Introducing: The Acts 3:6 Ministry

This is Pastor Mark Montgomery from Ambassador Baptist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When we planted Ambassador Baptist in 1998 it was our desire to treat this area like a mission field. We set out to evangelize, baptize converts, and then disciple them through local church ministries. God has blessed: Ambassador Baptist Church is an indigenous church, we have begun holding Bible studies in Cranberry Township in anticipation of reproducing Vision Baptist Church up there this fall, and we have worked jointly with Harvest Baptist Church in Natrona Heights to start Western Pennsylvania Theological Institute, a four year program dedicated to training people for ministry.

However, the need remains great in this area, particularly within the city of Pittsburgh itself. There have been two other churches started in the area within the last five years, and both of them are struggling. In addition to Vision Baptist, another church is starting south of the city this year. Including ours, that makes five churches in this area that could really use some assistance.

Here is the goal of the Acts 3:6 ministry. We are looking for men (and women) who desire to prepare to serve the Lord in the future and also want to serve the Lord right now. Our church doesn't have a lot of money. We can't pay someone to come and work with us, and neither can these other small churches. We have nothing of material value to offer you, just like Peter had no money to offer the lame man. However, there are some things that we can offer.

First, we will give you Bible college training. It is our belief that the best place to train for ministry is under the direction of your own pastor in your own local church. However, if your church is unable to provide this training for you, then we would like you to prayerfully consider coming to Pittsburgh to train. Costs are minimal: $50/course. The classes are taught on a collegiate level in the evenings and a Bachelor's degree will be given to those who complete 128 hours of training. You will have to find your own job and housing, but that will be offset by the low tuition and no room and board fees.

Second, we will allow/encourage you to work hand in hand with a senior pastor who could use your help. This internship/apprenticeship training is of unmeasurable value. Rather than be just one more bus worker or Junior Church leader, you can be directly involved with the pastor. He can take you calling with him, or to the hospital or funeral home. You will get opportunities to preach to the adults, not just the children. You will see first hand the workings of a local church from the inside.

Third, when you have completed your training, we will do everything we can to help you get out into the harvest field. It seems like some Bible colleges won't let their graduates leave, but rather encourage them to stay after their education is completed to build that church. We want you to fulfill the calling of God in your life. If God leads you to missions or church planting, we will do our best to help you raise the funds necessary to get started. If you start a church near the Pittsburgh area, we will help you distribute literature.

In other words, what we have to offer is academic and practical preparation for ministry. All we ask is that you walk with the Lord, do your best for Him, and be a blessing and help in one of these churches that needs assistance during your training.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact me at ambassador.montgomery@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is a gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2: 8, 9