Third Millennium Ministries
76THIRD MILLENNIUM MINISTRIES
Third Millennium Ministries provides free seminary curriculum for pastors around the world. It publishes and distributes Christian educational materials in many languages and in many formats. Their mission is to transform the world into the Kingdom of God.
Third Millennium Ministries occupies a 6,300 square foot building in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida, which features a state-of-the-art production studio. An in-depth Biblical curriculum is produced in English, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and Spanish. Some courses are also available in at least eight other languages.
Third Millennium Ministries recognizes that most ministers in the developing world lack the means to attend seminary. To meet this need, educational materials founded upon the Word of God are created for online streaming and on DVD; as well as for audio CDs, television broadcasts, radio transmissions, and in print. Since all resources are shared for free, the non-profit ministry is only supported by donations.
THE NEED FILLED BY THIRD MILLENNIUM MINISTRIES
While the Christian Faith is fading out in Europe, and perhaps on the wane in America, it is exploding in Asia, Africa, and South America. Hundreds of Millions of new converts are baptized each year on these continents. A village then needs a church—a community of believers—and the church needs a pastor to lead them.
The problem is not that no one is called to preach. In the developing world, there are two million new pastors who have had no training. While there are some scholarships proffered to come to America and attend seminaries, 90 percent of the fledgling ministers who do so never go back.
Since Third Millennium Ministries was founded in 1997, God has used it to reach 100 countries with the Gospel. 3.6 million lesson hours have been distributed. Its website, http://thirdmill.org/, receives 22 million hits a year.
Dr Gideon Umukoru of Nigeria testimonial
DR RICHARD PRATT
Dr Richard Pratt is the driving force behind Third Millennium Ministries. As he is quick to point out, he did not think up the idea himself. One of his seminary students—Janie Pillow of Jackson, Mississippi—supplied the initial kernel of the concept.
Dr Pratt has traveled the world as a preacher, evangelist, and lecturer. He is the author of six Christian books. Dr Pratt has also served as a translator for the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible; as a consultant for the Islamic Encyclopedia; and consulted Steven Spielberg for his film Prince of Egypt. But to me his crowning achievement besides Third Millennium Ministries is his work as General Editor of the Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible—the Bible that I use every day.
Dr Pratt was safely ensconced as Chair of the Old Testament Department in the august Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, where he had been a professor for 21 years. The last thing he had on his mind was stepping out of that "comfort zone." But as he prayed about what to do with this idea, God told him: "YOU do it."
THIRD MILLENNIUM MINISTRIES
Dr Richard Pratt—who is my friend—stepped down from his position at Reformed Theological Seminary to form Third Millennium Ministries (though he remains an adjunct professor). I had the blessing of touring his facility, and I was amazed at the people I met who work there. I met graphic artists and animators who had resigned from employment with Industrial Light & Magic, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World Studios to work for less pay and prestige because God had called them to do so. That is stepping out in faith.
Third Millennium Ministries began with one employee but now has over 20, plus 16 part-time translators. Its motto: "Biblical Education, For the World, For Free."
To quote Dr Pratt: "Any person who wants to learn God's Word, should have the opportunity to do so in their own language, at no cost." It is a beautiful thing.
On behalf of Third Millennium Ministries, I request that you pray for their ministry; that you tell others about it; and if you are able, to donate to it. Thank you.
THE WEBSITE IS: http://thirdmill.org/
DR RICHARD PRATT SPEAKS
THIRD MILLENNIUM MINISTRIES: STATEMENT OF FAITH
We believe that Scripture consists of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament as originally inspired and given by the Holy Spirit. We believe that Scripture is infallible, inerrant, and to be received, read, believed and obeyed as the written Word of God.
We believe Scripture reveals only one living and true God, who exists in the three persons of the Godhead: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. These three are one God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory.
We believe in the full deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ, in his virgin birth, his sinless life, his miracles, his substitutionary and atoning death, his bodily resurrection, his ascension to the right hand of God the Father, his present rule over and intercession for the Church, and his visible return in power and glory.
We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, whose work of regeneration is essential for salvation. By the Spirit's sanctifying power, which indwells all believers in Christ, we are enabled to live godly lives of worship and service.
We believe in the bodily resurrection of every person for the final day of judgment before the Lord Jesus Christ — the lost unto eternal punishment and the saved unto eternal life.
