Pastors who come to teach at First Nation churches typically last only two years. Bridging the Gap Ministries, a ministry focused on enabling First Nations peoples to keep their culture and follow Jesus, plans to start the First Nations Ministry Bootcamp. The boot camp will allow individuals to serve in a residency at a First Nations Christian church so that they may be prepared to engage with or teach a First Nations church about Jesus.
Rob McIntosh and his wife founded Bridging the Gap Ministries in 2022. Rev. McIntosh serves as pastor for two congregations: The Journey Church, Gallup, and Creator’s Fellowship, Church Rock.
Preparing pastors
He began to plan for the boot camp after he spoke with Matt Thackerson, Baptist Convention of New Mexico Church Missions Team leader, about the struggle for pastors in First Nation Christian churches.
Because of the short two-year tenure average among church leaders, the First Nations Ministry Bootcamp aims to extend that time by preparing pastors, staff and others for the challenges presented by serving at First Nations Christian churches. The bootcamp will launch near the end of this month.
For more information about Bridging the Gap Ministries, click here.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Johanna Nelson and originally published by the Baptist New Mexican.
