Mentoring Program for Urban Missionary Apprentices of the International Mission Board Serving in Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A MENTORING PROGRAM FOR URBAN MISSIONARY

APPRENCIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL

MISSION BOARD SERVING IN BRAZIL

This dissertation examines the proposed development of an urban missions training program for International Mission Board missionaries serving in Brazil. Chapter 1 examines the definitions used in the dissertation with a focus on the importance of mentoring programs within present broader missiological trends concerning leadership development. Attention is given to the historical context of the dissertation and the methodology to be used.

Chapter 2 examines the biblical foundations for urban missions. This chapter places an urban missions training program within Scripture's broader teaching of God's purposes and plans for the city. Special attention is given to biblical terms used to describe the city, God's theological purpose for the city, common grace and the city, and God's eschatological purpose for the city.

Chapter 3 provides the results of an urban missions survey developed especially for urban missionaries serving in Brazil. This survey attempts to determine those factors that make for longevity in the Brazilian urban context and patterns of urban life that lead to high-levels of stress. The mentoring program is developed bearing these results in mind.

Chapter 4 provides a profile of an urban missionary. This profile is the ideal missionary which the training program hopes to produce.

Chapter 5 presents the actual training structure being proposed. Special focus is given to the program's mission, objectives, and goals. Together these factors make up the program's essence. Attention is also given to the program's length and place of implementation.

Chapter 6 describes the persons who serve as the primary implementers of the urban missions training program, the coaches. In addition, a section is devoted to the training of these coaches. Special focus is given to the roles and responsibilities of the mentor coaches.

Chapter 7 concludes describing the assessment tools by which a candidate can be given both annual assessments and an end of term assessment based upon objective criteria by which recommendation for career service can be made.