The mission organization, GlobalROAR, began in 2007 at Living Stones Church in Crown Point, IN. As the training arm of GlobalROAR, theROAR School of Ministry began in January, 2008 as an 18-month Bible school. It was birthed out of a desire and need to train a growing number of our own leaders’ sons and daughters for ministry. After graduating our first class of students in August of 2009, we were given exempt degree-granting status from the State of Indiana and began offering an Associate Degree in Practical Theology or Intercultural Studies (Mission).
In 2012, we saw the increasing desire and need for an accelerated course of study – one where students would do the same amount of work (60 academic course credit hours) but in a shorter, more concentrated period of time. We strategically reformatted the courses to fit a nine-month combination of academic classes, practical ministry labs, weekly outreach, and a two-month, overseas mission internship. We renamed our accelerated school theROAR. Many of our graduates are now leading ministries in their local church or serving on the mission field.
To meet the growing need to train national pastors effectively but without them needing to leave their families or churches for long periods of time to study, in 2016, we began to offer a modular format of studies in addition to our residential program. In our nine-month modular school, students meet once a month for three consecutive days and nights for classes at a central location. They study the same curriculum, which is introduced during the monthly modules they spend together. Then they take the remainder of the notes home to study independently as they also read through the entire Bible with a lesson on each book.
We’re so thankful to see how God is using theROAR all around the world to train men and women for the work of the ministry. We are amazed to see how He continues to open doors for us in the nations. Perhaps you know of a national pastor that is ready for a school in his country. Maybe we can help his vision for training leaders to start churches in his nation and beyond!
An apostolic, five-fold ministry focus: Our goal is to raise up the next generation of pastors, church planters, missionaries, and church leaders. Students who apply should sense a strong ministry calling on their lives; be recommended by their pastor; and come willing to study, learn, be mentored, and sent out for future ministry.
A high regard for the local church: Our training is based on the campus of a local church where students can daily observe and participate in ministry. What better place to train church planters than in a local church setting!
Solid, Biblical Teaching: Students read and study through the entire Bible during their school year. Each topical course also has a firm, Biblical foundation.
A seasoned faculty: Our instructors are seasoned, spiritual “fathers and mothers” who love the students and are dedicated to both their spiritual and academic growth. Also, several times a year, visiting faculty from America come to encourage and teach students at our international schools.
Ministry mentoring: Studies at theROAR follow the Acts 1:1 model: . . . all that Jesus began both to do and teach. Small class size allows for maximum interaction between the instructor and student. Full-time students also practice what they learn during the course of the school year in their local church.
A community of students: Students live a joyful life of holiness and are committed to encourage and help each other grow in the Lord.
A passion for prayer, worship, and the presence of the Holy Spirit: Intercession is a vital part of our training, and students spend time in worship and prayer before each class begins. Those studying full-time also gather weekly for an extended time of worship and prayer on Friday mornings. We believe revival will come as we fervently pray!
A Great Completion mandate! We have an intentional focus on praying for and training missionaries to church plant in the remaining 70 unreached nations and 7000 unreached people groups (www.joshuaproject.net).
Dick and Susie Bashta
Directors
Dick and Susie Bashta, Directors
Dick and Susie Bashta have served the Body of Christ for the last 44 years as mission pastors, missionaries to Spain and Russia, and directors of two mission sending organizations and Bible colleges. They have been happily (and strategically) married for 45 years and traveled to 56 nations of the world. They have five grown children, all who are serving the Lord in ministry, and eight grandchildren. They have spent their lives encouraging others to partner with them in turning the Great Commission into the Great Completion!
Cheryl Agent, Finance Director
Cheryl worked for 23 years as a Practice Manager for a busy cardiology office by day and as the GlobalROAR Finance Director by night. (She rarely got much sleep!) After recently retiring from her day job, she now spends several days a week with us in the GlobalROAR office. Cheryl enjoys sending support wires to our missionaries and ROAR Field Directors around the world, balancing checkbook accounts, and helping audit financial reports from the field. Her attention to detail has also been really helpful in editing lessons for theROAR. She has been going on mission trips since 2008 and has been to Mongolia, China, Russia, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Zambia. When she is not in the office, she is probably going on a trip with a friend, quilting, or spending time with one of her 10 grandkids.
Cheryl Agent
Finance Director
Lisa Lane
Office Manager
Lisa Lane, Office Manager
Lisa Lane is the GlobalROAR office manager and registrar of the NRP School of Ministry. She has been involved with missions since 2011 when she went on her first trip to China and fell in love with the nations. She graduated from theROAR ministry training school in 2016 and joined the GlobalROAR team for two years. After that she managed a local family practice clinic for five years and has recently returned to be a part of the GlobalROAR staff. She has served in the local church for over ten years in different areas including children’s ministry, as a Life Group leader, and as part of the ministry team at Encounters. When she is not in the office, she enjoys her role as Auntie to seven nieces and nephews and her friends’ children as well as teaching in the Living Stones homeschool classes.
Dr. Ron and Marion Johnson
H O M E B A S E
We are so thankful to Dr. Ron and Marion Johnson, Jr., Senior Pastors of Living Stones Church in Crown Point, IN, for their vision for excellence in education, their passion for cultural transformation, and the priority they have placed on training the next generation in ministry, church planting, and mission among the remaining 7000 Unreached People Groups. Pastor Ron serves as the president of GlobalROAR.
Network of Related Pastors (NRP)
theROAR is a part of NRP (Network of Related Pastors). NRP is a trusted team of pastors and leaders whose mission is to empower, encourage, and equip local churches to effectively reach their communities for Christ. Their endeavor is to complement and advance the vision of the church through relationship, teaching, accountability, and support.
GlobalROAR
PO Box 355
Crown Point, IN 46308
219-663-7729
Staff@GlobalROAR.org