Empowering Indigenous Leaders: A Call to Wholehearted Faith
Summary
Today is a day of gratitude and celebration, both for the anniversary of Reedsport Church of God and for the deep partnership that has grown between this congregation and Tyndale Theological Seminary. The journey that brought me here is personal—welcoming a new grandchild into the world—and also deeply connected to the global work of equipping leaders for the church. Tyndale was founded in Amsterdam as a response to the need for biblically trained pastors, especially in places where access to theological education is scarce. Today, its reach is global, with students from Africa, Asia, and beyond, all coming together in a unique, discipleship-focused, residential community. The seminary’s mission is not just academic; it is about forming character, building relationships, and sending men and women back to their nations to serve and lead.
Stories like Xavier from India and Sarah from Ghana illustrate the transformative impact of this approach. Xavier, already a pastor of a large church, came to Tyndale to deepen his understanding and avoid burnout, immediately sharing what he learned with his team back home. Sarah, after her studies, returned to Ghana to teach theology and minister to the most marginalized—women cast out as “witches.” These stories are a testament to the vision that training indigenous leaders, who know the language and culture, is a powerful and sustainable model for missions.
Reflecting on the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus, there are profound lessons for us today. Pharaoh’s repeated attempts to negotiate with God—offering partial freedom, incomplete devotion, and compartmentalized faith—mirror the temptations we face to compromise in our walk with Christ. The call is clear: God desires all of us—our families, our work, our whole lives—to be devoted to Him. There is no room for a fragmented faith or a divided heart. The promise of God is for every generation, and we are called to pray, to persevere, and to believe for the salvation and transformation of our families, our workplaces, and our world.
Thank you, Reedsport Church of God, for your partnership, your prayers, and your vision. The work is great, but God is moving, and together we are part of something much larger than ourselves. May we continue to press forward, leaving nothing behind, and celebrate the feast of the Lord as one people—young and old, men and women, every part of our lives surrendered to Him.
Key Takeaways
- The Power of Indigenous Leadership: Training and equipping leaders from within their own cultures is a transformative model for missions. These leaders already understand the language, customs, and challenges of their communities, making their ministry more effective and sustainable. Investing in their education multiplies the impact of the gospel far beyond what traditional missionary models can achieve. [34:03]
- The Danger of Compromise in Faith: Pharaoh’s negotiations with Moses reveal the subtle ways the enemy tempts us to settle for partial obedience—worshiping God but not leaving our old life, or serving God but only in certain areas. True freedom in Christ requires a wholehearted, uncompromising devotion that refuses to separate faith from any part of life. We are called to reject half-measures and pursue the fullness of God’s calling. [41:41]
- Faith is a Family Affair: God’s vision is for entire families and generations to be included in His promises. Moses’ insistence that “not a hoof is to be left behind” is a powerful reminder that faith is not just for individuals or spiritual elites, but for young and old, men and women, together. We are called to pray persistently for our loved ones, believing that God’s grace can reach every prodigal and every generation. [51:07]
- Integrating Faith and Work: Pharaoh’s final compromise—leaving the Israelites’ livestock behind—symbolizes the temptation to compartmentalize our faith, keeping it separate from our work and daily life. God calls us to bring every aspect of our lives under His lordship, transforming our workplaces, schools, and communities with the love and truth of Christ. Our witness is most powerful when our faith is visible in every sphere. [52:55]
- Perseverance in Prayer and Partnership: The story of Tyndale and the testimonies of students like Xavier and Sarah show the fruit of long-term investment, both in prayer and in partnership. Sometimes, answers to prayer take years—even decades—but God is faithful. Our role is to keep sowing, keep believing, and keep partnering with God’s work, trusting that He will bring the harvest in His time. [54:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Personal Introduction and Family Update
[03:20] - The Founding of Tyndale Theological Seminary
[06:45] - Tyndale’s Global Student Body
[09:30] - The Need for Trained Pastors Worldwide
[12:15] - Distinctives of Tyndale: Discipleship and Community
[15:40] - Academic and Practical Training at Tyndale
[18:30] - Cross-Cultural Conversations in the Classroom
[21:00] - Student Stories: Xavier from India
[24:00] - Student Stories: Sarah from Ghana
[27:00] - The Vision for Indigenous Leadership
[30:00] - The Cost and Opportunity of Seminary Education
[33:00] - Invitation to Partner and Serve
[36:00] - The Story of Moses and Pharaoh: Lessons for Today
[41:00] - The Temptation of Compromise
[45:00] - Faith for Families and Generations
[48:00] - Faith and Work: No Compartmentalization
[52:00] - Encouragement to Pray and Persevere
[54:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Wholehearted Faith and the Power of Partnership
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### Bible Reading
Exodus 5:1-2, 8:25, 10:9-11, 10:24-26 (ESV)
> 5:1-2: Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.”