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I just shared this on Facebook.. thanks for sharing voted up
Debbie
Beautiful piece JW, any movement that firmly believes in the truth and the love that is patiently and truthfully explained . I worth some looking to. Great piece.
Thanks for sharing.
Bless.
This may be your best piece yet, great work!
JJRBJ- God has spoken through you this evening; you have a gift for promoting awareness........ use it.......... always ~ Kaie
Wow, James, God's ways are good and often mysterious. As a young man, Richard and his wife, Gena, were members of the church I pastored here in Richmond. In fact, when we moved here from Muncie, IN, he drove the truck packed full of furniture. One of his books, Pray With Your Eyes Open, is dedicated to me. A few hours ago I had an email exchange with Gena. Richard and I have been on mission trips together to Uganda. All this is to say that you've written well of one of my dearest friends. While Richard is near genius, he's also one of the most humble men I know. The other day I forwarded one of your hubs to my wife commenting that you are my favorite hubber. Little did I know then just how close were are. Any friend of Richard Pratt is a friend of mine.
P.S. I was the Czech Republic Richard and I were in, not Uganda.
I just shared this on Facebook, saying that it shows great vision and foresight. I pray that all those involved will be truly led by the Holy Spirit and that it will grow from strength to strength. May God bless you and your endeavours.
Excellent piece and I'm glad to know more about this ministry. I shared it on Facebook and Twitter for my like-minded friends:)
I have to leave in just a few minutes so I hope you don't mind, but I put it on my "Favorite list" so I can read and watch it more then one time. As you know I need to learn more and you are helping me. Thank you for this hub and God bless you.
This is a very interesting hub as I have never heard of this before. I also found it interesting that "90 percent of the fledgling ministers who do come to the US for training never go back." Thank you James.
James, do they have a website? I will definitely pray for them on the basis of their statement of faith. Thanks for sharing this.
Good article. There are tons of ministries that don't get national attention. We are not a post Christian nation.
This is not only a remarkable story, it is an encouraging account of how the Kingdom of God continues to grow...Matthew 28:19-20.
I was particularly impressed by the video 'DR RICHARD PRATT SPEAKS', this brother shows humility in not taking credit for the original concept from the outset. How refreshing in these days!
I'd recommend reading my book, The God Followers. Available at the address below:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/109419
Many have God "talk" to them to make profitable arrangements in business by allowing the "sheep and lambs" to suffer pay cuts and long hours.
It doesn't surprise me that slick shepherds continue to shear the sheep in gullible countries and continents--sad really--a "post-Christian nation" might take care of its poor and lost souls in a physical way...instead of dallying with spirits and hearts and minds...forever causing damage with false hope.
Great Hub and interesting article; although as a pastor/theologian I am not necessarily endorsing.The entire story is not being told here.
Being heavily involved in missionary work with the SBC for years, it is widely known that people in struggling countries will accept and do almost anything for FREE or in order to get HELP and SUPPORT. They will just as easily revert back to previous pagan customs or even accept Islamic help and assistance and convert if they see it is going to bring prosperity to their land. Some missionaries have discovered some dual practices of Christianity and Islam.......?? I am NOT saying stop. We MUST share the gospel but we must reveal the entire story. You know, the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Unfortunately the church in America is NOT being given the entire truth. The struggle is not for the hearts and souls of humanity as much as we might want that to be the case. In fact, it is their struggle for our wallets while over 387 churches in America close their doors every month (per Barna research). We might need to take a closer look at home on how to repair that problem. This is a great Hub and no offense is meant. I am excited at the work being done as always to further the gospel. We just need to understand there is allot more to the picture. I voted UP and all across on the quality and not the content of the article (except for funny).
anndavis25— Thank you for being my first visitor!
Yes, it is amazing what a couple of people can do with God's help.
I appreciate your kind comments.
Deborah Brooks— You are welcome. I appreciate the voted up, Debbie. And thank you much for sharing this with your Facebook friends. :-)
James
Sky9106— You are quite welcome, kind sir. I agree with your analysis. I am grateful for your compliments. Thank you very much for coming over to read my article.
God Bless You
Dave Price— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
Kaie Arwen— Thank you my Kaie. I am humbly thankful for this nice note from you. :)
JJRBJ
liftandsoar— Isn't that amazing? I am flabbergasted to read your message and at the same time well pleased. It is a small world after all.
I have that book, "Pray With Your Eyes Open!"
