Article
Creative mission training is not as hard as you might think
David Bosworth
The days of standing in front of a group and lecturing on “Ten Principles of Culture Shock” are over. Today’s millennial generation and seasoned short term participants are requiring a more sophisticated and creative approach to training. How do you keep up with these expectations?
Try a simple 2 step process. Begin by identifying the competencies you want your participants to learn. Broad goals may lead to unfocussed creativity. For instance, instead of trying to help your participants navigate the stress of cultural entry, consider helping your participants to
1. anticipate the feeling of lost control when a foreign language is spoken to them
2. learn how to respond to inquiries they will experience from custom officials
3. identify their personal reactions and tendencies when responding to stress
After identifying specific goals, develop an experiential tool which teaches participants in accordance with your goals. Simulate the situation. Enable participants to observe themselves and others within the exercise. Take time to debrief afterwards in order to maximize the impact. Participants can identify their own and other’s responses within the simulation, followed by an opportunity to admit struggles and celebrate victories.
When they reach the field, participants are far more likely to recall and apply experiential learning. I’ve never pulled out the “Ten Principles of Culture Shock” page in my training manual when I’m in customs. I rely on past experience. Why would we expect the participants we train to function differently?
Even if you are convinced that experiential pre-field training is effective, the reality of being creative may seem daunting. Here are a few “plug-and-play” possibilities to get you started.
1. Wycliffe Bible Translators has a series of activities/bible studies themed around missions. The exercise and teaching component are ready-made for you, although you may need to gather a few basic supplies. I have found the Trading Places simulation (Teen Bright Ideas! #09) a highly effective tool for several years. Click here to download these exercises free of charge.
2. The Thiagi Group has developed a tool called BARNGA: A Simulation Game on Cultural Clashes. The rules of the game forbid verbal communication, requiring participants to use non-verbal techniques. Additionally, the rules are slightly different for various sub-groups, creating mayhem in rounds 2 and 3 as various players move to new groups. The game can be ordered for $35 from the publisher. All handouts needed to facilitate are included as well as extensive coaching on how to debrief the experience. Add a few decks of cards and you’re ready to create an unforgettable experience for your team(s). Click here for more information about the resource.
3. STM Toolbox has published a Cross-Cultural Training Retreat Guide for churches, school and mission organization to use. While putting together a retreat is more time-intensive than an organizing an exercise, these guidelines will give you a head start on your own creative process. Retreats provide your team with valuable shared experience by simulating the challenges of short term mission work.
With a little forethought and effort, you can turn your training sessions into an event people look forward to being at. You won’t have to arm-twist participants to attend, and they’ll be better trained for the experiences ahead.
Any recommendations for creative team training?