>
> 8:25: Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.”
>
> 10:9-11: Moses said, “We will go with our young and our old. We will go with our sons and daughters and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.” But he said to them, “The Lord be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. No! Go, the men among you, and serve the Lord, for that is what you are asking.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
>
> 10:24-26: Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.” But Moses said, “You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the Lord our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.”
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### Observation Questions
1. What are the different ways Pharaoh tries to negotiate with Moses about letting the Israelites go? (Exodus 8:25, 10:11, 10:24)
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Moses’ response, “not a hoof is to be left behind”? [[51:07]]
3. What examples did the sermon give of indigenous leaders making a difference in their own countries? [[34:03]]
4. How does the story of Tyndale Seminary connect to the story of Moses and Pharaoh? [[38:48]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Pharaoh keeps offering partial freedom or compromise instead of letting the Israelites go completely? What does this reveal about the nature of temptation and compromise in our own lives? (Exodus 8:25, 10:11, 10:24)
2. The sermon says that God’s promise is for every generation, not just individuals. How does Moses’ insistence on taking everyone—including children and livestock—challenge the idea of a “private” or “compartmentalized” faith? [[51:07]]
3. In the sermon, stories of Xavier and Sarah show the impact of training leaders from within their own cultures. Why is this model of leadership so effective for spreading the gospel? [[34:03]]
4. The speaker mentions the danger of separating faith from work or daily life. What are some ways Christians today might be tempted to “leave their livestock behind” and compartmentalize their faith? [[52:55]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warns against “fragmented faith” and calls for every part of our lives to be surrendered to God. Is there an area of your life—family, work, hobbies—that you tend to keep separate from your faith? What would it look like to invite God into that area? [[52:55]]
2. Moses refused to leave anyone or anything behind when following God. Are there people in your family or community you have stopped praying for or believing God can reach? What would it look like to persist in prayer for them? [[51:07]]
3. The story of Tyndale Seminary highlights the power of equipping local leaders. Who in your life could you encourage, mentor, or support in their faith journey? How might you invest in them this week? [[34:03]]
4. Pharaoh’s compromises often sound reasonable—worship God, but don’t go too far; serve God, but only in certain areas. Can you think of a time when you were tempted to settle for “partial obedience”? What helped you (or could help you) choose wholehearted devotion instead? [[41:41]]
5. The speaker shared about praying for his parents for decades before they came to faith. Is there a long-term prayer you have been waiting on God to answer? How can the group support you in persevering? [[54:54]]
6. The sermon encourages integrating faith and work. What is one practical way you can show Christ’s love in your workplace, school, or community this week? [[52:55]]
7. The partnership between Reedsport Church and Tyndale Seminary is described as “something much larger than ourselves.” How can you be part of God’s bigger story—either through prayer, giving, serving, or encouraging others? [[38:48]]
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person live with wholehearted devotion and to see every part of life as an opportunity to serve Him.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Authority and the Enemy’s Lies
The story of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus reveals a spiritual battle that is still relevant today: the enemy’s voice challenges God’s authority and tries to convince us that we are forever bound by our past, our failures, or our circumstances. Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him?” echoes the doubts and accusations we sometimes hear in our own hearts—reminding us of our shortcomings and telling us we will never be free. Yet, God’s call is clear: He claims us as His own and invites us into new life, regardless of our history or bondage. When you hear voices of accusation or discouragement, remember that God’s authority is greater, and His desire is to set you free. [41:41]
Exodus 5:1-2 (ESV)
Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’” But Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.”