The Lord does work in mysterious ways. You were Richard and Gena's pastor! And he helped you move. And you are still in touch. And you have been on mission trips together. Unbelievable.
I am aghast that I might be your "Favorite Hubber!" That must mean we have a dearth of talent around here. :D
I can never repay you for such high praise indeed. Thank you. God Bless You.
James
I was not familiar with this organization. How wonderful to hear of a minister teaching the word of God, spreading it to those who would otherwise have a much harder time getting it, for free. We hear so often about preachers who do so only for money and sell their ideas and interpretations daily. Jesus never charged. Awesome in the extreme!
Hi James, well I am glad to hear about this idea. Promoting learning more about the Bible is a wonderful thing, especially for people that might not otherwise have any means of studying it. The history, wisdom literature, gospel message, even if people don't agree with it, is a good thing to know about. I wish them and their ministry the very best.
James - I was unaware of this ministry and am so grateful you bought it to my attention. In such a strange time it's uplifting to know there are still people like Dr. Pratt who are called and answer. Thank you for a very uplifting and encouraging Hub. Best, Sis
BlossomSB— Thank you so much for sharing this with your Facebook friends. I appreciate your gracious compliments as well. I join you in that prayer. I am grateful for your blessings. Thanks again for reading this Hub. God Bless You.
Welcome to the HubPages Commmunity!
James thank you for this hub, it is wonderful. Dr. Pratt is a True Christian. There are many ministers who preach a lot but do not teach a lot. The ones on tv just want a lot of money, but they do not give it to many others. They become rich. There is one on tv now who has preached, it is a blessing from God to be rich. Sorry I cannot remember his name, I will have to look it up. But, telling people God wants them to be rich, is the exact opposite of what Jesus said about a camel going through the eye of a needle. I think this preacher's name may have been Joel Ostean?
The name of the man I was writng about was Joel Osteen. For some reason, I could not correct my comment
DonnaCosmato— I am grateful to you for sharing this article with your friends via Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for your gracious comments as well. :D
Michele Travis— You are quite welcome. I not only do not mind, I am honored that you would put this Hub on your "favorites list." :-)
God Bless You! Thank you for the warm words.
Goyakla— You are welcome. You recognized a crucial point in all of this, that once these novice pastors get a taste of life in America while on a student visa, the vast majority of them want to stay here.
Thank you for your comments.
Thanks for sharing his information on such a wonderful ministry. It is so good to hear how they provide people with methods and material to learn and acquire talent and skill to fulfill the mission of Christ. It is a testimony that proves what will happen when you are obedient and follow through on what God has planned for you.
Interesting that Christianity is fading in Europe and America, not surprising however. I think we have fallen asleep in all the good graces He has given us. I Wonder what will awaken us.
Third Millennium Ministries sounds like a good way to bring awareness along with education to the understanding that there is a mission field right here in our own backyard.
Good news to hear of its spread in Africa Asia and South America. That is exciting.
Enlightening article.
Kristeen— You are quite welcome. I appreciate your prayers for Third Millennium Ministries. Their website is:
Thank you! :)
Dave Sibole— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
searchinsany— Thank you for that Scripture. I agree with you that Dr Pratt and this ministry are a refreshing breath of fresh air.
I sincerely appreciate this visitation from you. And I appreciate your remarks as well.
randslam— OK. You have published a book!? That is great. Congratulations! How is it going so far? I appreciate the link.
I am not sure where you are coming from here, my friend. "Slick Shepherds?" This Hub is not about slick shepherds. We don't need no slick shepherds.
What you wrote does not compute. Are you saying America has not taken care of its poor?
I don't understand what you mean by "causing damage with false hope." What kind of damage? Caused by whom? False hope in what?
I'm not sure what you mean by "shear the sheep in gullible countries." Do you mean by giving them free Bible study materials?
I find your comments quite nebulous, at best. Say what you mean. No need to appear esoteric to us. We are just regular folks. Thank you.
Drtruthman— Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I appreciate your most excellent comments, especially coming from a pastor with much experience in the mission field.
By the way, I have a friend in McAllen named Ward Morrill. He is retired now but for many years had some kind of bedding, mattress, or maybe waterbed store there. I just wondered if you knew him. We are both originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan.
I am grateful for your gracious compliments, as well as the "voted UP and all across on the quality and not the content of the article (except for funny)."
