NTM's specialized training program is designed to prepare the missionary to face the challenges of planting churches among remote tribes.
The program consists of the Missions Course followed by the Culture and Language Acquisition Course. Some students will also study the Linguistics Course.
Candidates are required to have a minimum of two years of Bible training. The course at New Tribes Bible Institute is designed to fill this requirement.
(Other Bible school education or its equivalent may also fulfill this requirement.)
The basis of the specialized NTM training curriculum is the Tribal Church Planter Profile. This profile was developed through a cooperative effort of NTM missionaries and reflects many years of experience in church planting ministries. It addresses the question: "What does a church planter in a cross-cultural setting look like?" The profile is divided into two categories: what cross-cultural church planters are (qualities), and what they do (capabilities).
These qualities and capabilities are addressed in various ways throughout the program. Spiritual growth and practical skills are integral to the specialized NTM training curriculum.
Qualities: The life of the cross-cultural missionary should be characterized by a mature and growing relationship with God, family, co-worker, people to whom they minister, and leadership; and a healthy understanding of self.
Capabilities: Missionaries also need the skills necessary to do the work that God has called them to. Some of the areas covered in the curriculum are:
A strong biblical foundation and an ability to communicate the truths of Scripture An ability to study and understand another culture Church-planting and linguistic skills Bible translation and curriculum developmentv Relational and practical skills Training methods are varied according to course content and individual needs. Methods include: one-on-one, small group, lecture, practicum, discipleship, mentoring, and teamwork. The courses are taught as modules. Objectives are clearly defined.
Students will be expected to satisfactorily meet the learning objective for each module. Growth in spiritual qualifications as outlined in I Timothy 3:1-13 is also expected.