Courses
Resources

Kairos (Condensed World Mission Course) - 2010 Central Coast courses

The Kairos Course is a dynamic course that focuses on what God is doing around the world, in fulfillment of His global purpose. It is designed to educate and mobilize Christians and local churches into strategic, 21st century, world Christian mission.

The Kairos Course seeks to accomplish this by:

• Challenging the prevailing world-view of the Church, and to see it changed into a truly Biblical world-view, that reflects a clear understanding of the purpose and plan of God.
• Providing a clear sense of continuity in the outworking of God’s worldwide ‘mission of mercy’ through a chosen people throughout all of history.
• Educating in both standard and current missiological thinking and practice.
• Encouraging active participation, by showing clear pathways for involvement.

The course consists of nine lessons. Each lesson consists of:

1. Worship
2. A Devotional study on mission
3. An introduction to and prayer focus on a major bloc of unreached peoples
4. A review of the previous chapter
5. Participation in a growth point group (Group Sharing)
6. An introduction to the new chapter
7. A teaching or inspirational DVD
8. Readings and worksheets which would be done at home or in the classroom during an ‘intensive’ course. This would require approximately 1½-2 hrs work each week.
9. In addition, there are several activities that help the participants focus on key issues that relate to cross-cultural ministry

The Kairos Course requires 2 hrs of classroom time, for each lesson, and approx 1½ hrs of homework. Introductions, reviews and devotions are presented using multi media (DVD’s and Powerpoint).

For more detailed information on Kairos courses, check http://www.kairoscourse.org/au ; the Kairos blogspot http://www.kairosaust.blogspot.com, or you can follow 'Kairos Aust' on Facebook. For Central Coast information, contact Anne on 0418 989 222 or email kairosnsw@yahoo.com

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Perspectives Course / Standard & Advanced Programs – Central Coast courses

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a life-changing two-part course designed to give Christians a unique opportunity to investigate the work of God around the world, through history and to consider their role in His purposes.
 
Developed by Dr Ralph Winter, Steve Hawthorne and other staff of the U.S. Centre for World Mission in Pasadena, California, Perspectives surveys background, development and potential of Christianity as an international social movement. It does so in four main sections:

Biblical:               God’s unchanging purposes for the nations
Historical:           The expansion of the Christian movement
Cultural:              Communicating the gospel cross-culturally
Strategic:            Means for completing the Great Commission

The course is taught in weekly class sessions lasting two and a half hours each. In addition to this, students spend approximately 3-4 hourse per lesson in independent study working through the study materials for the course (Reader and Study Guide).

PROPOSED CENTRAL COAST COURSES - 2010

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Missions Interlink Agency Courses

International Teams Mentor Equipping Course

In 2011, International Teams in partnership with JohnMark Ministries is offering a three-year biblically-based training program in mentoring skills. 'Mentor Equipping' is designed to provide an opportunity to develop personal and ministry skills that will give another the invaluable gift of spiritual, personal and ministry formation. Participants begin mentoring immediately and learn in an action-reflection environment.

The object of mentoring is to encourage whole-of-life growth in another person whose needs, activities and ministry are the mentor’s primary consideration. The residential aspects of the course will take place in North Parramatta. Sally Jones and Andrew Collins are the training facilitators for the course. 

2011 Course Dates (Residential):  7 September, 16 November.

There is an application process and the course requires a three-year commitment. For more information and to obtain a brochure and application form, contact International Teams Australia at australia@iteams.org 

| 02 9890 2244 | PO Box 1123 Baulkham Hills NSW 1755

Global Discipleship Training Course

The GDT Course is offered jointly by Calam Training and Global Interaction. This is an introductory cross-cultural training program for those with the potential and desire to continue living and working effectively cross culturally. Want to know more? Click here

TESOL Certificate IV in Teaching Conversational English -

Tahlee College

Tahlee Bible College (north of Newcastle) regularly holds TESOL training. This is a recognised Cert IV Course that equips trainees to teach conversational English to non-english speaking background students. TESOL has opened many doors for overseas missionaries and is being used successfully to help reach new immigrants and international students in Australia. The course includes assessment and practice teaching by distance with mentoring. Students must be computer literate. Practice teaching is 25 hrs minimum. Course cost is $2,070 (concessions for couples, missionaries and missionary candidates). Accommodation on the college campus is $195 per week (shared accommodation) For information, on upcoming courses, contact Juanita on 0438 273 954 or email her at juanita@interculturaltraining.com.au