I find your remarks quite fascinating. No offense taken by me. I am not sure what to make of your ideas, having not been on a mission trip myself.
Thanks again for contributing your insights to this Hub.
poetvix— It is wonderful and awesome! I am mighty glad we are in agreeance, my friend.
Thank you for your wonderful and awesome comments. I very much appreciate this visitation from you. I am grateful for your affirmation. :)
oceansnsunsets— Hello there. How I appreciate your gracious remarks. I am glad that you are glad to hear of this idea. :-)
Learning about the Bible is a good thing. Thank you for visiting and for the well wishes to Third Millennium Ministries.
Angela Blair— You are quite welcome, Sis. I agree with you that it is uplifting to hear of someone such as Dr Pratt who hears the call and answers. Well put.
I am pleased that you are encouraged by this Hub. Thank you for your nice note.
James
Michele Travis— You are welcome. Thank you for reading my article. I appreciate your compliments.
Oh yes, I am with you in that I love a preacher who is a good teacher. Lord knows I can use some Godly lessons.
Joel Osteen. Well, Mr. Osteen presents somewhat of a dilemma for many Christians. I went to see him live in Orlando and there must have been a turnout of 15,000 people. It was an uplifting experience. Everyone there seemed really encouraged by that night.
I think there is room under the Lord's tent for all sorts of Christians. Some might be called to rebuke, some to exhort, some to encourage, some to prophesy, some to be prayer warriors.
Some might be called to be hermits or monks; some to vows of poverty; some to be Catholic priests; some to be fundamentalist hellfire and brimstone preachers stomping around and preaching in tongues; some to be Methodist social workers; some to be Evangelical missionaries; some to be Baptist teachers; some to be Presbyterian doctors or nurses, some to be musicians, some to sing in the choir, some to be writers, some to clean the church after Sunday Service.
Since people come in all stripes, it seems to me that God might use all sorts of vessels to reel them in. I reckon the Body of Christ has all sorts of parts to it. The important thing is to be in there somewhere.
You posed a very good question. And I'm not sure my answer is the right one. But it is what I was moved to write. Thanks again, Sister.
This is very interesting. My husband and I are going to the Philippines for a Christian ministry mission. The Mallennium Ministries sounds like our kind of people! It is wonderful to know others are doing the same thing. Together we can save the world.
teaches12345--- You are quite welcome, my dear. I am more than pleased to share the Good News that this ministry is helping to spread across our planet.
I totally agree with your assessment of this ministry. Thank you ever much for reading my Hub, and for your gracious comments. :)
James, thanks for the return comment. I do not know the gentlemen. I will keep the name in mind as I travel the area. You are a most excellent writer and I do enjoy your writing. You are very versatile in your subject matter which is absolutely amazing. Lee
Tamarajo- Thank you for your always excellent remarks. As you said so well:
"I think we have fallen asleep in all the good graces He has given us. I Wonder what will awaken us."
I agree with you. And I too wonder.
Third Millennium Ministries does wonderful work. I am proud of them for what they do to further the Kingdom of God in this world.
Oh yes, the Christian Faith is spreading like wildfire in Africa, Asia, and South America. And like you I also find that exciting.
I very much appreciate your visit.
Thanks for the information and the links. I know a lot of people who will definitely need this.
James A Watkins, This is marvelous! What a wonderful expose on Third Millennium Ministries as well as the fact they are a great educational resource! We need a wake up call here in America! Too many are trying to push true ministry to the background… This takes ministry to the “hedges and highways…” This will also be a great help especially to those abroad who are not readily able to travel but sincerely desire to broaden their spiritual education as well as receive training!
I so LUV your comment to Michelle: “ I think there is room under the Lord's tent for all sorts of Christians. Some might be called to rebuke, some to exhort, some to encourage, some to prophesy, some to be prayer warriors….” Amen!
Thank You for sharing this, In HIS Love Grace Joy, Peace & Blessings!
HealthyHanna- It is good to hear from you again. It has been a while. I am well pleased to hear that you and your husband are "going to the Philippines for a Christian ministry mission." Awesome!
I think Third Millennium Ministries has a strong presence there. I appreciate the visit and your comments.
Drtruthman- You are welcome, Pastor Lee. I am humbly grateful to receive the accolades. Thank you once again. I look forward to reading more of your articles, which I will attend to soon.
