The pastoral training program operated by West Indies Self Help (WISH) on the island of La Gonâve is a cornerstone of their mission to empower the local Haitian church. Rather than importing foreign leadership, the program is designed to equip local pastors with the theological and practical tools necessary to lead their own churches and communities effectively.
Core Objectives
The program focuses on “training the trainers,” ensuring that the impact of biblical education multiplies throughout the island’s many rural and urban villages. Its primary goals include:
- Biblical Literacy: Providing in-depth study of scripture to ensure pastors have a strong theological foundation.
- Leadership Development: Equipping church leaders with the organizational and administrative skills needed to manage growing congregations and community initiatives.
- Holistic Ministry: Training pastors to address both the spiritual and physical needs of their communities, often integrating with WISH’s other programs like clean water, agriculture, and healthcare.
Program Structure
While WISH is interdenominational, the training focuses on core Christian tenets that unite the various local churches. The curriculum typically involves:
- Seminar-Style Learning: Intensive multi-day training sessions held periodically throughout the year.
- Mentorship: Experienced, visiting professors and pastors, provide one-on-one guidance to local leaders.
- Resource Distribution: Providing Bibles, study guides, and teaching materials that are often difficult to obtain in the remote regions of La Gonâve.
Community Impact
By strengthening the local pastorate, WISH creates a “ministry of presence.” These pastors are trusted figures in their villages; when they are equipped with leadership skills and resources, they become catalysts for broader spiritual and social change.
“The goal is not to create a dependency on the mission, but to partner with the Haitian church to stand firmly on biblical principles, fueled by a deep understanding of the Gospel and a commitment to its people.”