Training
Equipping Workers for Thriving,
Effective Cross-Cultural Life and Ministry
Training for new Christar workers isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. We come alongside every individual preparing for mid- or long-term service with the goal of equipping each one well for thriving in life and ministry on the field. In addition to required pre-field conferences, we consider each person’s experience and desired area of service, and we use strategic assessments to help us create his or her personal development plan. This individualized training path takes into account both areas of needed growth and the skills and knowledge that individual will need in his or her unique ministry setting.
A personal development plan includes trainings held by Christar, learning opportunities offered by other organizations, required reading and, at times, apprenticeships. Below is an overview of the trainings we provide as well as those offered by other organizations that are frequently included in training for new workers.
Christar Trainings
Frequently Recommended Trainings
BibleMesh
Christar partners with the BibleMesh Institute to offer quality online theological education at an affordable rate to candidates, appointees and workers. Christar requires all appointees to complete the online BibleMesh pre-assessment, which determines if any additional training in Bible, doctrine or historical theology will be required. In collaboration with the Christar Pre-field Training Coordinator, BibleMesh then sends a custom program plan listing the courses needed to satisfy Christar’s Bible and theology training requirements. Candidates interested in serving with Christar may begin taking BibleMesh courses prior to attending our New Personnel Orientation.
Language Acquisition
Christar values effectiveness. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of learning the languages of the people groups among whom we minister. Christar appointees are required to attend one of five language acquisition training programs prior to departure for the field.
Partnership Development Training
Short-term workers and mid- and long-term appointees must have 100% of their needed financial and prayer support before leaving for the field. Short-term workers are required to read some articles and a manual on support-raising. Appointees are required to receive personalized coaching and training through Tailored Fundraising.
Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
Perspectives is a 15-week course designed around four vantage points or "perspectives": biblical, historical, cultural and strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God's global purpose. The mission of Perspectives is “to mobilize by educating the Body of Christ in the USA to strategic engagement in God’s global purpose.”
Untying the Knots of the Heart (UTK)
While training in Bible knowledge and ministry skills is valuable, Christar recognizes that without heart preparation, it will all be fruitless. UTK is a small-group program that helps people address and redeem their emotions, pain and relationships through the gospel. This 12-lesson biblical process is designed to help Christians identify the root causes of their brokenness and allow the good news to heal their inner lives and relationships. This program is currently led by Christar retirees who have a heart for seeing outgoing appointees lead healthy spiritual and emotional lives as servants of Christ.
Christar requires new long-term workers planning to minister among Muslims or Hindus to complete one of two intensive, interactive training programs. These trainings are also encouraged for mid- and short-term workers.
Manarah (for workers preparing to serve among Muslims)
Manarah is immersive training to prepare those who desire to share the gospel with Muslims from a variety of backgrounds. Participants spend two weeks in a Muslim-majority city in North America. During the day, students learn about Islam, its people and the culture it produces; and in the evenings and on weekends, they interact with local Muslims and practice methods of relational outreach often used by teams serving throughout the Muslim world. The program involves 40 hours of interactive instruction and 20 hours of outreach, and it’s tailored to help students respond to their God-given burdens to reach Muslims from diverse ethnic groups.
Pranām Collaborative Learning Services (for workers preparing to serve among Hindus)
Pranām Collaborative Learning Services provides modular, learner-centered programs designed to help participants from both Christian and Hindu communities learn with and from each other. These programs facilitate critical self-reflection, humble co-learning and mutual appreciation for Hindu culture in all its complexity and beauty and for Jesus's example and teachings in their original cultural context. Participants can compete each level in an eight-week online format or via a five-day on-site intensive experience. Email [email protected] or visit pranamcolearning.com for more information.