Mission Statement
The Missionary Training Institute exists for one purpose: to train and equip committed Christians to be career missionaries who faithfully proclaim the Gospel to the nations—prepared to endure even unto death.
Core Distinctives
- Languages First: Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, and Aramaic mastery required before admission
- Context Always: Ancient Near East, Second Temple Judaism, Greco-Roman world immersion
- Restoration Theology: God's plan is restoration of creation—Millennium, New Jerusalem, eternity on renewed Earth
- Missionary Focus: We train missionaries, not pastors. Field deployment is the goal.
- Veterans Pipeline: Military → MTI → Missions. GI Bill approved. Modified prerequisites recognizing deployment experience.
- Excellence for God's Glory: Rigorous standards, intensive training, highest academic quality
Three Pillars of MTI Training
Academic Excellence
Languages First. Master Biblical Hebrew, Koine Greek, Aramaic. Study Scripture in original languages and ancient contexts. Build theology on primary sources, not translations.
No commentaries—only the Holy Spirit and the text.
Missiology
Field-Ready Training. Cross-cultural communication, world religions, church planting, security in hostile environments, persecution preparation.
Prerequisite field experience ensures readiness.
Restoration Vision
Eden Theology. God's plan: Millennium → New Jerusalem → Eternal kingdom on renewed Earth. We're not escaping—we're preparing to reign.
Why Restoration Theology Matters
The Problem in Western Christianity: Most evangelical teaching focuses on fear, anxiety about tribulation, and escapist "rapture" theology. Believers wait to be whisked away from a doomed planet.
The Biblical Truth: Scripture teaches restoration, not evacuation. Christ returns to renew creation (Acts 3:21, Romans 8:19-22, Revelation 21:1-5). The New Jerusalem descends to Earth. We will reign with Christ here—first in the Millennium, then eternally on the renewed Earth.
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This isn't about money—it's about how we use God-given gifts to grow His kingdom. At the Bema Seat (Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10), we give an account. Faithful stewards receive eternal assignments in the restored creation.
MTI's Mission: Train missionaries who understand this biblical hope. We strengthen faith, teach true stewardship, and prepare believers for their eternal assignments in God's restored kingdom.
Admission Prerequisites
All applicants must have completed BEFORE applying:
- 1 year Biblical Hebrew or Greek (two semesters, B or better)
- 3-6 months missionary field experience under career missionary
- Great Commission Essay (1,500 words)
- Letters of recommendation from supervising missionary and pastor
Veterans: Modified prerequisites recognize deployment experience as partial credit for cross-cultural requirement.
Launch Timeline
Current Status (2025): Legal entity established (existing 501(c)(3), 25+ years operational), Board of Trustees forming, curriculum complete, faculty recruitment underway.
12-Month Plan:
- Months 1-3: Board formation, website launch, recruitment begins
- Months 4-6: Camp Pendleton outreach, veteran recruitment, civilian candidates
- Months 7-9: Faculty hiring, facility secured, VA approval submitted
- Months 10-12: First cohort enrolled (10-15 students), classes begin Fall 2026
From the Battlefield to the Mission Field
Why Veterans Make Ideal Missionaries: Cross-cultural deployment experience, security training, hardship endurance, discipline, team dynamics, sacrifice mindset.
GI Bill Benefits: Veterans use Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover full tuition ($27K/year), monthly housing allowance ($1,500-$2,500/month), and books ($1,000/year). Graduate completely debt-free.
Location: Minutes from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (36,000+ Marines). Direct access to transitioning service members through base chaplains and military ministries.
Why This Will Work: Proven Track Record
Dr. Tim James has operated international educational nonprofits for 25+ years. His first student, Meshack Simati, came from rural Kenya with nothing. Dr. James helped him earn degrees at Daystar University (Nairobi), Bowling Green State University (M.A.), and eventually a Ph.D.
Today, Meshack is a professor at California State University, San Marcos, and serves on MTI's Board of Trustees.
That's proof this works. We've successfully trained international Christian leaders. MTI brings that same excellence to missionary training.
Ready to Be Trained?
"Now the Bereans were of more noble character... for they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)
If you meet the prerequisites and sense God's calling to missionary service, we want to hear from you.
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