The Nations Course has been developed to equip new missionaries with tools to ensure their first term is successful and fruitful. The course is also valuable for missionaries already on the field.
Train for effective cross-cultural ministry
Equip you to bring Jesus to unreached people groups
Promote a culture of life-long learning
Registrations for Nations open now and close 1st April 2024
Join us for Nations 2024 and launch into effective cross-cultural ministry today.
Nations is largely based on the World Harvest Institute course material, which has a proven record of effectively equipping cross-cultural workers to quickly reach maximum effectiveness. Without pre-field training, it can take seven years to reach maximum effectiveness, but research has shown that with pre-field training, this time can be reduced to only three years.
This course is run by World Outreach, but it is not exclusive to workers within the organisation. Nations is taught by experienced WO missionaries as well as guest lecturers with a proven track record of effectiveness in the field.
Nations Course
The nations course consists of an online and in-person component
Online Training
This will be run via distance learning methods using Zoom for live interactive classes and WOI Learn (Moodle), where you can find everything you need to participate successfully.
Life Experience
Will offer a real-life experience of crossing cultures with people from many different nations. This part will be held in person over four weeks in residence at the YMCA International Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Please note: Online Training is a prerequisite to the Life Experience component.
Didasko Academy’s Discovering Missions series or Kairos course are helpful but not essential courses to complete before starting Nations
The Team
The Nations Course tutors
Dr Malcolm & Wendy Taylor
Malcolm and Wendy spent a number of years on the field with their children/teens, in a children’s ministry. Since then, they have been upgrading their skills at Bible college. Currently, Malcolm is a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury University, and Wendy is a Professional Teaching Fellow at Laidlaw College. They are the Principals of The Nations Course.
WO Trainer
While we cannot reveal the name of our trainer for security reasons, we can share that this individual is an experienced trainer with Reach Educational Foundation, a WO partner ministry.
This trainer has been involved in missions since 2007 and has completed the Kairos course. Currently, this individual served as the former South Asia Global Region Coordinator for Simply Mobilizing International. This trainer continues to raise and train teams, demonstrating a strong commitment to mission work.
Our trainer is based in India and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer.
John &
Preethi
John and Preethi have been working among the Unreached People Groups for two decades. Their missions experience has exposed them to various cultures and ethnic backgrounds where they presently serve in South Asia. John holds a MA in Theological Studies and teaches at a Bible School in addition to planting churches. Preethi is pursuing her Masters in Divinity. She is actively involved in the development of women in the society. They are involved in training indigenous leaders for the next generation to take the gospel to their own people groups.
Edward &
Asha Jack
Edward Jack (BA, Grad Dip Ed, BTh) and Asha Jack (BA Hons, Grad Dip Ed, MA) have been in South East Asia establishing beachhead communities for Jesus for twelve years. They regularly contribute to the teaching programme at the Nations Course where they bring a wealth of experience from many years in ministry.
The Academe
The Nations Course Curriculum
This topic gives an introduction to cultural anthropology and applies the insights of anthropology to the communication of the Gospel cross-culturally. The course focuses on cultural processes and cultural patterning. Particular attention is given to the processes of cultural change and their use in the transmission of the Christian message and the growth of Christian communities.
An overview of church planting principles to inspire, inform, and equip cross-cultural workers to be effective church planters, so that chains of churches can be planted in a way suited to the targeted culture, using methods that the local believers can use to facilitate continued growth.
A study of the principles and processes of communication, including communicating from one culture to another. In particular, this topic will focus on the communication of the Gospel, with special attention being paid to the incarnation as God’s example of how to communicate cross-culturally.
Students will develop an understanding of the social and organisational context in which leadership takes place, the role of a leader in an organisation, and what designates Christian leadership. They will also explore theory, processes, and practical outworking of Christian leadership development.
The main function of a missionary is to make disciples. In order to do this, the missionary has to be effective in communicating, which usually means learning a foreign language and culture. Students will understand why they need to learn a language, and how closely language and culture are related. Students will be given techniques for language learning and will develop the confidence to know they can learn a language!
An overview of the development of the Christian movement, focusing on how the church has grown and developed, and how Christians can use these insights in present mission and church work.
Understanding ourselves as individuals and as a part of a team is crucial in cross-cultural ministry. Insights, tools, and strategies will prepare cross-cultural workers to handle the complex interpersonal relationships and resolve interpersonal conflict that arises when working together with people from different backgrounds.
An overview of the importance of Mission Structures that uses World Outreach as a case study, looking at the history, philosophy, practice, processes, vision, and direction of the organisation.
Missionary life has unique pressures. If we have been prepared for these pressures, then they can strengthen us and our families and facilitate effective ministry. Students will be given tools to help them to handle these pressures and have a fulfilled first term on the field, and to see the possibilities of greater achievements in the future.
Reaching those who have not yet heard the Gospel cannot be done randomly. It is important to strategise so that the job can be completed as fast and effectively as possible. Missionary Strategy is designed to help us learn a process of effective strategisation, including learning from the successes and failures of others.
Seventy per cent of the world’s population lives in oral cultures. How do we reach these people with the Gospel? This subject is very practical and gives students the opportunity to practice in small groups how to present biblical truths by telling Bible stories and asking questions.
This course is a sequel to the animism topic. Signs and Wonders Cross-Culturally provides tools to minister in situations where overt spirit-world beliefs, contact, and operation are endemic. It teaches how to do this in a way that results in stable church growth and brings maximum glory to God.
Most nations do not have only one prominent religion. World Religions gives an overview of the worldviews and philosophies held by the major world religions, looking for points of connection.
Have Any Questions?
If you have any questions, get in touch with The Nations Course principal, Malcolm Taylor, for more information.
