Disciple Support Ministries Bible Institute. The descriptive title of “Bible Institute” rather than “Bible College” is purposeful. We emphasize the Bible, above all the other needful and necessary topics that one should learn as a Pastor or Ministry Leader. This does not make us better than other teaching ministries, but rather allows us to focus on a growing gap in the church: Bible Literacy. That is, being well-versed, familiar, comfortable and competent in fundamental Bible Theology, Exposition, Interpretation and Application.
As such, at DSM, we do not teach topical classes (other than one class on the “Person and Work of the Holy Spirit”). We only teach books of the Bible: verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book. The curriculum is the 66 books. Overviews, Summations and “Surveys” are out. A Gospel is taught every year. Revelation is taught every other year. All other books in various combinations of Old and New Testament books each semester, but never skipping or overemphasizing any book. The goal is to present the “whole counsel of God” as God presented it to mankind: unadulterated, undigested, uninfluenced by commentaries, denominational biases or personal preferences. In this manner, we seek to fill the gap, rather than duplicate what is already available in other teaching ministries in East Africa.
But it goes further than that. The program is distinctively limited to Pastors and Ministry Leaders, to garner the most influence and effect throughout the Body of Christ. If we can reach church leaders, the fruit will multiply far beyond the confines of the Bible Schools and the city of Nairobi. Another Distinction is our focus on those who live and minister in the urban slums.
This is where most of the people live. The city of Nairobi has approximately 5,000,000 residents. Of those, 70% live in slums. To reach most people, you need to go where they are. Consequently, the Bible Schools are inside the slums. Unlike any others. Again, this doesn’t make us better or bolder than others. Just different. Seeking to fill a significant gap. Finally, the program is a Discipleship program. The goal is to make Disciples, not Bible scholars. And it is this Distinctive that creates the greatest challenges.
Discipleship at DSM can be summarized in a little motto we give every applicant: “If you are not willing to Change, then please don’t Apply.” Change, but not just any change. Rather very specific Spiritual and Practical Change. Some of the descriptive Words, Phrases and Objectives are: Personal Holiness of the Pastor, Humility, Diligence, Perseverance, Christ-like Character, Continuous Sanctification, Rightly Divide the Word of God, Always a Student, Be a Blessing not a Burden, Shepherd the Flock, Feed the Sheep, Be an Example. These are not trite little motivational mottos. These are all rooted and grounded in Christ, His Word, His Commands and Expectations of those carrying His Name.
And not everyone is on board. Some just want the credentials: the Certificates and the Diploma. And no more. Those types don’t last very long.
One of the great scandals of the church these days is prevalent sexual immorality...especially involving church leaders! Four years ago, we implemented a new requirement. To graduate, you must confirm that the one you are living with is your legal spouse. Married in the eyes of God and man. Of course, we have exceptions for those few who are single, widowed or have exceptional situations. In my view, it was scandalous that we even had to implement such a rule. But the reality on the ground demanded it. Too many testimonies outside were reaching my ears. Pastors and Ministry Leaders going through the motions of the Discipleship, but living another reality. Year after year there was little change...of hearts. By withholding Diplomas, we certainly got everyone’s attention.
Within the first year, even as enrollments continued to climb well past 250+ students, the number of Graduates dropped 35%! All due to one factor: failure to fix “the marriage problem.” For three years, the problem persisted. Many thought we would grant exceptions. We did not. A few left the program rather than comply with God’s command. We let them go...and left the door open. Slowly, and I mean very slowly, the ship began to turn. Finally, in the fourth year, the fruit has come. This year we graduated an additional 25%! Most of whom were delayed by that one requirement. They persevered to get their marriage right with God. And fix their Testimony before all mankind.
Fast forward to graduation day this past December. The Bible School overflowed with graduates, family members and friends. Of the 56 graduating Pastors and Ministry Leaders, 41 had formalized their marriage while in the program! That’s nearly 75%! And these are Pastors and Ministry Leaders! One can only imagine the levels of sexual immorality among the congregants.
For the DSM Graduates, all sorts of excuses, circumstances, problems and obstacles were cast aside in the pursuit of Personal Holiness before God and man. This is not a minor thing...this is a major thing in the house of God! And in the congregations and communities that witnessed these Changes. The Pastors and Ministry Leaders are “going out” much better than they “came in.”
Good testimonies abound. Marriages restored. Families reconciled. Children “in submission with all reverence.” (1Tim 3.4) Testimonies at the church, in the community, and at the attorney general’s office (where marriage certificates are produced).
The boast is not in what any individual student did, but rather in what God has done in each one of us: Conviction, Repentance, Commitment and Change...to follow hard after Jesus.
The Ministry Distinctives are bearing their own spiritual fruit. Righteous fruit. “Fruit that remains.” (Jn 15.16) The Ministry of God’s Word cannot simply be “Teaching” and “Hearing.” It must result in “Doing.” God expects of us, and equips every one of us, to Change! If, as Ministry Leaders, we do not “Do it!” ourselves, we have no right to expect it of others.
“This [is] a faithful saying:If a man desires the position of a bishop,he desires a good work.A bishop then must be blameless,the husband of one wife,temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior,hospitable, able to teach...one who rules his own house well,having his children in submission with all reverence(for if a man does not know how to rule his own house,how will he take care of the church of God?...Moreover he must have a Good Testimony among those who are outside...”
If we just taught the Word of God at the Bible Schools, but did not require Change, we would simply be producing “Hearers.” Fat sheep, filled with the Word, but never exercising it. Likewise, if we just enforce rules, but do not teach the Word of God, we simply produce Religious Robots. And if we fixate on the “numbers” (“salvations”, “graduates”), we are fooling no one but ourselves. There must be a simultaneous emphasis on “Hearing” the Word from God, and then “Doing” what is Pleasing unto God. Holding Pastors and Ministry Leaders in a Bible School accountable should be the norm, not the exception. Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit for sure. But the Method of Ministry must follow in the Steps of Jesus: “how” He proclaimed the Word, “how” He discipled, “how” He lead by example, and “how” He never accommodated Sin.
It isn’t always popular. But as our Pastors testify...it works!
