EQUIPPING LEADERS FOR GOD’S MISSION IN TODAY’S WORLD: THE BIBLICAL MANDATE
In an era of shifting ideologies, moral relativism, and global instability, the Church stands at a crossroads. The demands of leadership have never been greater, and yet the biblical call to raise and release leaders remains as urgent and clear as ever. “Equipping leaders for God’s mission” is not a suggestion for the Church, it is a divine commission. It is rooted in Scripture, modelled throughout redemptive history, and essential for the advancement of God’s kingdom in every generation.
The Urgency of the Hour
The world today is marked by profound upheaval, such as technological acceleration, political polarization, wars and rumors of wars, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual disorientation. The rise of secularism in the West, persecution in parts of the Global South, and the rapid growth of urbanization globally all point to one truth: the mission field has changed, and so must our approach to leadership development. The Church must not retreat into nostalgia or remain static in outdated models. Instead, we must respond with intentionality and boldness, raising leaders who are deeply rooted in biblical truth, spiritually mature, culturally and technologically competent. The task is not merely to fill pulpits, but to form pioneers, shepherds, prophets, and servant-leaders who can navigate complexity and remain faithful to Christ in all spheres of society.
A Mandate Rooted in Scripture
The biblical mandate for equipping leaders is clear and compelling. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus gives His followers a global mission: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This command assumes leadership, those who are sent must also be prepared, trained, and sent with authority. Discipleship is not optional. It is the very heartbeat of the Church’s mission.
Ephesians 4:11–12 reinforces this calling: “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Leadership is not about titles or status; it is about empowerment. God gives leaders to the Church not to do all the work, but to equip others for the work of ministry, mobilizing the whole body to function in maturity, unity, and purpose.
This biblical pattern is consistently seen throughout Scripture. Moses raised Joshua with intentional guidance. Elijah mentored Elisha with vision and passion. Jesus spent three years forming twelve disciples who would carry the gospel to the ends of the earth. Paul poured the spirit of leadership into Timothy and Titus, urging them to entrust what they had learned to “faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). This is not merely a strategy, it is a Spirit-ordained process of multiplication and generational impact.
A Contextual Call to Today’s Church
Yet while the mandate has not changed, the context certainly has. Today’s leaders are navigating a world where moral boundaries are blurred, truth is relativized, and faith is often marginalized. They are called to be both pastoral and prophetic, courageous yet compassionate, deeply theological and highly practical.
The equipping of leaders today must therefore be holistic. It must integrate:
- Biblical and Theological Depth: Leaders must know the Word of God and handle it rightly amid widespread biblical illiteracy.
- Character and Integrity: Talent may open doors, but only integrity keeps leaders standing. Spiritual formation must be central.
- Cultural Intelligence: Leaders must discern the times and speak gospel truth into complex and diverse environments.
- Missional Vision: Leadership must extend beyond the pulpit into neighborhoods, cities, nations, and digital spaces.
- Emotional and Relational Health: In an age of burnout, anxiety, and disconnection, healthy leaders are needed now more than ever.
This kind of formation cannot happen in classrooms alone. It requires mentoring relationships, Spirit-led discipleship, exposer and real-life ministry experience. Equipping leaders is not a program, it is a sacred process, carried out in community, under the authority of Scripture, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
The Strategic Role of the Church
Local churches, theological institutions, mission agencies, and Christian movements each have a vital role to play in this task, more so by the Bible Societies. Churches must become intentional incubators for leadership development, identifying, discipling, and releasing emerging leaders from every generation. Seminaries must blend academic rigor with spiritual formation and practical experience. Mission agencies must deploy leaders who are both culturally agile and theologically grounded. Every generation is responsible for raising the next. This is not optional, it is essential. The health of tomorrow’s Church depends on what we do today.
Conclusion: A Holy Assignment
To equip leaders for God’s mission is to say yes to a holy assignment, one that echoes through eternity. It is a response to the unchanging call of Jesus Christ, who still declares, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37–38). This is our calling. This is our mandate. Let us equip with sincerity, pray with expectancy, and lead with boldness, all for the glory of God and for the Bible cause.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi
A/D Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation
LEADERSHIP ENHANCEMENT FOR LEADERS OF THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA
Hosted by the Bible Society of Singapore: May 20–23, 2025 | Singapore
The Bible Society of Singapore (BSS) graciously hosted a transformative Leadership Enhancement Program from May 20 to 23, 2025, welcoming leaders of the Bible Society of India from Central Office and the Auxiliaries. Held in the vibrant city of Singapore, this four-day event brought together mission-driven leaders dedicated to advancing the Bible cause through impactful, innovative, and sustainable approaches.
Through this program, BSS generously shared key insights into its strategic operations, demonstrating a vigorous ministry model that left a deep impression on the participants.
Notable areas of strength that stood out include:
- Strong Church and Public Relations
BSS has developed solid partnerships with churches, NGOs, government agencies, business entrepreneurs, and individual supporters. This extensive network enables effective resource mobilization for Bible ministry, rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared vision.
- Scripture Engagement in the Public Square
One of BSS’s standout strategies is its commitment to Scripture engagement at the societal level. By collaborating with government and civic platforms, BSS integrates the Bible into public discourse, addressing national and ethical concerns from a biblical perspective.
- Holistic Ministry to Migrant Workers
BSS is deeply engaged in ministering to the needs of migrant workers. Through a combination of practical support and Scripture-based care, BSS meets both spiritual and emotional needs, showing compassion and justice in action.
