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Lay Missionary Preparatory Programme

"You can clearly see the absolute importance of organisations like Viatores Christi and the vast difference in volunteers that have done some sort of preparation course as opposed to the ones that haven't, they settle in much faster, are more likely to do their full term, more tolerant of others cultures, less critical, etc"- words of one of our volunteers, during his sixth year of volunteering overseas.   

 

Conditions of Entry

• Entry to the programme can only occur only after attending an information session.
• Trainees must be 21 years of age or over (if not yet 21 we can refer you to other voluntary associations)
• Trainees are expected to attend all weekend workshops.
• As part of the preparation programme, it will be necessary to become involved in voluntary work. 
• The trainee is expected to work in partnership with the process and to undertake any extra preparation that may be recommended.
• Completion of the programme does not commit the trainee to going overseas.

Content

The programme is a series of six weekend workshops, delivered once a month over a six month period.  Experienced professionals, some of whom have spent time working on the missions / overseas, facilitate the workshops.

The topics covered in the programme include:

• Community Development and Leadership
• Challenge, Commitment and Conflict
• Church and Spirituality
• Cultural Adaptation
• Other Religions
• Health
• Holistic Health
• Global Awareness
• Social Justice
• Home Mission                                                                      

Trainees are gradually enabled to make a more informed decision as to whether or not overseas work is the option for them.  They become better informed about the actual reality of working as a lay missionary development worker. 

Each weekend workshop session begins on Fridays at 8pm and ends on Sundays after lunch.

                    

Schedule of programmes for 2011- 2012

Global Awareness                                        23 - 25  September 2011

Community Development & Leadership      21 - 23  October 2011

Cultural Adaptation                                      18 - 20   November 2011

Challenge Committment & Conflict              09 - 11  December 2011

Mission                                                          20- 22   January 2012 

Health                                                           10 - 12  February 2012

Global Awareness                                        09 - 11  March  2012

Community Development & Leadership      13 - 15  April 2012

Cultural Adaptation                                      11 - 13  May 2012

Challenge Committment & Conflict              15 - 17 June 2012