Once unreachable in their home countries, new believers are now being discipled in Europe and trained to take the gospel back to their communities.
Since 2014, Europe has witnessed a significant increase in the numbers of immigrants and refugees, many of whom come from regions where the gospel is difficult to access.
This has presented a unique opportunity for the church, as many of these newcomers have embraced faith in Jesus. However, the rapid growth of diaspora churches has highlighted a pressing need for effective discipleship to be tailored to the backgrounds and experiences of these new believers.
Many European churches, eager to disciple these new believers, have faced challenges. Traditional discipleship methods often reflect Western theological backgrounds, differing from those of diaspora believers. This has created a ‘discipleship gap’, requiring new approaches to nurture faith in a culturally relevant and biblically sound way.
This is where Quest Academy plays a crucial role, acting as a bridge between new believers and the local European church, equipping both sides to navigate the challenges of discipleship effectively. Its approach is comprehensive, focusing on both spiritual growth and practical skills in mission work and it recognises the importance of preparing individuals for cross-cultural missions as they can more effectively reach their communities in the West and eventually connect with those still living in their home countries.
The academy not only helps the church understand and engage with diaspora believers, but its vision is to see every diaspora believer become a disciple and a bridge to reach their people, both locally and in their home countries.
One Italian pastor, who took part in Quest’s Building Bridges training for European churches on reaching Muslims, says:
“I used to shy away from sharing the gospel with Muslims in my city. I’d see them on the streets and just walk past them. After the training, I feel equipped and encouraged to reach out without fear.”
Quest Academy takes new believers on a journey from the early stages of their faith, guiding them through the life of Jesus, personal formation, biblical knowledge, and how to live as Christians among their families. It also prepares them for the persecution they may face, especially those coming from a Muslim background.
One such example is a Kurdish man who came to Christ in Germany. He joined a local German church and became part of a Quest Academy discipleship group, both online and offline. In less than a year, his wife and brother in Iraq also became Christians.
With the support and training provided by Quest Academy, he was able to start a new discipleship group in his home in Germany, helping other new believers grow in their faith. Quest played a key role in equipping him with resources and training, enabling him to be both a disciple and a disciple-maker.
Discipling diaspora believers requires a multifaceted approach. As highlighted in Colossians 3, discipleship involves both shedding the old way of life and embracing the new. This transformation goes beyond theology; it involves addressing integrity, morality, cultural influences, servant leadership, religious baggage, forgiveness, family dynamics, identity, and the understanding of the church.
Western cultural influences can sometimes create additional challenges, making it even more crucial for discipleship efforts to be holistic and contextually informed.
The testimonies of transformed lives among the diaspora community serve as powerful encouragement to the global church. Once unreachable in their home countries, new believers are now being discipled in Europe and bringing the gospel back to their communities. This movement of faith demonstrates how Jesus is growing his church remarkably.
By equipping and empowering new believers, ministries like SIM and Quest Academy, help the gospel not only take root, but flourish within the diaspora community. As the church continues to embrace this mission, it can be part of a significant and transformative work — one that extends beyond borders and generations.
The term diaspora comes from an ancient Greek word meaning to ‘scatter about’. As a shared experience, diaspora refers to people displaced from their homes, willingly or unwillingly, as they navigate the changes and imbalance that accompany such movement.