Our standard ITA update has undergone some slight modifications. Of significance is its new name: The Ministry Review.
This is simply for the purpose of crystalizing its goal in, what is hoped to be, a more memorable manner (name): it strives to present a review of the ministry of Italian Theological Academy (ITA) on a monthly frequency. Included in the change is the desire to recount the broadened scope of ITA’s activity to matters of ministry that go well beyond the classroom.
This has always been the purpose of our update. Perhaps, the recent progressive development of ITA from Sicily (Messina) to Rome has accentuated the need to recall the mission (our mission) once again. ITA is in Italy for the purpose of ministry.
We labor to minister the Word (theological training) to the church, and to the men in leadership of the church principally, in order to mature (build up) the ministry reach of the church in both edification and evangelism.
By virtue of our current re-location to Rome, this central site, is a very strategic beachhead, if you will, that demands expending ourselves to the utmost presently.
Ministry in Rome
Recently, our main partner in Rome, the Berean Church of Rome, celebrated 50 years of gospel ministry in the city and beyond. This is quite an accomplishment. The Roman local church scene does in that regard represent a more seasoned effort. In both doctrine and church-life, the tendency is to witness more established bodies of believers.
Preaching continues to be a necessity
Preaching continues, nonetheless, to be a vital need for the church (churches) in Rome. Hence, beyond our current academic program (online), as noted in our previous update, one of the works that has begun is a discipleship lab in preaching (expositional preaching). We are excited about this new ministry as it takes us back to our initial beginnings in Messina, and Acireale/Pennisi (region of Catania) Sicily before that.
On Monday nights a small group of four men, thus far, along with myself, have begun to gather to study and apply ourselves to the art of expository preaching. In future updates of the Ministry Review, I wish to relate the progress of this lab. In the meantime, we do ask you to pray in particular for the Monday night gathering.
COVID-19/Coronavirus
Finally, speaking of prayer, we do additionally ask for your prayers for the continued Covid/coronavirus crisis in Italy. Government restrictions are becoming more unbearable for church ministry and life in general. There appears to be no respite. Fear, on the other hand, is on the increase. Measures to protect health are communicated through a push by the government draped in increasing fear.