Most Christians in Vietnam reside in mountainous and remote areas. Similar to secular education, high-quality educational resources are predominantly concentrated in urban centers. Consequently, significant obstacles hinder the delivery of Christian education to these congregations. These challenges stem from a combination of financial constraints, low levels of educational attainment, and inadequate infrastructure.
In these regions, pastors are typically lay ministers. The majority of congregants dedicate their time during the week to agricultural activities, often spending weeks or even over a month in the fields during certain seasons. There are two primary categories of pastors in these areas.
First, some pastors exhibit a strong commitment to their ministry. Despite facing financial hardships, they devote considerable time to caring for their congregations. These individuals are deeply passionate about their work and may be reluctant to train potential church workers, fearing the loss of their positions.
Second, there are pastors who demonstrate a lack of commitment to their congregations. Seasonal demands or family obligations may lead them to abandon their pastoral roles. Notably, the preaching of the Word of God in these churches is not solely the responsibility of the pastor; deacons are also assigned to preach a weekly service. While this arrangement alleviates some burdens for the pastors, it poses risks, as many deacons lack formal training in preaching. Furthermore, the position of the deacon frequently changes due to term limits.
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