Perhaps you have wondered how missionaries become equipped to serve effectively within a foreign culture so utterly distinct from that of their backgrounds. Thankfully, in recent years, many new ministries have been raised up by the Lord to deliver “Boot Camp” preparation to our missionary candidates. For those applying to the mission field through World Witness, please see John Hopkins to learn what is required prior to overseas service.
Below is an attempt to list some excellent resources that assist our missionaries in the supreme cause of Jesus Christ to communicate His Good News on foreign soil. However, a number of these ministries provide essential tools for the local church as well. In fact, tragically, most pastors and church members lack true passion and knowledge about the Great Charge of our Lord! Here is your opportunity to take several evenings, a weekend, a study leave, or even a vacation and devote time towards apprehending the missions call of our Commander upon your life.
As you read over the following ministries, please prayerfully consider how you can be a force for Jesus our Lord and Saviour:
1. Perspectives Course in your area (www.perspectives.org). This
comprehensive missions class can be taken for college or seminary credit.
Length of time: once a week for 15-16 weeks. In Charlotte area,
contact Ken Lotze at 704.321.5527 or kj@lotzefamily.com.
2. Discovering and Embracing God’s Global Purpose (www.calebproject.org)
is a volume of 18 studies geared for individuals or groups seeking a
Biblical understanding of God’s purpose and their part in it. Phone:
303.730.4170.
3. Condensed World Mission Course (www.unreachednations.org) provides an
8-lesson curriculum using videos to analyze missions in a format that is
both engaging and inspiring. Phone: 626.296.7699.
4. Missionary Training International (www.mti.org) offers a two-week course
on language acquisition techniques called PILAT & a three-week pre-field
training in interpersonal, cultural, and spiritual development known as SPLICE.
One-on-one counseling sessions are included. Location: Palmer Lake, Colorado.
5. Center for Intercultural Training (www.cit-online.org) provides a complete,
cross-cultural training program in 9-10 weeks that includes culture prep,
language acquisition, and team and relationships skills. A shorter program
is also available that includes culture prep and language acquisition.
Training is available for the entire family during the spring, summer, and fall
terms and can be taken as a complete package or in individual modules.
Bible Intensives are offered during the summer months. A Debrief and Reentry
module is also offered twice annually. Location: Union Mills, NC, between
Asheville and Charlotte.
6. Living in Grace (www.mtw.org) is sponsored by the PCA and is required for
all MTW missionaries while also available for ARP missionaries. The
teaching deals with issues of the heart concerning one’s relationship
with Christ and how we are to live in grace & obedience each day. Dates in 2006:
Jan. 22 - 27, June 11 - 16, and Sept. 10 - 15.
Location: Has been in Atlanta but it is projected to meet
at the Ridge Haven Conference Center in Brevard, NC, which is owned by the PCA.
7. Evangelism Explosion Clinic (www.eeinternational.org) equips participants
on how to share the Gospel. Location: in various churches, but it’s
ideal if the training can occur at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Length of time: 6 days.
8. Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies at Columbia Biblical Seminary
(www.ciu.edu/muslimstudies) offers graduate level programs that
impart a knowledge of Islamic life, culture, and thought. Location:
Columbia, SC.
9. Encountering the World of Islam (www.encounteringislam.org) is a 12-
lesson course that explores Islam, presenting a fresh perspective on
the Islamic faith to the body of Christ. This is offered by the Caleb
Project (303.730.4170) and can be used in a small group setting.
10. Erskine College and Seminary (www.erskine.edu) has seven locations
where Bible-based courses are provided from a Reformed perspective.
11. Child Evangelism Fellowship (www.cefonline.com) offers five-week &
twelve-week training courses at its international headquarters in
Warrenton, MO, 50 miles west of St. Louis. Known as the Children’s
Ministries Institute, the 12-week sessions are held twice each year in
the spring and the fall. One-week & two-week courses are also
available, and college credit is a possibility.
12. Missionary Resources Connection (www.mresourcesconnection.org)
sponsors MK retreats, assists missionaries in transition & with
career issues, and offers an interactive workshop on “Sharpening
Your Interpersonal Skills.” Location: Columbia, SC.
13. Heart Missionary Training Institute (www.warner.edu/heart) provides
opportunity for hands-on application of practical and technical
skills as students reside in a simulated Third World village. An
emphasis is placed on problem solving and coping skills in 3-week
or 15-week programs. Location: Campus of Warner Southern
College in Lake Wales, Florida.
14. Language school: depends on target country. Length of time: one to
two years.
15. World Witness Staff; One Cleveland Street; Greenville, SC 29601-4799.
864.233.5226 (O). New web site: www.worldwitness.org