CEIM

By Wayne Haston

The Center for Excellence in International Ministries (CEIM) is ABWE’s training division. The CEIM has been commissioned with the noble task of equipping ABWE missionaries and staff members to serve Christ with a high distinction of excellence. Thus, the CEIM plays a vital role in the career-long development of all members of ABWE’s global team.

"If we value excellence, we must value training."

The ABWE training process begins during the pre-field stage of a missionary’s career, soon after the candidate’s approval by the ABWE Board, and continues throughout the missionary’s years of service, until retirement. There is a broad menu of training opportunities provided to all of ABWE’s missionary personnel.

Pre-Field Development Program

Based upon where a missionary will be serving and what he or she will be doing there, a customized Pre-Field Development program is designed to equip each missionary to minister effectively on the field. CEIM leaders and missionary administrators work together in designing this personalized developmental process.

Field Preparation Seminar

Shortly prior to departure to the field for a first term of service, pre-field missionaries attend one of ABWE’s two annual Field Preparation Seminars. These seminars extend over a ten-day period and provide training in such practical topics as language acquisition, cultural adaptation, departure readiness and overseas adjustment issues, security and health precautions, etc. PreAMP is a version of Field Prep Seminar that is specifically targeted to the needs of short-term (Assistant Missionary Program) missionaries.

Missionary Enrichment Training Institute

Each summer, ABWE’s CEIM offers a five-day Missionary Training Institute, in conjunction with the annual Missionary Enrichment Conference. A slate of approximately 15 practical elective training modules is offered, including topics such as English as a Second Language, Women’s Ministries, Curriculum Design for Theological Education, Discipleship Training, Building Family Strengths, Chronological Bible Teaching, and many others.

Edge Seminars

ABWE’s Edge Seminar Series attempts to keep veteran and pre-field missionaries on the cutting-edge of missionary preparedness. Some of the leading evangelical missiologists, theologians, apologists, and practical ministry trainers of our generation are invited to lead these seminars. Each year in May, a set of two Edge Seminars is offered. One of these is always intensely practical in nature, while the other one focuses on a theological, missiological, or philosophical topic.

In-Service Regional Training

CEIM assists ABWE’s regional missionary administrators in providing on-field, in-service training around the world. Some administrators hold regular conferences for field leaders. In some cases, in-service training is provided for all of the field missionaries. Group decision making, team building, and master planning are some of the more common in-service training seminars offered.

For more information on CEIM, visit the training section on the ABWE website.