want the book, but it would

not help them much without the training. We provide the book only to those who take the training.”

SUMMARY

Since this was not a program evaluation study, it did not attempt to assess all LIP inputs,

processes, output or outcomes, but only trainees' views of their own experience of the First Steps

training and its benefit for their local ministries. Nevertheless, the interviews left the researchers with

some distinct impressions.

Manifest Strengths

Light India Project enjoys a widely-held, good reputation for bringing helpful training to many

denominations and churches in several states and many districts of India.

LIP’s existing corps of experienced, respected trainers, having access to denominations and

churches, forms an existing network of committed personnel for a rapid diffusion of valued training.

LIP and e3 enjoy a working relation based on mutual respect and cooperative partnership.

The e3 First Steps training methods, content and manual have proven their genius and worth by

empowering church pastors and members for more effective evangelism and cell group planting. All

interviewees testified to their improved evangelistic skills and those of their church members whom

they were able to train, in turn.

The First Steps manual was praised by all who have access to it, and many more would like to

procure copies of it for themselves and for their church workers.

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The Evangecube has proved an admirable tool for initiating conversations that lead to telling the

gospel to 100s and probably 1000s of unchurched folk.

Given the very few hours in which some First Steps trainings were given, its outputs, in terms of

Christian evangelistic and outreach activity, and its outputs, in terms of miracles, baptism and news cell

groups, is no less than astonishing.

Room for Improvement

Accessing mostly existing, traditional, clergy-led, congregational churches, may be limiting

expansion to familiar structures such as qualified clergy, church attendance, and prayer cells that are not

seen as new church starts.

The First Steps manual and the Evangecube remain too expensive for most Indian churches and

members. Most of the interviewees commented that they cannot procure enough cubes to ensure it

continued use.

The First Steps manual’s few weak points include its physical dimensions (“too big to carry”) and

a few culturally-unsuitable illustrations and photographs.

First Steps training events often last only a few hours because attenders

Many trainees remain hesitant to report their ministry outcomes to LIP, and others seem unsure

what to report or how to do so.

LIP has other partners and training events that it presents in a wide variety of locations, with too

little time, personnel and materials to follow up First Steps trainees with much needed and desired

leader development training.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

The First Steps manual has already been edited into a more compact format than that followed

by this study’s interviewees, and LIP is producing a very condensed version at a more affordable cost.

More affordable, transportable and culturally-tested forms of gospel pictures would circumvent

the perceived high cost and cumbersome size of the Evangecube. These should be made available as an

Internet download along with memorisable story text and description of effective presentations.

Some kind of Next Steps training could extend current evangelistic gains by providing more

insight, skills and materials for pastor to become empowering mentors who extend generations of new

leaders. Materials like those from www.TrainAndMultiply.com and www.Paul-Timothy.net could serve

as models of proven, need-driven, leadership-development lessons suitable for mentored training within

church planting movements.

Prayer cells, small groups, house and campus fellowships must come to be treated as emerging

churches, empowered by pastors and their apprentices to fulfil all the New Testament requirements of

churches, so that these become self-multiplying generations of new churches under pastoral care.

Where existing denominations and churches prove unable to break out of their colonial-

missionary structures in order to create more rapid, culturally-appropriate, evangelistic, church

multiplication, e3 may have to envision ways to launch new movements of another kind.