About

call to disciple

Mathetai Ministry

Discipleship of pastor in Rwanda

Traveling the Brazilian Amazon

Ministry in Roma house church

Discipleship in the Amazon

Click here to download a detailed pdf of the Mathetai Statement of Faith.

Mathetai’s Vision

Mathetai is a 501(c)3 non-profit teaching ministry dedicated to bringing training in Biblical doctrine and theology to pastors and leaders so that they, in turn, may be fully equipped to serve, lead and teach. While this training is readily available in many parts of the world, there are still many places without access to sound and practical training. We desire to find those individuals and bring them the tools necessary to fulfill their calling and bring the gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth.

The term mathetai is from the Greek word meaning “disciples”.  Our desire is to make disciples through the study of the Word of God, and the intelligent application of the Scriptures to the truths found in creation, reason and our daily lives.

Mathetai’s motto is “to know truth, love others and bear fruit.”  This threefold agenda comes from three verses in the gospel of John.  In John 8:31-32 Jesus says, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  Jesus is noting that the one who lives in, dwells in and is at home in His Word (the Bible), is truly His disciple.  This speaks of the person who is washed by the water of the Word, spending time in reading, meditating, studying, understanding, and heeding His Word.  Our desire is to know the truth, regarding God, man, our world and our state of affairs, and thus be freed from sin, the world and the devil.

Secondly, in John 13:35, Jesus demonstrates servanthood and love by washing the disciples feet, then gives this new commandment, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  Love, then, becomes the second earmark of the true disciple.  This love is possible only as we are spending time in His Word, receiving from the God who is love (1 John 4:8).  It is only through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit producing the fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), knowing Jesus personally and intimately that we are able to demonstrate this love that we have received.  If our knowledge of the truth does not lead to a love for God and others, then our knowledge is simply intellectual and not applied appropriately.

Finally, in John 15:8, Jesus describes Himself as the vine, and us the branches.  He continues to say, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”  The final benchmark of the disciple of Jesus is a life that bears fruit.  The individual who dwells in the Word of God, lives out the love of God as seen in the Word, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is one who will bear fruit.  Fruit is the natural byproduct of relationship. This fruit is certainly the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which is reflected in both character and action of the godly man or woman.

Mathetai’s History

Mathetai began in 2010 with a burden to provide greater doctrinal and practical ministry training to pastors and leaders around the world. After several discussions with those serving in various parts of the world, it was determined that resources and training for those serving “in the field” are a common need. As this need was identified, God placed the burden upon our hearts to assist in providing both educational resources and opportunities to those who might not have the opportunity to receive such training.

As we began praying about the ministry, God opened several doors to visit and teach in Africa. Soon after, missionaries and local pastors from various countries began asking about hosting a Mathetai training seminar. Mathetai was incorporated as a non-profit ministry in the summer of 2012, and has since held conferences and training sessions hosting hundreds of pastors and leaders.

Mathetai has worked to train pastors and leaders, as well as taught in multiple churches and outreaches, in the Brazilian Amazon, Central Africa (Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Congo), Romania, England, Germany, Netherlands, India, and throughout the United States.

As we move forward in our desire to train and raise up effective, equipped leaders, please consider joining us in this endeavor through prayer or giving. Please visit our support tab above for more information.