The newfound freedom of religion in Iraq is fueling an urgent need for leaders in the emerging underground church there.

According to Agape Press, a lack of church leaders and resources could hinder the growth of the church in the Middle East nation even as it finds new freedom with the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime.

In response, an Atlanta-based organization EQUIP, founded by John Maxwell, seeks to provide training for church leaders and pastors in the war-torn nation.

One Iraqi, identified as Pastor Jule, says more training for Christians is desperately needed.

"The Lord has given us a big vision, and we really feel that we can't fulfill this vision without a big base of leadership within the Church," he said.

Currently in Baghdad are only a dozen pastors, and they face an overwhelming ministry to 5 million residents. EQUIP is partnering with other U.S. ministries to help growing churches in Iraq. Pastor Jule said the support for Christians in the region is essential.

"The priority, what we need in the Church to be growing--especially as we are a new church--is to have leaders," Pastor Jule said. "So it's very important what EQUIP is doing around the world, especially in the Middle East, and especially now in Iraq."

EQUIP will train 25,000 Christians in Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq. They committed to train a million leaders worldwide by 2008. They are now working with 235,000 leaders across the globe.