MIST - Missions Interlink Short-Term Training. NSW Courses

Missions Interlink Short-Term Training (MIST) is designed for those going on individual, short-term, cross-cultural placements from 2-24 months. It is a 3-4 day weekend course designed to provide an environment in which participants are stimulated to think and learn more about the challenges of living and working as a ‘short-termer’ in a cross-cultural setting. MIST is facilitated by experienced mission workers drawn from a variety of organizations and situations. It is held on a regular basis in Victoria, South Australia, NSW and Queensland with the possibility of other courses if requested.

MIST covers topics such as:

• Culture shock / stress
• Cross-cultural communication
• Knowing and sharing your faith
• Health and practicalities
• Spiritual warfare
• Keeping fresh, spiritually
• Language learning
• Re-entry
• Good development
• Bible studies
• Interviews with previous MIST participants (back from the field)
• ‘being’ in another culture

Upon receiving your application we will supply you with a CD containing helpful resources on some of these topics. It also includes pre-reading and preparation activities so that you can make the most of your time at MIST.

The benefits of MIST are:

• Sharing with a like-minded group who have a commitment to mission and international service
• A training program facilitated by experience mission workers drawn from a variety of organizations and situations
• Community living enabling peer support, interaction and learning
• Opportunity for organization specific orientation
• Interactive, experiential learning environment

For information on upcoming courses, contact
Judy Kay – jkay@cms.org.au
Work: (02)9284 6745
Sue Boddy – nswoffice@aussend.org.au
Work: (02) 9906 2857

For further information, check the MIST page at http://www.missionsinterlink.org.au/node/1055

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  Resources

Here are some great resources to 'get your teeth into'. Your favourite Christian bookshop should have them in stock...

Bruchko by Bruce Olson

Bruchko is the astonishing true story of a 19 year old American; his capture by the Motilone Indians and his quest to introduce Jesus Christ to this violent Stone Age Tribe.

"For Bruce Olson, it meant capture, disease, terror, loneliness, kidnapping and torture. But what he discovered by trial and error has revolutionised the world of missions. Living with the Motilone Indians since 1961, Olson's efforts have sent a spiritual ripple around the world that reaches deep into the hearts of mission-minded Christians and anthropologists as well as the government of Columbia". (Source: Charisma House, 2006)

The Mission of God by Christopher J. H. Wright

If you enjoy some 'meat and potatoes' in your reading, then you are likely to enjoy The Mission of God. Written by Christopher Wright, International Director of Langham Partnership, this book takes a fresh look at the global Christian movement in the 21st century, and in the process challenges a number of assumptions about biblical scholarship, theology and missionary practice. Most Christians agree that the Bible provides a basis for mission. Wright believes that there is actually a missional basis for the whole Bible - it is generated by, and is all about, God's Mission. In order to understand the Bible, we need an interpretative perspective that is in tune with this great missional theme. We need to see the 'big picture' of God's mission and how all parts of scripture fit into this grand narrative. Top missiologists and Bible scholars from around the world are saying that this work will be read, discussed and applied for many years to come (source: Inter Varsity Press)

Not For Sale: the Return of the Global Slave Trade

and How We Can Fight It by David Batstone

Human Trafficking generates $31 billion annually and enslaves 27 million people around the globe, half of them children under the age of eighteen. David Batstone, whom Bono calls a "heroic character" profiles the new generation of abolitionists who are leading the struggle to end this appalling epidemic (Source: Harper One Publishers).

"Batstone paints a picture of modern-day slavery that stretches across the whole world and includes our neighbourhoods. He highlights the impact of slavery on the most vulnerable and tells the stories of the courageous modern-day abolitionists who are making a difference despite incredible odds" Dean R Hirsch, President, World Vision International.

