Christian Discipleship

Purpose: Where Evangelical churches exist, provide Bible training so as to further establish those churches and their effectiveness. Where no evangelical presences exist, plant churches.

Religious Statistics for Guatemala:

Evangelical 35%

Catholic 15%

Nominal Christian or Mayan 50%

Of the approximately 12.5 million Guatemalans, one fourth live in Guatemala City where there are nearly 1000 Evangelical churches, some of which are very large.  The majority of Guatemalan Evangelicals reside in the city. Similarly, most of the true practicing Catholics are also found in the large metro areas among the Spanish population. The remaining Guatemalan population, living in the rural areas, is composed of closer to 20% Evangelical, of whom more than 90% are of Mayan descent. The 9 million plus rural people are served by about 8000 mostly very small churches representing a dozen denominations.

The Need for Discipleship is Great:

Most churches are led by pastors with no formal training, little education, and serious doctrinal problems.

Most Evangelicals could be greatly encouraged in their faith by a consistent discipling effort.

Over 7 million souls in rural Guatemala remain unsaved.

Global Development Services strengthens God's church through the following approaches and programs:

•  Bible training for church leaders

•  Pastoral training in sound doctrine

•  Evangelism support through existing churches

•  Church planting

•  Assisting with AWANA programs