The Shield of Faith Mission International (SFMI) offers a training program with a twofold objective. The first objective is to make disciples; the second objective is to train up laborers for the mission field. This program started initially as a missionary training program, but we have found over the years that many are not ready nor perhaps are called to foreign missions. To accommodate a larger segment of the church, we have taken a broader approach and accepted all those, eighteen and older, who want to learn and be exercised and grow in the Lord through a program of training. If they continue into missions, we are prepared to assist with that by expanding the program to suit that goal.

The basic program is currently a six month period from mid-January to mid-July. For many this is sufficient. In addition to this we offer the option for trainees to spend from three to six months helping with one of our ongoing ministries, either here or on the foreign field. This optional period will be something that is determined by the training staff together with the trainee and his/her home church.

This gives us the flexibility to tailor the program to individual needs.

The training program is a combination of teaching and practical ministry. We have approximately 400 hours of teaching. Here is a basic list of the courses we offer:

*Definitions *Quiet Time *Principles of Evangelism *Attitudes (Philippians)

*Servant of the Lord (2Tim. 2) *Tools of Discipleship *Sermon on the Mount *Faith

*Church Studies (New Testament Church Principles) *Spiritual Gifts *The Gospel

*Genesis Foundations *God's Eternal Purpose (Overview of God's Plan) *Regeneration

*Spiritual Warfare *Know Your Enemy *The Gospels (a survey) *Leadership Characteristics

*Priesthood of Christ and the Believer *Spiritual Giving *The Family *Relations to Govt.

*O.T. Survey *Romans *Hebrews *Galatians *Ephesians *History of the English Bible

In addition the trainees are required to read the Bible through and will be assigned various portions for memorization. Other assignments will be given by the instructors as they relate to the topics being studied. We require that the Authorized Version (KJV) be used by both instructors and trainees for the duration of the program.

In the realm of practical ministry, we have several days a week of scheduled evangelism. We also ask that the trainees take the initiative to plan, organize and follow through with projects of their choosing. These projects can be something like helping with Good News clubs, involvement with seniors at nursing homes, or practical helps like rendering physical assistance to those with needs.

Occasionally we will take the training program “on the road.” During that time we will visit with brethren in other communities in the Northwest and seek to contribute to their ministries through evangelism and having our teaching accessible to them locally. At the very end of the program we cap things off by sending the guys out for five days on a “faith trip.” The objective is to send them out in like manner as Christ sent out his disciples to preach (Matt.10:1-15) without any resources of their own so that they might see how God will provide for His workers in His work.

For those who are considering the program, we would like for you to view it as a time dedicated exclusively for training. We want you to be able to set this time apart in your mind to be used to further the kingdom of God in taking in what would be profitable to your life as well as serving Him in the ministry you will have. We ask you to be committed to the ministry and requirements of the program as well as committing yourself to one of the assemblies we have here in Central Oregon. In order to reinforce this commitment, we are now requiring that the trainees not be employed during this time. There are three reasons for this. The first is that it allows us the flexibility to work as a team and visit other locales for ministry. Secondly, it requires us to trust God to provide for us during these months and so our faith is strengthened. Thirdly, it keeps us unencumbered and without distraction.

At the end of the training there will be an evaluation given of each of the trainee. This evaluation will be sent to the trainee's home church.

There is an application process which consists of filling out some informational forms and providing references from your church leaders, etc. In order to begin the process, please contact the SFMI office and make your request for the training program application packet. The office phone number is 541-382-7081. Email address is sfmi@sfmiusa.org . We would like to have all applications in by December 1st. There is a fee of $100 for materials due upon arrival here. Unfortunately we do not have housing available for the trainees, but we will do our best to find accommodations for you. If you have additional questions, you may contact the office; and they will direct your query to the appropriate person.