It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do (1 Tim 3:1).

As we look back at ITA’s training done thus far in 2019, since last January’s update, our affections are drawn to the above cited passage of Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1.

The familiar text to which this passage is the lead verse of, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, concerns Paul’s timeless instructions to Timothy regarding the qualifications of overseers (elders). The main thrust of Paul’s statement in verse 1 is centered on the good work… desired. In other words, the man who aspires (who continuously reaches out for himself) to the position of overseer… desires a good work. This is always … a good desire, declares Paul to Timothy, a good work to be desired.

At the end of last month, from the 25^th to the 26^th of January 2019, several church leaders and men involved in pastoral ministry throughout Italy, some current ITA students and some past students, came together at the Bible Church of Messina for a time of more concentrated study on the theme of eldership and the qualifications of an elder. 1 Timothy 3:1-7 was the key text exposited.

We at ITA praise God for another formidable moment of training from the Word and for the local church in Italy. Brad Klassen, of Grace Community Church of Southern California and The Master’s Seminary, our guest speaker, preached with much passion and power on the profound importance of being men qualified for the work of the ministry, for the good work to be desired. In addition to our main theme, a pre-conference was held on the related topic of purity in the ministry.

Our Shepherds’ Conferences at ITA and Messina entitled The Church (La Chiesa: Italian translation) are growing into very strategic meeting points for church leaders of like mind in Sicily and Italy. This, in addition to the growing credibility that ITA and Messina are acquiring among church leaders and local churches alike in the country.

Please continue to pray for these conferences and this specific training. Thank you particularly to those that gave financially to support our last conference.