AMU Overview

Purpose of AMU #1: Orientation and Training of Missionaries.

The goal is to orientate (familiarize) and train (instruct, prepare) workers for missions service with A.M. There are several points to consider.

  • For Missions Service with Alternative Missions - We are not trying to be a degree granting school with a specific curriculum that you work through and “graduate”. Each person identifies their goals and develops a curriculum based on their own goals. You never "graduate". You are an active participant in AMU as long as you are an intern or staff of A.M..
  • Orientate (familiarize) - Gain an understanding of the “culture” of A.M.. Each operating location can be quite different.
  • Train (instruct, prepare) – There are a few “required” reading books that are foundational to what you need to know to be a missionary with AM.. For the most part your individual plans and goals will determine your curriculum.

Purpose of AMU # 2: Encouraging Ongoing Personal Development of Staff.

  • It is important that we continue to grow spiritually, intellectually, in our skills and our character. Life does not come to a stop. We move from glory to glory growing in our responsibilities and ministries. God has a purpose for each of our lives and He will put a passion in our heart if we are open. We want to help you live out those passions and accomplish your goals. We want to see you be successful at the responsibilities you have now and ready for what God has for you next. No one "graduates" from AMU until you leave Alternative Missions or go to be with Jesus. That is graduation. Until then we press on towards the mark of the high calling we have in Christ Jesus developing our knowledge, character and skills. We want to encourage you to set goals and then pursue those goals to completion. There are many opportunities to continue to learn; online study leading to degrees, correspondence, books, podcasts, and websites to name a few. Take advantage of what you are doing now to develop new skills. It is important that each staff member go on to their next assignment ready for the task ahead. Prayerfully set goals, make a plan and work your plan. We can hold each other accountable as we encourage one another along the way.

Purpose of AMU #3: Facilitating a Caring Missions Community.

  • One of my desires is to facilitate a sense of community in our mission. ...To be a "part" of Alternative Missions means... That God has called you into a community of people who are committed to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to others in a way that blends personal callings into a team effort in order to accomplish specific goals. Our desire as an organization is to develop and coordinate people and projects in such a way that it recognizes individual callings while forming team partnerships.
  • The weekly staff posting is key to the development of our community. Make sure and post at least once a week, return to read others posts, and take time to pray for and encourage one another. Philippians 2:4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.


Goals and Curriculum

While there is no specific or systematic curriculum for students of AMU there are these guidelines that you should be considering. Your development and knowledge in these areas is under your control as far as what you pursue. Growth in knowledge, character and skills is important in each area.

  • Personal Spiritual Growth
  • Biblical Knowledge
  • Emotional Health
  • Church Relations
  • Interpersonal Relationships
  • Practical Abilities, Leadership
  • Evangelism
  • Discipleship
  • Theological Knowledge
  • Missiology
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Linguistic Orientation
  • Christian Ethics

Tips: For those who are finding it hard to find time to fill out the Shape Worksheet and the Personal Ministry Goals Worksheet I would encourage you to consider making it a part of your devotional time over a few days. Prayerfully work on them as you are asking God to help you. You will find that what is asked for can be great material for talking with God and getting inspired. .

AMU student requirements and Weekly Staff Blog Posts…

  • Fill out appropriate applications. Pay appropriate fees.
  • Take the Ministry Insights Report questionnaire.
  • Complete the SHAPE worksheet.
  • Complete the Ministry Plans and Goals worksheet.
  • Read the required books.
  • Post weekly on the staff blog.
  • Review and evaluate your personal curriculum regularly.
  • Pursue your curriculum related to your personal goals.

Weekly Staff Blog Posts...There are many good reasons to post weekly...

  • It is a record of your progress towards your goals and curriculum. It will help with accountability for you as you pursue Gods call and purposes.
  • It will give future staff a place to go to get to know you and to be able to determine whether working relationships might work out as they learn about you.
  • It is a great place for friends and coworkers to go to catch up on what is happening with you and to know how to pray for you.
  • It gives the A.M. leadership and board an idea of how you are developing as a missionary and as an individual.

Weekly Post hints...This is not a complete list but some of the things I use to help me do my activity logs.

  • Have a notepad with you during your devotional time. God is amazingly creative and willing to give you ideas, thoughts, insights, clear understanding of your life, purpose and other details. Use the notes as a guide to content for your weekly post.
  • Many staff have blogs or Facebook pages where they regularly add content. Copy and paste some of your update and put it in your staff post. That way you don't have to retype information.
  • After completing a job, task or assignment post your thoughts, insights, conclusions, observations, etc.