Aug 08 2024 57 mins
This week, Fred and Esther Leonard from Mountain View Church in Fresno, California, share their passion for global missions and how they've integrated it into their church's DNA over the past 31 years. The Leonards discuss their upcoming "Live the Mission" conference and their extensive experience in missions work across 37 countries. They emphasize the importance of partnering with local leaders, empowering nationals, and creating sustainable mission strategies that don't rely solely on American funding or leadership.
Fred and Esther share practical advice for churches looking to engage in missions, including starting small by adopting a missionary, sending short-term teams, and balancing local and global outreach. They stress the importance of a "theology of presence" and the power of prayer in mission work. They also share inspiring stories of how their church's involvement has transformed lives and communities around the world, highlighting the need for a long-term commitment to see lasting change. This episode offers valuable insights for church leaders looking to cultivate a missions-minded congregation and make a global impact.