The Cost of the Gospel 25 Year Edition

What does it truly cost to follow Jesus around the world?

In some nations, Christians worship openly, print ministry credentials, and celebrate public callings. In other places, believers study quietly, protect their faith carefully, and follow Christ at great personal risk. The Cost of the Gospel explores this global reality with biblical conviction, ministry wisdom, and gospel urgency.

Written by Henry and Pam Reyenga, founders of Christian Leaders Institute, this book examines the different costs of discipleship across nations while presenting a powerful vision for the future of free online ministry training. Through real-world ministry insight, global perspective, Scripture, and practical reflection, readers will discover how Christian leaders can serve wisely, courageously, and faithfully in both open and restricted environments.

From hidden disciples searching for truth in the night to public ministers serving openly in freedom, this book calls believers to rethink ministry, stewardship, courage, and the Great Commission in today’s connected world.

Inside this book, you will explore:

• The biblical cost of discipleship in different nations
• How Christians can be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”
• The realities facing believers in extreme-cost and restricted countries
• Why free online ministry training can cross borders in ways traditional systems cannot
• The growing global movement of study-based ministry training and ordination
• How ordinary Christians can become equipped leaders where they already live
• The next twenty-five years of global Christian leadership development

This is not merely a book about persecution. It is a book about calling, wisdom, courage, stewardship, and the urgent need to raise up Christian leaders in every nation.

Whether you are a pastor, chaplain, missionary, donor, church leader, ministry student, or everyday believer, The Cost of the Gospel will challenge you to see the harvest with new eyes and respond to Christ’s call with deeper faithfulness.

“In free nations, Christians must not waste their freedom. In restricted nations, Christians must not lose heart. In every nation, Jesus still says, ‘Follow me.’”