To ensure the best quality training to current and future Chinese Christian leaders, it is necessary to plan long before a Training Seminar ever begins.  However, partnering internationally with the intent to provided ministry insights and methods that are truly needed requires flexibility.  Therefore, the following is a general timeline regarding preparation for these trainings.

Preparation Timeline

• About 1 year out – As a Training Seminar is wrapping up, the Chinese leadership (key local and provincial pastors) and China Partner staff enter into conversations evaluating how the training went and adjustments needed for the future
• About 8 months out – China Partner’s Director of Training asks Chinese leadership where and how they can best be served as the Church in China strives to fulfill the Great Commission.  Specifically with Training Seminars there are generally two types of responses:
  
  • an invitation to return to a city/training location to provide follow-up and build upon previous training there
  • a recommendation of a new city/training location, where those who have received training know others who would benefit from it
• About 8 months out – China Partner’s President and Director of Training, with input from Chinese Christian leadership, work together to gather pastors, professors, and the like to join them as part of an upcoming teaching team.  Brainstormed from personal relationships, China Partner church and organization partners, and recommendations 2-3 credentialed, flexible, humble, versatile, servant-minded learners are invited to travel to China to serve at these trainings.  Additionally, a potential future teaching team members are occasionally invited to join as observing members – providing them the chance to gain a better understanding of the Church in China before leading training.
• About 7 months out – Individuals who have been asked to be part of the teaching team accept (or decline) the opportunity.  Having done so, China Partner provides them information regarding what the Chinese Church has expressed as needs, culturally appropriate training materials, and encouragement to ‘make the training sessions their own.’
• About 5-6 months out – Airline flights are arranged and hotels and other logistics begin to be determined
• Over the remaining months prior to departure shifts are made as becomes necessary or as is requested by our Chinese partners