Intense Training
Workers headed to the field and those interested in long-term service take part in our six-week Long-Term Orientation (LTO), held three times a year. The daily schedule includes worship, classes, outreach, and homework. Topics covered involve:
- Perspectives on the World Christian Movement
- Cross cultural communication
- Team relationships & conflict resolution
- Spiritual gifts
- Devotional Life
- Witnessing
- Discipleship & Church Planting
- Linguistics
and much more. As part of LTO, students also work on a final project – such as a research paper, video, or series of interviews – where they discuss a specific people group or religion. Students draw on conversations with people they have met in the neighborhood, books they have read, and topics covered in classes to complete the final project.
Outreach and Cultural Activities
Every afternoon during LTO, students hit the streets (or the train stations or the malls) for guided outreach. By spending hours each week in outreach, participants develop a habit of being open and intentional about sharing their faith. Students engage in a variety of forms and methods of outreach so that they are well-equipped when they reach the field.
Throughout the six weeks of training, various activities highlight the world refugee crisis, the homeless, the poor, the challenges of cross-cultural communication, and global cuisines. Students also choose a track of religion-specific training corresponding to their target people group and have the opportunity to visit that religion’s place of worship and interview some of its followers.
Fellowship and Team Building
Trainees live, study, eat, and play in close quarters during their time here. Spiritual connections draw the group together as students share life stories and engage in mentoring sessions with staff. Recreational and team development activities provide everyone a welcome break from the intense schedule. Interested in applying for an LTO?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be making plans for overseas ministry in order to attend LTO?
No, you do not! Students have taken LTO who are involved in ministry to refugees and immigrants, children’s ministry, or church planting right here in the United States. Individuals who are interested simply in gaining ministry experience and tools to apply in their home community or who are sensing that God may be leading them to cross-cultural work are all welcome to apply.
Because our focus is on equipping workers to reach unreached people groups worldwide, we do prioritize students with a definite commitment to serve cross-culturally in ministry. As space allows, we accept other mission-minded applicants who have an interest in serving in their home communities.
What does a normal day's schedule look like?
Here is a typical schedule for a day of LTO:
- 7:00 – Breakfast
- 8:00 – Worship
- 9:15 – Class Session 1
- 10:30 – Class Session 2
- 11:45 – Life Story shared by a student or staff member
- 12:30 – Lunch
- 1:45 – Class Session 3
- 3:00 – Outreach
- 5:45 – Supper
- 7:00 – Study time, recreation, or planned evening activities
Where will we stay?
All trainees stay at The Center (93-28 Corona Ave) or at nearby apartments for the duration of their time here. Couples and families will have their own rooms, but bathrooms may be shared. We provide bedding and linens. You will do your own laundry at the local laundromat.
Living space is tight in NYC, so we recommend that you pack light. We do not have space to store large items. However, if you have a guitar or other instrument that you are comfortable using for worship and outreach, we encourage you to bring that along.
How should we arrive in the city?
Here are some transportation options:
- Car: Our address is 93-28 Corona Ave. Elmhurst, NY 11373. There is no off-street parking, so you will be responsible to find parking on the street and move your vehicle periodically to allow for street sweeping and avoid getting a ticket.
- Plane: We provide pickup from LaGuardia and JFK airports.
- Bus: www.megabus.com or www.gotobus.com. We can meet you at your bus stop if desired.
- Train: www.amtrak.com. We can meet you at Penn Station if desired.
Before LTO we will share more specific arrival information with you and ask you to fill out a transportation form so that we know your travel plans.
Can families with children attend LTO?
Yes! We welcome families and firmly believe that family units can work together in ministry. You will have opportunities to include your children in ministry by bringing them to the city for LTO, and you may find that they open many doors to speak with people. However, there are some challenges for families during their time here, so we recommend that you read the document below for advice on how to prepare.
It is your responsibility to suggest a caregiver who can accompany your family and help to care for your children during your time at LTO. We will then follow up with the suggested caregiver.