What is the iTEE Global model of training?

1. 1. 1. 1. iTEE Global prefers the use of blended learning for training. This approach toward leadership development is a sound and flexible method of delivering training.
      2. The global church is not keeping up with the vast training needs of church leaders. At least 80% of pastors worldwide lack access to training according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. Even more pastoral leaders, such as Sunday School Teachers, small group leaders, church planters, and evangelists, lack Biblical training.
      3. Multiplying teachers (disciple-makers) was Jesus’ approach to training leaders.
      4. iTEE Global views its role as primarily serving existing ministries/organizations by supporting their ability to train their own leaders using their own resources.

5. The training method needs to be flexible. Thus, in certain instances, all training is conducted ONLY through a face-to-face, oral-based learning environment. This is often necessary in rural locations in Asia and Africa. Though Africa now has more cell phone users than those in Europe or North America, there is still a large gap between cities and rural areas, known as the Digital Divide. A facilitator can receive course materials and resources digitally, which can be shared in person with students.

At the other end of the spectrum, some learners have good access to the internet, and they ONLY communicate with one another and teachers online. This is particularly the case when cohorts include facilitators and/or students with disabilities in North America. However, iTEE Global believes that it will be possible—and best—for most students to experience their learning within a blended learning community. This arrangement allows students to learn together both face-to-face and online.

6. iTEE Global builds its training model from five principles found in the gospels regarding the multiplication of leaders. What are these five principles, and how are they important?

a) 1st principle—Personal, ongoing, and consistent relationships between learners in the group and between those same learners and their facilitator are essential. Content may be distributed without a relationship, but multiplication is less likely to occur.

b) 2nd principle—Training for any group requires clear objectives of learning that reflect the mission, vision, and values of the organization for which leaders are being prepared. These objectives must saturate the training process from beginning to end.

c) 3rd principle—The character of both the teacher and learner is very important. Serious attention to foundations and to the development of biblical character qualities must be integral to the training process.

d) 4th principle—The process will involve resetting the internal compass of each learner through the exercise of the previous three principles. Helping learners transform their internal values, motivations, and beliefs requires challenging the thinking patterns of learners. In turn, this process should help learners develop critical thinking skills needed by dynamic leaders today.

e) 5th principle—Jesus used various appropriate learning tools at appropriate times. ITEE Global teachers use flexible and varied tools to engage the mind and move students to the discovery of truth and personal change. ITEE Global uses the training tools Jesus modeled in the first century to do this. For example, Jesus used:

1. 1. 1. 1. Stories and illustrations
      2. Challenges to thinking
      3. Challenges to faith or trust
      4. Challenges to action
      5. Lecture was NOT a major and oft-used tool.

7. iTEE Global comprises servant leaders and stewards striving to bring relationally-driven biblical ministry education to church leaders lacking access to it.