From Knowledge to Shepherding

Lucas Santos’ Journey Through competency based ministry training

Growing up as the son of a missionary pastor in Brazil, Lucas Santos was always surrounded by ministry. Yet, for years, he remained uncertain if pastoral leadership was his true calling. Today, Lucas serves as an elder at IBC Aachen—part of an international church movement connected to university ministry in Germany. His transformation from a hesitant participant to a dedicated spiritual leader is rooted in his time with the Aquila Institute apprenticeship.

The Aquila Institute provides a competency-based ministry training program designed to equip church leaders and planters through a blend of deep theological study, hands-on ministry, and intentional mentorship within the local church.

Overcoming Hesitancy and Discovering Calling

Lucas’ path to leadership was far from direct. Frustrated by past expectations that his own effort would spark spiritual growth, he stepped away from his early aspirations of pastoral work. However, moving to Germany reignited his spiritual questions, prompting him to seek a deeper understanding of his faith.

What drew Lucas to the Aquila Institute was its relational mentorship model. Initially hesitant due to his lack of a formal seminary degree, the program fundamentally shifted his perspective on leadership:

"A sermon is only half the sermon," Lucas reflected. "The people listening already know who you are. Your life is the other half."

Through the program, he realized that while theological competency matters, true pastoral ministry is inseparable from character, presence, and genuine relationships.

Theological and Personal Transformation

The apprenticeship provided Lucas with practical tools for studying and teaching Scripture, particularly through courses in hermeneutics. However, the greatest challenge wasn't absorbing information—it was learning to share it.

Naturally introverted, Lucas admitted to being a "loner in his mind." Yet, his immersion in the church community sparked a profound relational shift:

A Developed Heart for People: He began naturally caring for, messaging, and investing in individuals outside his immediate circle.

A Shift in Identity: His growing love for the church reshaped his daily conversations, time management, and priorities.

Confirmation of Calling: Lucas views this newfound affection for people as the ultimate proof of God's work in his life, noting that it was something he could not have manufactured on his own.

The Power of Integrated Mentorship

The Aquila Institute utilizes a Mentorship Triad—combining academic, pastoral, and network mentoring. This structure allowed Lucas to challenge his assumptions and learn how to think biblically while observing experienced leaders live out their faith.

Crucially, his mentors helped him embrace his unique leadership style. Rather than forcing himself into a traditional "pioneer" mold, Lucas discovered he could lead faithfully as a nurturing shepherd.

Ministry in Action and Looking Ahead

Today, Lucas actively serves his community through preaching, discipleship, and men's ministry. He balances family and work commitments to remain consistently present for his congregation. He also champions a culture of shared leadership, advising leaders to bring others alongside them from day one to allow ministry to multiply naturally.

Looking to the future, Lucas hopes to participate in church planting efforts within the local university and international communities. His definition of success, however, has been entirely redefined.

We shouldn’t measure success by quantity. Success is faithfulness to Scripture... If you’re faithful to the Word and available to the Spirit, you have no idea what God might do.

For future apprentices, especially those without formal theological backgrounds, Lucas offers a simple reminder: immerse yourself fully in the local church. The journey is not about becoming impressive, but about becoming faithful.