Reflection: What is one lie or accusation about your past or identity that you sense holding you back from fully following God? How can you bring this to Him in prayer today and claim His authority over your life?
Day 2: No Compromise—Wholehearted Devotion to God
Pharaoh’s offer to let the Israelites worship God “in the land” was a call to compromise—an invitation to maintain the appearance of faith while remaining in bondage. This same temptation exists today: to be “respectably religious” without truly leaving behind our old ways or fully embracing the life God has for us. God calls us to more than partial devotion; He invites us to step out of our comfort zones, leave behind what enslaves us, and pursue the fullness of life in Christ. Don’t settle for a faith that is only skin-deep—God has new territories and deeper experiences of His presence waiting for you. [44:30]
Exodus 8:25-27 (ESV)
Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God within the land.” But Moses said, “It would not be right to do so, for the offerings we shall sacrifice to the Lord our God are an abomination to the Egyptians. If we sacrifice offerings abominable to the Egyptians before their eyes, will they not stone us? We must go three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the Lord our God as he tells us.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are tempted to compromise your faith or “stay in the land” rather than fully obeying God? What step can you take today to move toward wholehearted devotion?
Day 3: Faith for the Whole Family—Generational Blessing
Pharaoh’s attempt to allow only the men to go and worship God was a strategy to fragment faith and limit its impact. Moses’ response is powerful: “We will go with our young and our old, with our sons and our daughters.” God’s vision is for families and generations to experience His presence together, not just a select few. This is a call to pray for and include every member of our families in the journey of faith, believing that God’s promises are for all. Even when some wander or seem far from God, we are encouraged to persist in prayer and trust that God is at work in every generation. [48:00]
Exodus 10:9-11 (ESV)
Moses said, “We will go with our young and our old. We will go with our sons and daughters and with our flocks and herds, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.” But he said to them, “The Lord be with you, if ever I let you and your little ones go! Look, you have some evil purpose in mind. No! Go, the men among you, and serve the Lord, for that is what you are asking.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.
Reflection: Who in your family or community do you long to see walking with God? How can you intentionally pray for them or include them in your faith journey this week?
Day 4: Integrating Faith and Work—No Divided Life
Pharaoh’s final compromise was to let the people go but leave their flocks and herds behind—symbolizing a separation between faith and daily work. God’s desire is for every part of our lives, including our work and studies, to be integrated with our faith. We are not called to be two-faced, acting one way at church and another at work or school. Instead, we are invited to bring Christ’s love, kindness, and truth into every environment, transforming the culture around us. Your workplace, classroom, or business can become a place of mission and ministry when you live out your faith authentically. [52:55]
Exodus 10:24-26 (ESV)
Then Pharaoh called Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord; your little ones also may go with you; only let your flocks and your herds remain behind.” But Moses said, “You must also let us have sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock also must go with us; not a hoof shall be left behind, for we must take of them to serve the Lord our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring your faith into your work, school, or daily tasks this week—so that not a “hoof” is left behind?
Day 5: United in Christ—No Fragmentation in Faith, Family, or Calling
God’s vision for His people is a multi-generational, united community where faith, family, and vocation are not fragmented but celebrated together. There is no room for spiritual “schizophrenia”—living divided lives or keeping faith separate from other areas. Instead, we are called to a feast of unity, where young and old, workers and leaders, all participate in God’s mission. This unity is a powerful witness to the world and a source of strength for each believer. As you reflect on your own life, consider how God is inviting you to greater wholeness and unity in your walk with Him and with others. [54:54]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV)
…eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense fragmentation or division—between faith, family, or work? What is one step you can take today to pursue unity and wholeness in Christ?
Quotes
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