Understanding the Programs
How does pastoral sponsorship help?
Your recurring monthly investment helps provide biblical education, pastoral leadership training, discipleship, and practical sustainability training for rural Ugandan pastors who could not otherwise afford these opportunities. The goal is to strengthen their understanding of Scripture, help them recognize false teaching, and equip them to serve their churches, families, and communities.
How does sponsorship work now?
Our updated program supports pastoral training as a whole rather than assigning your contribution directly to one individual pastor. Choose which of RPI’s two training programs you want to support, select a recurring monthly giving amount, and get to know the pastors through their profiles, testimonies, ministry updates, and prayer requests.
What are the two training programs?
Biblical Pastoral Leadership Training provides foundational biblical and practical ministry instruction during Year One. Vocational / Sustainability / Discipleship Training offers continued discipleship and practical training in skills that can help pastors provide for their families while serving their churches. You can explore both programs from our main sponsorship page.
How much does it cost to participate as a monthly sponsor?
Our online monthly giving options are $50, $100, $150, $200, or $250. You may also choose your own recurring monthly amount. Your contribution helps meet the overall needs of the program you select, rather than purchasing an exclusive sponsorship of one pastor.
Does each pastor have only one sponsor?
No. Under the updated program, sponsors invest in the training program as a whole. You can still get to know individual pastors and pray for them, but contributions are not divided into shares assigned exclusively to individual pastors.
How long am I expected to give?
We encourage supporters to consider an ongoing commitment, ideally at least one year, because dependable monthly support helps RPI plan and maintain training. You can request a change or an end to your recurring giving at any time.
Can I make a one-time gift instead?
Yes. The program sponsorship forms are set up for recurring monthly giving. If you prefer a one-time gift to RPI, use our General Giving page. General donations support needs across the ministry, including training shortfalls and ministry growth.
Can I give annually instead of monthly?
If you prefer to make an annual contribution rather than give monthly online, please contact us and we can help arrange it. We will confirm the amount and whether it recurs as part of that arrangement.
How much would an annual contribution be?
For reference, twelve months at our standard monthly levels equals $600, $1,200, $1,800, $2,400, or $3,000 per year. If you choose a custom amount, multiply it by twelve. Please contact RPI to arrange annual giving; these are annual equivalents, not separate preset online annual sponsorship levels.
Staying Connected
Can I visit a pastor whose story I have been following?
You are welcome to explore joining an RPI mission trip. Let us know which pastor you would especially like to meet, and we will do our best to arrange a visit when feasible. Visits cannot be guaranteed. Learn more at www.rpimissions.org.
Can I write to a pastor online?
The former sponsorship portal offered sponsor-to-pastor letters. Because our new investment model is program-focused rather than tied to one assigned pastor, please contact RPI if you wish to send encouragement or correspondence to a specific pastor. We can explain what options are currently available.
Where can I log in to My Account?
You can access your existing REACH account here: Log In to My Account.
Where can I create an account?
You can create an account through the REACH sign-up page.
About Rural Pastors International
Is Rural Pastors International a nonprofit organization?
Yes. Rural Pastors International is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
What makes Rural Pastors International different?
RPI brings ministry training to pastors in remote communities where seminaries and colleges may not be accessible. We emphasize sound biblical teaching alongside practical sustainability skills, reaching pastors who otherwise could not afford formal training. Listen to a conversation about the Rural Pastors Institute on Buzzsprout.
What is the difference between Rural Pastors Institute and Rural Pastors International?
Rural Pastors International is the established U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting the Rural Pastors Institute in Uganda.
What is the Rural Pastors Institute?
The Rural Pastors Institute is the gathering and training center in Uganda where pastors from rural communities study Scripture, theology, church history, ministry application, and the discernment of false teaching. After Year One, pastors have the opportunity to continue with vocational, sustainability, and discipleship training.
What is the mission of the Rural Pastors Institute?
Our mission is: Providing quality ministry training and financial sustainability training to Africa’s rural pastors — WITH DIGNITY.
Does Rural Pastors International have a Statement of Faith?
Yes. Read our Statement of Faith.
How many countries does Rural Pastors International work in?
Currently, RPI works in Uganda, Africa.
Where is Rural Pastors International’s U.S. headquarters?
RPI is based in Gowen, Michigan.
How can I contact Rural Pastors International?
Email info@ruralpastorsinternational.org or call (616) 747-0577.