During this module, we will expose you to GFM's foundational values, history, and ministry philosophy. You will receive teachings that are the backbone of everything we do (Biblical Basis of Missions, State of the World, the Kingdom of God, Unreached People Groups, 10/40 Window, Disciple Making Movements) as well as a missions' overview with some of the basic teachings from the Perspectives in the World Christian Movement course. We will also explain the Moodle system, assignment, ministry hours, and other aspects of the Online Missionary Training School.
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
This module highlights "death to self," which is a major theme in the New Testament. Jesus said that anyone who wanted to gain their life must lose it and that anyone who did not deny self and take up their cross could not be his disciple. Paul said that he died daily, and that it was no longer he that lived, but Christ in him. This good news is much different from the self-centered gospel often presented in Christian circles. We will talk about Cat (man-centered) vs. Dog (God-centered) Theology and the importance of being dead to self in order to know God’s will and accomplish great kingdom purposes. We will also learn why focusing on God's glory is the true motivation of missions.
Your grade for each completed module will be determined by the following percentages: 10% for the 100 questions, 30% for the book response paper, 30% for all the completed assignments, and 30% for the ministry evaluation.
If you have any questions or problems with any of the material, contact your assigned facilitator immediately.
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
This Abiding and Spiritual Formation module focuses on our relationship with God, which is the most important aspect of the missionary journey. A large part of this module deals with inner healing from past hurts, problems, lies, identity issues, and sin struggles. Mission workers must allow the Son to set them free so that they are able to help others gain spiritual freedom. Students will go through a self inventory that encourages them to “forget what is behind and run towards what is ahead.” Other parts of this module include developing spiritual disciplines, such as intercessory prayer, which are essentials for the missions' journey.
- Facilitator: Sue Hammack
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
In this module, we explore our uniqueness and God's specific “calling" on our lives. We consider our unique S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual Gifts, Holy Discontent, Abilities, Personality, and Experience) and the role God may be molding us to fill in the task of making disciples of all nations. Studying these things helps us understand not only ourselves but others, as well, which is a great ministry skill. Learning to appreciate how different people are wired allows us work with other ministers to more effectively reach the lost.
- Facilitator: Sue Hammack
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
During this module, we will consider the number one reason people leave the mission field: inability to get along with other missionaries. To that end, we will explore working together harmoniously, conflict styles, and biblical conflict resolution. We will learn where conflict comes from, the importance of conflict in our potential sanctification and growth, and how to deal with it properly. Knowing how to live in unity is an essential skill for anyone serving in a ministry context. This module also delves into effective team dynamics. Jesus sent out his disciples to do ministry in pairs, so there is biblical precedent for ministering in teams. However, we see examples of Paul and Barnabas going their separate ways because of differing opinions, and Paul and Peter disputing circumcision and Gentile ministry. Conflict in life is inevitable, but there are godly ways to approach it, and that is what we want to study. Christians are called to be ministers of reconciliation, which primarily means reconciling people to God through Christ, but includes an element of seeking peace between individuals and within nations. Blessed are the peacemakers . . .
- Facilitator: Sue Hammack
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
The purpose of this module is to give practical tools and practices for implementing Church Planting Movements (CPMs). The online MTS program includes a complete module on Church Planting Movements (CPMs) and Disciple Making Movements (DMMs) that focuses on New Testament principles behind movement. This module offers practical tools to implement during the entry stage, evangelism, discipleship, church formation, and leadership development. Almost all of the material for this module comes from NoPlaceLeft and Four Fields / Training for Trainers (T4T) methodology.
- Facilitator: Sue Hammack
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
In this module, we explore the importance of being an emotionally healthy missionary. Transition, grief, culture shock, trauma, disrupted time management, and burnout are just some of the events most ministers will confront. This module offers assessments and tools to help cross-cultural workers understand the importance of "self care" - of body, mind, and emotions - so that they will sustain a longterm, fruitful, and healthy ministry on the field.
- Facilitator: Sue Hammack
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes
This module focuses on the stewardship of finances. We will compare what this world teaches concerning money to what Jesus taught his disciples about the Kingdom view of riches. We will study the biblical basis of gathering prayer and financial support for missionary efforts and provide tips on how to go about vision casting and “friend raising” a strong partnership team. Finally, we will cover essential practical topics such as budgeting, communicating with supporters, giving, etc.
- Facilitator: Sue Hammack
- Facilitator: Grant Haynes