South Pacific Division

Discipleship Retention Training Strengthens Churches in Papua New Guinea

Training equips church leaders with strategies for effective disciple-making.

February 20, 2025

Papua New Guinea

Paul Bopalo, Adventist Record

Facilitators adapted the content to the local context and trained participants in strategies for strengthening new members in their faith.

[Photo: Adventist Record]

The New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM) in Papua New Guinea conducted a New Disciple Retention Training program from February 9 to 13, 2025, in Kimbe, Rabaul, and Kavieng.

The training focused on nurturing and retaining new disciples, equipping church leaders with strategies for effective disciple-making.

A total of 209 participants, including field pastors, ministers, Volunteer In Action (VIA) workers,, and local church leaders, attended the training facilitated by NBNIM administrators and departmental directors. The training used materials developed by the South Pacific Division (SPD) Discipleship Ministry team.

The training covered key topics such as the importance of nurturing new disciples, the role of the local church in disciple-making, and effective methods for retention and spiritual growth. Facilitators adapted content to the local context, training participants in strategies for strengthening new members in their faith.

NBNIM Stewardship Director Tangis Kurai emphasized that nurturing should be a long-term commitment.

“When we nurture individuals before baptism, we can continue supporting them afterward, keeping our focus on their spiritual growth,” he said.

The interactive sessions allowed participants to ask questions and share insights. Participant Joel Dage highlighted the need for all church members—not just pastors—to be involved in disciple-making.

“Many times, we think nurturing is the work of ministers or pastors, but it is a responsibility for every believer who has accepted Jesus Christ,” he said.

Another participant, Charle Sonos, expressed his appreciation for the training, stating that it changed his perspective on discipleship.

“Nurturing should be a daily part of our ministry. This training has shown me how essential it is,” he said.

The training concluded with the distribution of discipleship materials, which equipped participants with the resources to implement what they learned in their local churches.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site, Adventist Record.