There are many good training organizations out there and future missionaries are justified in asking this question. In the end, we hope we are all working for one purpose: to see the advance of the Kingdom of God. However, to answer this often asked question specifically:

• One primary difference can be best explained by: Messenger > Message > Receiver (Messagee)
  
  Many training programs focus on either the Messenger or the Message...or both. CIT focuses on these as well, but we spend a good bit of time also focusing on the Receiver as well. Our philosophy is that you can culturally prepare the family and have a theologically sound message, but if you don't thoroughly understand your Receiver and have a strategic plan to successfully penetrate their culture with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you are only half prepared.
  
  To that end, part of our training focuses on:
  • Culture analysis
  • Exposure to your church of destination
  • Tools for strategic cultural entry and effective ministry
    
• Community Care building: this includes
  • Community living to reinforce team training
  • History giving and life mapping
  • Individualized personal mentoring & discipleship
    
• Family friendly
  CIT is a great place for families with a campus devoted to making the family's transition to cross-cultural ministry as smooth as possible.
  
• Finisher friendly
  Many of CIT's students are in early retirement and looking to spend their golden years serving the Lord in a cross-cultural context.
  
• Place of transition
  Countless students have told us that this campus and surrounding area has been a wonderful place that God has used to prepare them for the transition to overseas living.
  
• Less expensive
  "Ounce for ounce," CIT is usually less expensive.
• Remote, rural setting
  Which means fewer shopping choices, no television in the rooms, more time and more places to get alone with God, less noise and more quiet. All of this by the wisdom of training design. But—when you leave—you will be as ready for cross-cultural living as you can be!
• Bible courses
  CIT offers five Bible Intensives that satisfy many missions' entry requirements. Our Intensives are taught by some of the best instructors around today.

Have more questions? Give us a call at 800.887.1786 or email us and we will be happy to help however we can!