MINISTRY / New challenges and new opportunities: Leadership

New challenges and new opportunities: Leadership

"Our God is greater" has been 316NOW's byword, a continuing reminder that our power to proclaim grace across China has nothing to do with us and everything to do with God's mercy and strength.

This blog post and the four posts that are paired with it examine the ministry plans 316NOW has prayed over and committed to during its 2023-24 fiscal year.

The challenges are beyond our abilities. But not beyond our Father's ability. Not beyond the resources that he has already given us, you, and the rest of his family who partners with 316NOW to bring his grace to the people of China.

Plans for the 2023-24 fiscal year

"Every growing ministry comes to a point where it must restructure if its work is to expand. 316NOW is at the point," says Executive Director Jim Aderman.

Growth urges restructuring

"Volunteerism is one of 316NOW's cherished core principles. Since 2005, the Spirit has provided us with remarkably capable men and women who volunteered their skills and time to bring grace to the people of China. Even my role as executive director is a volunteer position. I am grateful that, as a pastor who has been retired for a decade, God has given me the clarity of thought, health of body, and financial resources that allowed me to serve my Savior at 316NOW as a volunteer."

"The time has come, however, for the top leadership position at 316NOW to move beyond a retiree who volunteers his time. The ministry has expanded over the last decade. Our Bible institute remains strong and growing in spite of Chinese efforts to curtail it. We are about to launch an outreach program to the Chinese Christians who are part of the 50 million (!) expatriate Chinese who are scattered around the globe so those Christians can share Jesus with more of their countrymen and women."

Grace urges us to offer our best

"Our efforts to mentor church leaders and their congregations will intensify as more students come to our online Bible institute. Our efforts to support Chinese house churches with marriage, family, and other resources will take on increased importance."

"For those reasons, I am overjoyed that the Board of Directors has decided to call a full-time executive director to lead 316NOW. This will be a paid position. The process of finding that person will begin after the August 8 Board meeting."

Finding a new executive director urges us to prayer

Pastor Wayne Hilgendorf, the chairman of the Board, says, "316NOW requests your prayers that the Spirit would quickly fill this position. We are seeking a Confessional Lutheran man with a gospel-directed heart for sharing the gospel on an international basis, with strong administrative skills, and with the ability to communicate the importance of our ministry to our friends and supporters."

"We will remain a volunteer-staffed ministry, but a full-time director will enable us to harness all the resources the Spirit provides us so we can better proclaim grace across China and beyond."

"We are grateful for all the ways the Spirit has used Pastor Aderman to lead 316NOW. But, please, pray for a quick transition to our next executive director and the adventures in gospel outreach that await." 

What you can do

The process of finding the Spirit's choice to lead 316NOW requires prayer. Please join us in asking his insights and trusting his timetable. If you have suggestions for men who might become our next executive director, please share them. Email us at 316NOW@316NOW.org