- Training Emerging Pastors and Churches
With the rapid growth of churches led by new pastors, BSS has stepped in to provide essential theological training and resources. This initiative ensures doctrinal integrity and leadership development within emerging congregations.
- A Model for Regional Inspiration
The delegation from the Bible Society of India (BSI) expressed sincere admiration for the impactful work of BSS. Deeply inspired, BSI leaders intend to adopt several of BSS’s approaches—especially in Scripture engagement, public partnerships, and strategic outreach.
The Leadership Enhancement Program proved to be more than a learning experience—it was a moment of spiritual renewal and collaborative growth. The Bible Society leaders returned to their contexts with fresh vision and renewed commitment to expand the reach of God’s Word. The inspiring leadership and ministry model of BSS will continue to guide and influence their future initiatives.
Day Excursion: Exploring the Wonders of Singapore
Gardens by the Bay & Sentosa Island
As a delightful follow-up to the Leadership Enhancement Program, participants enjoyed a refreshing and enriching day excursion to two of Singapore’s most iconic destinations: Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island. This well-planned outing provided not only leisure and fellowship but also cultural and ecological enrichment.
Gardens by the Bay – A Celebration of Creation
The visit to Gardens by the Bay was a breathtaking experience. This world-renowned eco-park beautifully showcases the biodiversity of various forests from across the globe. Visitors were captivated by:
- The stunning displays of flora and fauna representing the forest ecosystems of many nations.
- A diverse collection of rare and exotic plant species, brought together under the iconic glass-domed conservatories.
- A strong message of environmental sustainability, seamlessly integrated into the garden’s design and function.
The Gardens offered more than beauty, it is a place of awe and reflection, highlighting the wonder of God’s creation through botanical excellence.
Sentosa Island – History Meets Natural Beauty
The journey continued to the scenic Sentosa Island, a location of both historical and ecological significance. Once a military fortress, Sentosa holds a unique place in the history of Singapore’s struggle for freedom, and today, it stands as a peaceful haven of lush greenery and learning.
Participants explored:
- The island’s rich historical heritage, offering insights into its role during pivotal moments of national defense and liberation.
- Beautiful forest landscapes and seaside views that made the visit both relaxing and inspiring.
- Opportunities for fellowship and informal sharing among leaders in a serene, natural setting.
The excursion served as a perfect balance to leadership sessions, offering rest, inspiration, and a renewed sense of wonder at God’s creation and providential hand in history.
This excursion was not just a sightseeing trip, it was a time of renewal, reflection, and appreciation for God’s work in both nature and nations. We are sincerely thankful to the General Secretary of the Bible Society of India, Rev. Dr. Kavito G. Zhimo and our sponsor for creating a platform for us to have this learning experience through this Leadership Enhancement programme in Singapore – BSI Team.
We are grateful for the hospitality and insights shared by the BSS team, especially to the General Secretary of BSS Rev Ezekiel Tan Yip Wai for his progressive and innovative leadership. Their holistic approach to Scripture engagement and community outreach is something we aspire to reflect in our own BSI ministries. We record our heartfelt thanks to especially Mr. John Seah and Mr. Heyram for their dedicated hospitality by taking care of all our movements throughout our stay in Singapore. God bless them all. Delegates from the Bible Society of India
A MEANINGFUL ENCOUNTER WITH UBS CHINA PARTNERSHIP
As part of our enriching journey in Singapore, we were privileged to spend meaningful time with the United Bible Societies (UBS) China Partnership team at their Singapore office. The inspiring session led by Dr. Bernard Low (Co-Director, Ministry) highlighted the powerful ways in which God’s Word continues to impact lives in China, even amidst unique social and political contexts.
Mission Focus of the UBS China Partnership
The Singapore-based UBS China Partnership office plays a vital role in advancing the Bible mission within China. With a clear and compassionate mission focus, the team supports:
- Bible translation, publication, and distribution efforts in collaboration with registered Christian bodies in China.
- Strengthening local church networks through Scripture engagement and capacity-building.
- Facilitating long-term partnerships with Chinese Christian organizations to ensure the Bible remains accessible to all who seek it.
Their work exemplifies how mission can thrive through strategic collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to Scripture.
The Bible and the Chinese Church: A Testimony Through Time
We were deeply moved by the presentation on the historical journey of the Bible in China. Despite decades of adversity, the Christian community has persevered, and the Word of God has continued to flourish. The session revealed:
- How the Bible has shaped the spiritual heritage of Chinese Christians through the centuries.
- Stories of faith, resilience, and revival among believers during times of suppression and challenge.
- A renewed appreciation for the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of millions.
This historical narrative served as a powerful reminder of how God’s Word transcends borders, languages, and even political systems.
God’s Amazing Work in China Today
One of the most remarkable testimonies shared during the visit was the growth of religious freedom within China—particularly in the context of Bible publication and worship. Key highlights included:
- The legally sanctioned printing and distribution of Bibles through the Amity Printing Press, the largest Bible printer in the world.
- The active ministry of Registered Churches and Christian organizations, which continue to lead Scripture engagement across the nation.
- The visible hand of God at work—opening doors for worship, discipleship, and public Scripture access even within a Communist framework.
These developments reflect a profound work of God in China, where, despite restrictions, the Bible continues to bring hope, light, and truth.
Our time with the UBS China Partnership team was deeply encouraging. It was a reminder of how God’s mission is alive and active—even in the most unexpected places. We left inspired by their commitment, grateful for the progress in China, and renewed in our own calling to share the Word of God across every context.
“We stand amazed at what God is doing in China, His Word is not bound. It is alive, active, and reaching hearts where we least expect.” By the BSI Team