James
donnaisabella- You are most welcome. It is a rare treat to see you on one of my Hubs. Thank you very much for gracing us with your presence.
James this article is so insightful, and informative! I had no idea this organization exsist. It is so great to hear their is a ministry, and resource center for Pastors to take free classes to strength their teaching, and feeding God's people! Voted up! Awesome! You better believe I am going to check out the website!
Great work on this James... one of your best I agree with David Price.
Blessings and Hugs
DeBorrah K. Ogans- You are quite welcome, my Sister in Christ. Third Millennium Ministries is indeed "a great educational resource!"
And Lord knows "We need a wake up call here in America!"
I love the way you said, "This takes ministry to the “hedges and highways…”" :D
Thank you for the lovely laudations. I always enjoy your encouraging comments. I am grateful for your blessings. God Bless You!
James
adrienne2- Hello there! What a pleasure to hear from you again. Thank you for dropping by and leaving such a nice note.
Please do check out their website. It is fantastic. And one need not have to be a pastor or a foreigner to take the courses. We can all take them!
I am grateful to you for your gracious accolades, as well as the voted up and awesome! :D
God Bless You
Thank you James!
Rolly A Chabot- Great to "see" you here, my friend. Thank you for the compliment, hugs, and blessings!
adrienne2- You are quite welcome.
James - I am so glad to learn about Third Millenium Ministries. My parents were Baptists and over the years I knew many fine people in the Baptist denomination and later many more in the Methodist denomination (my husband's background. We later became involved in non-denominational ministries.
But being an Air Force brat I traveled to a lot of places overseas and was troubled by how expensive it was to send "white missionaries" to live an "American lifestyle" in foreign countries while they ministered to the local population. It used to grieve me to think what the same amount of money and resources could do, if used to support local lay pastors who already speak the language, know the culture and can live cheaply in the local economy. That was 35 years ago of course.
I am not saying God does not "call" white people to the mission field, but I think a lot of the American (can't speak for other countries) mission focus has been rather patronizing, and ignored the fact that God can work through all sorts of people and that maybe more of our wealth should go to support local ministries.
And I have never been convinced that the way to do that is to bring Africans and Asians to the US to train in our expensive seminaries before flying them back to their homes. I have been very encouraged to see some (and support financially) Christian churches moving in the direction of providing materials and training for lay pastors in their own countries.
I cannot applaud Third Millenium Ministries enough and I greatly appreciate you bringing them to our attention. Theresa
phdast7— Thank you for reading my article about the Third Millennium Ministries, an organization close to my heart. I very much appreciate your thoughtful and insightful comments.
I too have known wonderful people from all denominations though I myself, like you, am non-denominational.
I can see by the depth of your remarks that you thoroughly "get it" as to what this ministry is accomplishing and how vital it is in our world today.
I do know lots of "white people" who go on missions in the field and do marvelous work. I agree that wealth might be best invested in local ministries in these Third World countries.
I am thrilled to read of your appreciation for this ministry and my reportage of it. God Bless You!
Faithfully Yours,
James :-)
What a wonderful Ministry. The need is definitely there! I will share Hub with others in the hopes that they too will help support such a worthy Ministry. Great Hub!
Kebennett1— I am so glad you are back with us on HubPages. I will be over soon to see what new Hubs you have published.
Thank you for checking out this article and even more so for honoring it by sharing it with your friends. It is a wonderful ministry.
I appreciate the compliments. God Bless You. :-)
Awesome Hub My Brother. God Bless You.
Hi James. How are you and the Millenium Ministries doing these days? Hope all is well.
stars439— Thank you!! Thank you very much! :D
anndavis25— Hey! How are you? I am fine. I haven't heard from the ministry lately. I'll have to check in with them soon. Good to hear from you. :-)
James
Great hub which presents a great ministry profile. Praise God for the Third MIllenium Ministries that is established to bring glory to God. It is worth praying for this ministry. THank you for posting information about this ministry. I am wishing you a great day today James. May God's blessings be with you always and your family. Best regards.
cristina327— You are quite welcome, my dear. I sincerely appreciate your kind compliments, best wishes, and most of all your blessings. :)
I agree with your comments wholeheartedly. Thank you for reading my work.
Faithfully Yours,
James
anndavis25 3 months ago
I have not heard of this. It's amazing how just one or two people could think up an idea like this and make it happen. God must have a hand in it. Good luck in this endeavor.