West Asia: Investing in Leaders

In one of the least-reached countries of the world, an Avant church plant called Good News Church is taking important steps toward long-term health and local leadership. In this West Asian country, following Christ often comes at a significant personal, social, and economic cost. For those who choose Christ, the local church plays a vital role, not only as a place of worship but as a spiritual family that offers encouragement and support in the midst of opposition and hardship.

Good News Church continues to grow and become more firmly established. A faithful local pastor now serves alongside the Avant workers to shepherd the congregation. His presence has been a major milestone in the church’s development, helping move it toward maturity and eventual independence from outside leadership. He is a gifted disciple-maker and leader with a deep commitment to the church and the long-term vision of raising future leaders from within the local context.

Despite this progress, financial realities present a significant challenge. Due to widespread economic instability, high inflation, and limited income, the church is not yet able to fully support its pastor through local giving alone. Currently, the pastor’s salary is being supplemented by funds that Avant workers set aside years ago, but those reserves are nearly depleted. Without outside assistance, the church risks losing a key leader at a critical stage in its growth.

This project exists to bridge that gap. Avant is seeking to provide financial support for the pastor over a seven-year period. Each year, the level of support will gradually decrease, creating a clear pathway toward sustainability. By 2033, the goal is for the pastor to be fully supported through increased local church giving, likely supplemented through additional funding partnerships he is able to establish.

Investing in local leaders is a strategic and hopeful step toward seeing a strong, self-sustaining church in West Asia that can serve as a foundation for future church planting and gospel impact for years to come.