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"Equipping all of the Saints of God

In all of the Word of God

For all of the Work of God!"

Gone Home to be with the LORD.

In Memory of

Dr. Larry E. Haag - September 28, 1940 to March 30, 2014

Tribute to Dr. Larry Haag

by Jonathan Haskell

”I received word yesterday that one of my heroes passed away on Sunday. Larry Haag was one of the best kind of heroes. He was a friend and a mentor who enriched my life more than he ever knew.

. . . Larry was the opposite of intimidating. He was a warm, humble, practical “people” person with a great sense of humor. Most importantly, Larry had a passion for Jesus, for God’s Word, and for discipleship. In fact, Larry taught me, in word and deed, the meaning of discipleship.

. . . . Larry poured himself – his knowledge, his passion and his experience – into anyone who was willing to learn.

The lingering question I have is this: why are “Larrys” so rare? When Jesus modeled this type of ministry and commanded us to do the same, why are relatively few people taking the time and making the effort to pour themselves into others? Couldn’t we all use a Larry in our lives? Could you be a Larry to someone else? Yes, Larry Haag had degrees, but one thing he taught me is that a piece of paper doesn’t define you and the lack of one doesn’t limit you from having an impact. I committed long ago to live the kind of fearless, selfless life that Larry lived, helping others to reach their potential for the Kingdom. Would you join me?” click here to read the whole tribute

"Dr. Larry Edward Haag, D. Miss, 73, of Evington, passed away, Sunday, March 30, 2014, at his residence. He was the husband of Sharon Mundy Haag. Born September 28, 1940, in Holton, KS, he was the son of the late Torrence Edward Haag and the late Velma Smith Haag. . . " click here

The Mission Statement for Church-Centered Theological Education can be found in two New Testament passages, Matthew 28:19-20 and

II Timothy 2:2:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,

baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you,

and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:19-20, NKJV)

“Everything that you have heard me teach in public

you should in turn entrust to reliable men,

who will be able to pass it on to others.”

(2 Timothy 2:2, Phillips Translation)

The task of World evangelism starts with winning souls to personal faith in Jesus Christ but it certainly does not end there. The ministry of every true believer is to “make disciples.” This is a Christian Command, not just a Missionary one. Each true disciple should be working to this end as they are “going” about their daily lives. Are you engaged in “making disciples?”

C-CTE MOTIVATION (INSPIRATION)

In Brazil in the 1970s there were not enough students graduating from the Bible Schools to meet the needs of existing churches, let alone start new ones. This was the 1^st of three motivations for something like Church-Centered Theological Education (C-CTE). After all, what better place is there “to do” Theological Education (TE) than in the local churches? Just look at the Letters written to local churches in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul “did” TE as demonstrated in his Letters to the churches.

The 2^nd motivation came from an invitation from a Brazilian pastor to come to his church during week nights and teach the Bible to a group of his members. Along with his invitation came my challenge to have those people help us start a new church. This happened in the 1970s.

3rd, and certainly not least, is the admonition in Ephesians 4:11-12a

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,

and some pastors and teachers,

for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry…”

(NKJV)

“His gifts were made that Christians might be properly equipped for their service,…”

(4:12a, Phillips)

Certain truths are presented here, including the fact that every “saint” should be busy in “ministry,” works of service, of one kind or another directly related to “making disciples” as stated in Matthew’s Gospel. Another truth is that church leadership (men as gifts) was given to the church to equip her members for their personal ministry in the service of the King of kings.

C-CTE MISSION STATEMENT

"Good teachers teach what they have been taught; wise teachers teach what they have learned"

(Head Mahout).