In-service training to develop your gifts

 

Evangelists' Training Programme
Make a difference!

The 2 Timothy 2:2 principle of 'pass on what you heard from me….to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others' (The Message) is at the heart of the N.able Evangelists' Training Programme. Along with the responsibility to evangelise, the evangelist is called to teach others to do the same.

This Programme is designed to equip for full time Christian service those who already have the gift of an evangelist, and wish to develop this gift for future service, most probably with COUNTIES.

The applicant may or may not have a specific geographical area in mind for future ministry. The main criterion is a call from God to evangelise. This may eventually be general evangelism in a specific area or concentration on a particular form of evangelism (e.g. Schools work, Ethnic Outreach etc.).

It is appreciated that those applying to join the N.able Evangelists' Training Programme may have a variety of evangelistic and local church experience and perhaps theological training. The Programme will, therefore, be flexible to cope with this diversity.

COUNTIES provides overall management and supervision of the Evangelists' Training Programme for N.able.

Stage 1. A year at college (optional)

For the first year a candidate without previous training may live and study full time at Tilsley College (GLO Centre in Motherwell). Taking a year out to go to Tilsley College does involve a significant commitment of time and finance. We believe that trainee evangelists will benefit from the experience because of a number of features of college life. A key advantage of doing the Tilsley course is that it will lay a valuable foundation in the following areas:

  • Knowledge of the Bible and its application to life and ministry.
  • Personal Spiritual Development & Individual Guidance.
  • Evangelism & church planting in 21st Century Europe.
  • Mission Awareness with some Cross-cultural Exposure.
  • Learning to live in Christian Community.
  • Gain basic skills in a wide variety of ministry situations.

Doing the first year at Tilsley College would be especially recommended for anyone who hasn't had the chance to do in-depth systematic Bible study before. Gaining a foundation in the Bible is vital for any ministry situation.

Stage 2. Evangelist training (for all trainee evangelists)

Under the N.able scheme, all trainees spend from one year to eighteen months on the COUNTIES Evangelists' Training Programme (ETP), where they receive training and experience in a wide range of evangelistic ministries. During this time, they may attend Tilsley College for single modules or residential weekends, or follow a course of supervised distance learning.

Training will be tailored in each case in discussion between the trainee and the Training Supervisor, advised by N.able as necessary. In addition, Tilsley College offers opportunities for short modules and specific focus units at the college in Motherwell, and a supervisor may well encourage appointees to take these up.

Following the training period, it may then be possible to join COUNTIES as a full-time Evangelist (although this is not guaranteed).

Evangelists Training Programme in action

  • The Programme will normally last for 18 months. For candidates with previous training or experience, it can start at any time, although if following on from Stage 1, it would normally start in September.
  • The participant will be known as a 'Trainee COUNTIES Evangelist' (TCE).
  • During the Programme, the TCE will be supervised by a named Training Supervisor. COUNTIES will also provide Pastoral Support.
  • During the Programme, there will be continual assessment of the TCE's progress. This will take the form of:-
    a) Keeping a monthly 'Self Assessment Sheet' by the TCE.
    b) Reports from COUNTIES' Evangelists with whom the TCE has been placed.
    c) Regular, (at least every three months) dialogue with the Training Supervisor.
  • At the end of 12 months, a joint decision will be taken by the TCE and COUNTIES as to whether or not the TCE is to progress to the role of a full COUNTIES' Evangelist. If accepted and with the continuing help of the Training Supervisor, the final six months of the programme will be devoted to the development of the longer-term ministry of the evangelist.
  • The Programme will be tailored to suit the TCE's age, experience and vision for future ministry. After discussion with the TCE, the first 12-month programme will be arranged by the Training Supervisor.
  • The Programme is primarily a practical/experiential course. The majority of the time will be given to working alongside COUNTIES' Evangelists gaining experience both in evangelism and the 'way of life' of a full time Christian worker.
  • There will be times during this period when the TCE is neither working alongside a COUNTIES Evangelist nor involved in a study programme. During these times the TCE will be expected to continue with the work of evangelism, perhaps working alongside the home church or initiating evangelistic opportunities elsewhere. Activities during these 'home based' times will be monitored by the Training Supervisor.

The Cost

COUNTIES looks to God to supply all its needs. Its workers do the same. The N.able Evangelists' Training Programme is a partnership of faith between the TCE, COUNTIES and God. Part of the Programme and an element in discerning God's will for the TCE's future is experiencing His provision. Therefore:
1) TCE's are self-employed.
2) No fees are required from the TCE for the COUNTIES aspects of the programme.
3) TCE's on Stage 2. A monthly gift will be provided and used by the TCE towards their living/travel expenses and the cost of any ongoing studies - college based or distance learning. During this period COUNTIES will be financially responsible for food and lodgings whilst on placement with COUNTIES personnel.

Next Steps


1. Seek God's will for your future.
2. Talk the matter over with those whose counsel you trust.
3. Share your plans with your church leaders whose support you will need.
4. Complete the preliminary application form.

An exploratory informal interview will be arranged by N.able.For further information on the programme contact:

The CEO, COUNTIES, 30 Haynes Road, WESTBURY, Wiltshire, BA13 4TD
Tel: 01373 823 013 Email: office@CountiesUK.org Website: www.CountiesUK.org