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One of the challenges on all mission fields is the utilization of networking between denominations, traditions, and strong Christian leadership. From the past two graduating classes in St Martin, there have been 4 individuals who have finished the program from one of the larger churches on the island: New Testament Baptist Chruch in Philipsburg. One of those students most impacted by the training told CMA’s director that he must meet her pastor. She told her pastor the same thing – so, this pastor picked up the phone and called Paul. That was the beginning of a story that is currently being written…
Pastor Nolan Nanten is known on the island as “The Pastor”. Through a series faith-testing experiences he found himself entrusted with leading one of the most influential churches in St Martin’s capital city. Paul and I had opportunity to meet with him over breakfast.
As we got introduced and shared our convictions about ministry and training, it quickly became clear that we had that shared Spirit of brotherhood through Christ that identified common passions, concerns, and motivations for ministry.
The most impressive thing about pastor Nanten was his boldness to address the often culturally sanctified errors in the modern church. His conviction over the abuse of “prophecy” in the church is a rare display of boldness that Paul and I don’t often find. Nolan’s articulation of the “itching ears” of his people shows his deep understanding of the issue, and his pastoral heart is geared to the right approach in recognizing the danger of a generation that seeks to find “a word from God” that speaks to their needs.
He went on to discuss how he is also active at exposing the bankruptcy of the “prosperity movement” in how it fleeces the most desperate and poorest of his community. He then when into detail recounting his experiences in “deliverance” ministries, and how he challenges members who come to him blaming satan while refusing to acknowledge their need for obedience to Christ.
If those subjects weren’t enough, he continued to tell us of his commitments to preach the word concerning the necessity of male leadership in predominately female led ministries and how the breakdown of the family has been a symptom of godless marriages. This man has devoted his life and ministry to taking aim at the greatest areas of corruption in the church! I am so thankful for his courage to speak the unpopular truth into the confusion of today’s world.
As our breakfast moved towards lunch, pastor Nanten pulled out his phone and began to call other ministers and contacts for future ministry exposure for CMA. He invited Paul and me to speak on the local radio station and set up his technology director with a Skype call from Paul for later in the fall to advertise the next CMA class. He asked, “what other islands do you want to teach in”, and then called his contact on a neighboring island to set up a meeting.
Paul and I were blessed to get to know this servant of our Lord better and both of us left with an optimism of God’s providence and provision to expand the teaching ministry of CMA to more pastors, churches, and church leaders like our new friend, Pastor Nanten. Perhaps these “affiliate partners” like pastor Nanten can continue to leverage their contacts and ministry networks for the training courses, thereby accomplishing that which we could never do alone, but that which is multiplied when we work together.