Serving as Senders, by Neil Pirolo

As an ordinary human being interested in missions - yet called to stay home, how can I get involved in the Great Commission of world evangelisation? You can serve as a sender!  Those who go and those who serve as senders are like two units on the same cross-cultural outreach team. Both are equally important. Both are dynamically integrated. Both are moving toward the same goal of the fulfilment of the Great Commission. And both are assured of success because those in God's work ARE on the winning team! (Source: Emmaus Road, International)

"This key book makes the strategic point that mobilisers - the senders - are as crucial to the cause of missions as frontline missionaries. It is a book just crammed with solid, exciting insights on the most hurting link in today's mission movement"  Dr Ralph Winter, US Centre for World Mission.

Calling Charlie

What happens when people take the call of God seriously? Calling Charlie is a DVD and Study Guide resource that takes a practical and innovative look at what it means to embrace the heart of God for the world. It tackles four big issues facing youth and young adaults today: Calling, Justice, Mission and Culture. It's provocative, entertaining and hard hitting. It'll change the way you view your faith, your friends and your world. Myths are shattered as faith and life are united as one. Want to know more? Want to get a copy? Check out the 'Calling Charlie' page on the Global Interaction website

The Hospital by the River: A Story of Hope by Dr Catherine Hamlin, with John Little

"When The Hospital by the River: A Story of Hope was first published in Australia in 2001, it became an instant bestseller. To date, it has sold more than 50,000 copies and is now available in the USA and Britain. In her tender and candid account of 45 years of service to poor women suffering from obstetric fistula, Christian doctor Catherine Hamlin weaves her own story together with the history of the hospital and that of her adopted country Ethiopia". (Source: Monarch Books, 2004)

"This book will haunt you forever. It touches you in a way you can never imagine as it makes you realize that a bad day for you is not nearly as bad as a lifetime for others"  Michele Perry, The Blurb

Eternity in their Hearts by Don Richardson

Eternity in their Hearts is a Missions classic. "Richardson has studied cultures throughout the world and found within hundreds of them, startling evidence of belief in the one true God. In Eternity in their Hearts, the author gives fascinating, real-life examples of ways people have exhibited in their histories terms and concepts that have prepared them for the Gospel". Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God "has also set eternity in the hearts of men". The quest to find and understand these redemptive analogies is the 'stuff' of modern missions (Source: Regal Press).

         The Essential Guide to the Short Term Mission Trip by David Forward

David Forward has written a practical guide for short-term mission teams and their leaders, a response to the modern-day phenomena in missions of sending increasing numbers of volunteers to undertake specific, time-limited missions projects. This book covers the biblical basis for missions, invaluable tips on how to plan and operate mission trips, and useful anecdotes from numerous other teams that help you avoid common mistakes they wish they had not made. (Source: Moody Press)

"The Essential Guide to the Short Term Mission Trip gives a Biblical foundation and the practical steps needed to enter the international arena of short-term missions as an effective player. Trainers of short-term missionaries will find this an excellent resource of practical steps for developing an international missions outreach from their local church.” Dr. Elizabeth R. Lightbody, Professor of World Missions, Moody Bible Institute

Operation World 21st Century Edition (book), by Patrick Johnstone
Updated and Revised 2005

This book is the definitive 'missions' prayer handbook for the Church. It is / has:

• Concise information on every country from a Christian perspective
  
  
• Survey of global situation in the 21st Century
  
  
• Packed with informative and inspiring fuel for prayer
  
  
• Calendar format to assist systematic daily prayer
  
  
• Updated in 2005 to reflect the new concerns of post-9/11 World

A PDF version of the updated and revised edition is available for immediate download from the Operation World website. A CD-Rom version is also available.

The World At Your Door: Reaching International Students In Your Home, Church And School  by Tom Phillips

Sometimes, we fail to see what God has put in our hands. We travel to the ends of the earth seeking opportunities to spread the Gospel - and rightly so, but sometimes, God brings the Nations to us. We need to see these opportunities for what they are. Thousands of international students are enrolled in Australian. universities in any given year, few are welcomed into our homes and even fewer attend a church. "The World at Your Door" makes ministry to international students understandable and attainable for all Christians--highlighting God's great work in bringing the mission field to our doorstep (Bethany House Publishers).

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