Training for ministry: why Artizo

History demonstrates that under God the church rises or falls with the preaching of the Gospel. Congregations thrive when ministers are equipped to preach the Scriptures and give leadership which models the love, integrity, humility, wisdom and courage of Jesus Christ. There is currently no process in place which actively and deliberately identifies and encourages gifted people into full-time ministry.

"The reality is that the Anglican church of Canada has lost on average 18,000 members per year for the past 25 years." says Sean Love, an Artizo Intern who planted a church after graduating from Artizo.

Artizo came about party because of the apparent Biblical ignorance of Anglican clergy here in Canada, which has lead to a famine of the Word of God in many congregations. Simply put, Anglicans need to be taught how to share the Gospel, which is the only way God renews and grows His Church. One of the key things Artizo strives to do is to help men and women develop their ability to teach the Bible so they will grow as ministers of the Word of God.

The communication of God's word is vital in two ways:

It is through the word of God we come to repentance towards God and faith in Jesus Christ. In Acts we see that disciples of Jesus multiply when the word of God spreads (Acts 6:7).
It is through God’s word we are equipped to train as believers so we grow into maturity in Christ
(Ephesians 4:11-16).

Artizo is a ministry apprenticeship where interns are immersed in concrete ministry situations under the leadership of experienced ministers. Interns train for ministry, critique and encourage one another through the lens of Scripture, drawing on the resources given to them in seminary. Artizo maximizes a solid theological education by incorporating it into a clearly defined model and practice of biblical ministry.

Artizo /aárt’idT’zo/ def.:

"to equip" from Ephesians 4:12 "...to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ..."

Artizo goals

To train

able
faithful
innovative
confident

gospel ministers who will

know and understand the Bible
proclaim/warn/teach the gospel clearly
lead effectively
train others
apply the gospel to all ministry context

Canon David Short

Nov 23, 2008

I have become more than ever convinced by the events of the last month of the critical importance of the work of the Artizo Institute. If you are a member of St. John’s you will be familiar with a number of our Artizo interns who are training for ministry here at St. John’s. Artizo is a Canadian initiative in several Network churches which seeks to identify and equip Christian leaders committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, for ministry in the Anglican church. We believe that gospel ministry is both caught and taught and that you cannot learn ministry unless you are involved in ministry. Artizo provides a ministry apprenticeship and each intern is immersed in a number of hands-on ministries.

I am delighted with the interns who are part of Artizo and thankful to God for all who are partners in this ministry through prayer and financial support. Please continue your support. These are very significant days for us as Anglicans and one of the most strategic things we can do for the future of the gospel is to pray that the Lord of the harvest will raise up workers for the harvest, and to invest in their training.

The Artizo Institute trains able, faithful, innovative and confident gospel ministers to know and understand the Bible, lead effectively, proclaim the gospel, and be able to train others to do the same. Artizo prepares young leaders for full-time ministry by allowing them to serve the body of Christ in their local church with experienced gospel ministers as mentors.
"Maturity in Christ, and usefulness for Christ are the gains that the Artizo program offers to Christian young men and women. I am enthusiatic about this program. Already, I can see Artizo alumni standing out as leaders."

The Artizo Institute