Hard truths, bigger dreams: 3.7 million churches worldwide lack a trained pastor—can a new global alliance change the future?

How do you solve one of Christianity’s biggest crises? Aaron Coe sits down with Mark Yarborough, President of Dallas Theological Seminary, to unpack the urgent need for accessible pastoral training across the planet. It’s a candid conversation about holy discontent, getting out of your comfort zone, and what’s at stake if we don’t reimagine theological education for everyone.

Discover the story behind the Global Pastor Training Alliance and why collaboration—not competition—could be the key to helping millions. From Miami’s “one trained pastor” analogy to the radical idea of “give it away,” this episode is about the tension between simplicity and sophistication, and finding purpose in the crisis.

Key Takeaways

• The global church faces a staggering crisis: millions of congregations lack trained leaders.
• Western churches are often unaware of the vast pastoral training gap—vision casting is essential.
• The Global Pastor Training Alliance unites nine ministries and business leaders to tackle this impossible problem together.
• Formal theological education remains vital but must be paired with accessible, non-formal training for real impact.
• Simple models for training don't mean lower standards; working “where people are” unlocks scale and effectiveness.
• Embracing collaboration and generosity transforms not only institutions but personal purpose

Subscribe for more honest conversations. Like if you believe the global church deserves equipped leaders. Comment with: What’s one risk or “holy discontent” you’re wrestling with in your life or work?

#pastortraining #globalchurch #theologicaleducation #dontletthedreamdie #leadership #mission #churchgrowth #futurecitynow

Timestamps

00:00 — The global crisis: 3.7 million churches without trained pastors
00:06 — How long would it take to reach every unreached place?
00:17 — The Miami analogy: picturing the challenge
00:23 — Personal wake-up call: 25 Bibles, global scarcity
00:52 — Welcome + introducing Mark Yarborough
01:34 — What drives Mark Yarborough? “The grace of God.”
02:40 — Roots of calling: family, faith, scholarship
04:29 — Holy discontent: when the reality hits
05:25 — The “Perspectives” moment, global missions class
06:37 — Weeping over the stats: 150 years to reach the world
07:35 — Practical steps: from college to calling
08:19 — Key influencer: Ramesh Richard and global connections
10:17 — Dallas Seminary’s alignment, starting Global Ministries
11:43 — What is the Global Pastor Training Alliance (GPTA)?
13:55 — Why collaboration across ministries matters
14:49 — The tension for traditional seminaries
16:09 — Obstacles and vision casting: crisis awareness
17:39 — The real numbers: West vs. Majority World pastors
18:58 — Miami’s single-trained pastor—putting it in context
19:52 — Anecdotal snapshot: the average global pastor
20:16 — Training dilemmas: formal versus accessible education
21:26 — Dallas Sem’s unique role and limitations
23:52 — Why “give it away”? Making training free
24:28 — Simpler models: not lower standards
25:57 — “Work with people where they are”
26:39 — The simplicity and depth of the gospel
28:55 — Message to other formal institutions
29:56 — What western seminaries must consider
31:45 — Personal transformation through global engagement
34:50 — Impact on Dallas Seminary & students
35:21 — Changing the culture of ministry collaboration
35:34 — What the future could look like if GPTA succeeds
36:48 — 10-year vision for the church
38:20 — What if simplicity trumps sophistication?
40:45 — Keeping the focus on Christ
41:10 — Encouragement for when your dream is dying
43:31 — Wrapping up: the hope for a global shift