“Making mistakes when starting something new is totally okay – but we’d like to help facilitate success”, says the director of YWAM Norway, Andreas Nordli. The School of Pioneering and Leadership will be starting in the fall of 2011 at Grimerud.
When Andreas Nordli moved to Romania he was 22 years old. He and his wife Åsne knew very little about pioneer work.
“I wish I had known more and had had more tools to help me”, he says, looking back.
This is one of the reasons that YWAM was motivated to start a school that would be a good basis for pioneer missions in Europe.
“We feel that God would like us to focus on beginning new ministries in countries and in cities where there is no long-term YWAM presence”, says an enthused Andreas Nordli. He himself will be the school director.
Loren Cunningham, the founder of Youth With A Mission, had the vision for such a school. Similar schools have been held in Germany and in England – and now it’s Norway and Grimerud’s turn. The goal is to equip people for pioneer work in Europe.
“Who will be teaching at the school?”
“There will mainly be older YWAMers who have experience within pioneer work. Darlene Cunningham has already confirmed that she would like to come and teach. Other international YWAM leaders have also confirmed their arrival. We’re still working on getting teachers that will make this school a must for everyone who has a heart for missions in Europe in the future.”
“Is this school only for those who have done a DTS, or can anyone apply?”
“This school is first and foremost for those who have done a DTS. We’d like to equip people for starting YWAM ministries - and then you’d need a YWAM background ,” says Nordli. But we might just open up for others as well, if there are any vacancies”, he says.
The school lasts for three months, and afterwards the pioneer teams will be offered follow-up and coaching from experienced mentors. Nordli adds that they will most likely be sending out 10 separate pioneering teams after the school.
If you would like more information about this school, write to: info@ywam.no
Martin Bratgjerd
Translation: Krissy Bråthen
