Training To Serve
Long-term service
Individuals, couples and families interested in long term service are invited to take our learning needs competency assessment which will assist us in mutually identifying areas in which additional training, experience or reading may strengthen your preparation for service. Requests for this self-assessment tool should be sent to CVM’s Program Director, Dr. Brad Frye, bfrye@cvmusa.org.
All of the training courses listed are highly recommended for those considering cross-cultural service and ministry. The two-day long term missions track at our annual Kansas City Shortcourse training also offers the opportunity to explore various issues of service including training preparation and use of the learning needs competency assessment. View our recommended course listings.
Short-term mission volunteers
Whether serving in the US or overseas, short-term cross cultural ministry can be a challenging and life-changing experience. This experience can be greatly enhanced, both in your contribution to others and in your own growth by preparation beforehand. Probably the best of the options is to attend our two-day intensive short-term track during CVM Shortcourse in Kansas City each year. This course, and the others listed, will be of value to those going on missions with their church, with CVM or with others. Click here to learn how to join the CVM short term mission “pool” of volunteers with frequent email announcements of opportunities through CVM. View our recommended course listings.
Workplace Ministry
All of us are called to share the love of God through our work, our families and our involvement in the communities where we are. CVM aims to encourage and facilitate veterinarians as they seek to do this. Our workplace ministry track during CVM Shortcourse in Kansas City each year is a great place to share ideas with other practitioners and hear from inspirational speakers. Previous years’ topics have included Christian marriage and veterinary practice, conflict resolution and sharing Christ in your practice.
Our monthly Christian Veterinarian Journal and our monthly email devotional for practitioners, Outreach Herald, are other sources of encouragement with practical tips for practitioners. Each year CVM is represented at more than 17 veterinary meetings in the USA with seminars, speakers and a booth in the exhibit hall as well. Click here to see our schedule of upcoming professional meetings and come by to see us.
Cross Cultural Service at Home
Most towns and cities in the USA have immigrant or foreign student populations who need to hear the gospel. Hospitality ministries, Bible studies and teaching English are just a few of the ways that veterinarians and others are reaching out to these newly arrived guests in the USA. Learning to be effective in another culture is as important here as it is abroad. Our annual two day training event in Kansas can provide some ideas to help get you started.
The “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” course also has insights and suggestions for cross cultural ministries, whether here or abroad. Local churches, English as a second language courses, and universities are often your best link to such populations locally.
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