LAM Certificate Program
Certificate in Cross Cultural Christian Leadership
The LAM Certificate Program in Cross-Cultural Christian Leadership is offered in conjunction with the Spearhead YearOut Program, an experiential learning program. This program, based in Mexico City, Mexico is implemented over 12 – 15 months, with the 15 month program including an additional summer experience before the year program.
It consists of 8 key components:
Cross-Cultural Studies (4 Quarters)
Cross-Cultural Immersion (4 Quarters)
Intensive Spanish Language Training (1-2 Quarters)
Spanish Language Immersion (4 Quarters)
Spiritual Character Formation (4 Quarters)
Ministry Internship (3 -4 Quarters)
Cross-Cultural Leadership Studies (1 Quarter)
Leadership Practicum (1 Quarter)
Cross-Cultural Studies/Immersion (All Quarters)
Purpose: Learn Christian cross-cultural living by immersion and study.
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Cross-Cultural Living & Adaptation (Country Specific)
- History and Culture Readings and Lessons
- Reflections on Readings and Lessons
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Cross-Cultural Discipleship
- General and Contextual Discipleship Readings and Lessons
- Reflections on Readings and Lessons
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Cross-Cultural Spirituality and Mission
- General and Contextual Readings and Lessons
- Reflections on Readings and Lessons
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Practical (All Trimesters): Immersive Living
- 2-3 Reflections on cross-cultural living and local culture
Spanish Language Training (Fall Quarter) *
Purpose: To develop a basis for ministering in the language and culture of the people (level dependent upon individual).
- Enroll in Spanish language course or formal Spanish language tutoring (48 hours classroom study)
*Syllabi according to Spanish level are available upon request.
Spanish Language Immersion (All Quarters)
Purpose: To continue the study of the Spanish language and use it appropriately in ministry and social contexts.
- Evaluation is based on conversation as well as an assigned written piece or test
Spiritual Character Formation (All Quarters)
Purpose: To cultivate Spiritual Character Formation of each program participant, recognizing the importance of Spiritual direction and character in Christian leadership.
- Experiential learning gained through regular coaching/mentoring , participation in retreats and guided readings
Ministry Internship (3 Quarters)
Purpose: To intern in a local cross-cultural ministry setting under indigenous leadership.
- Quarter 1: 45+ hours in ministry
- Quarter 2: 90+ hours in ministry
- Quarter 3: 90+ hours in ministry
Monthly Report and Mentor Meeting
Cross-Cultural Leadership Studies (Spring Quarter)
Purpose: Develop ministry leadership skills for both domestic and cross-cultural populations
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General Leadership Studies
- Reflection on readings and one leadership case study
- Develop leadership area of improvement – accountability with mentor
- Contextual Leadership Studies
- Reflection on readings and one leadership case study
- Develop leadership area of improvement – accountability with mentor
Contextual Capstone Project (Spring Quarter)
Purpose: To reflect on learning experienced in previous quarters.
Choose one of the following:
- 5-10 page Case Study on contextual ministry project
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Artistic representation of ministry in context
- Includes a 1 page explanation paper
- Possible ideas can be but are not limited to: Photographic album, Poetry book, Art gallery, short-stories, Documentary, Play
- All projects must either highlight the experience of working Cross-Culturally or be a resource for the contextual church for teaching, such as: Evangelism, Discipleship, Youth Ministry, Bible Study, etc.
Leadership Practicum (Summer Quarter)
Purpose: Test leadership skills learned in Cross-Cultural Leadership Studies Course
- Facilitate Team of Spearhead summer students
- Work with national ministry placement leaders and families
- Develop a team service event
- Develop a team evangelism event
- Mentor students in cross-cultural discipleship and spirituality
Required Readings
- The Life You’ve Always Wanted by John Ortberg
- Selected readings from The Labyrinth of Solitude by Ocatavio Paz
- Cross-Cultural Connections by Duane Elmer
- Good Neighbors by John Condon
- Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero
- Follow Me to Freedom: Leading and Following as an Oridnary Radical by John M. Perkins & Shane Claibourne
- Book of choice on Evangelism
- Book of choice on Prayer
- Book of choice in Spanish
- Book of choice on Leadership
- Missionary Biography
The LAM Certificate Program in Cross-Cultural Christian Leadership is led by:
Director: Paul R. Johnson, B.A. Bethel University - St. Paul, MN; MDiv Trinity Evangelical Divinity School - Deerfield, IL
Assitant Director: Wendy Der, B.S. Northwestern University - Chicago, IL; MA. Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary – Boston, MA
Spanish Coordinator: Nydia De Alba-Johnson, B.A. Universidad Pedagogica Nacional - Mexico City, Mexico; M.A. University of Minnesota - Minneapolis, Minnesota
