Training

Thank you for your interest in Abiding Life Ministries International training. There are several options available.

For phase one, general training, we recommend that you first obtain the basic seminar DVD to insure that you are familiar with the foundational truths; the next step would be to purchase the DVD specifically for training in the resources section of the website. While several elements intrinsic in live training are missing in a DVD presentation, the believer would nevertheless receive a wide-ranging overview of the concepts, diagrams, and principles. All diagrams are also available through the ALMI online bookstore.

Phase two: If you would like to expand your understanding of the materials, live training in small groups is available by scheduling Tim Lester to come to an area or by attending training with Geoff Hopson and Michael Wells in Australia.

The following is a complete overview of the two training options given by Tim Lester.

Personalizing Seminar: This seminar is often presented in a three-night format. As an example, one church offered an introduction on Sunday morning, and then the seminar was held on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings. It is not important which days and times this seminar is offered, but making available the six to nine hours necessary to cover the material is crucial. The “personalizing” aspect of the seminar becomes apparent when each attendee is encouraged to enter his own life experiences into the material presented, making it individualized for him. A brochure of diagrams used is made available, and notes can be made right on it. This seminar answers three questions with a specific goal in mind:

Why do I do what I do?

How can I stop without effort?

How can I stay stopped?

Intensive Advanced Training: Currently this training is offered in a two-day format (Friday and Saturday only) once a month for three consecutive months, although on occasion we offer it fully at one time. This training is specifically for those who have already personalized the ALMI material as described above and have a strong desire to help other believers grow in their walk with Christ. Our goal is for each participant to leave the training with the ability to present the material to others who are seeking help. Clearly, it is Christ who prepares people to disciple others. We see our ministry as simply a tool, or another thread on a screw, that Christ will use in believers’ lives to help them point others toward going deeper in Christ.

All participants must have been through a basic conference (live or on CD) and have read Sidetracked in the Wilderness and Problems, God’s Presence and Prayer. This intense training is not for those who are not familiar with the material. Again, the training is offered in three segments, one month apart from each other. These segments are a lot of work and include two full days of training. In addition to the training days, there will be required reading, personal application of the material, and hours of practice with a chosen person (counselee) before training begins. The chosen practice counselee must be willing both to share his personal story with the trainee and to listen while the trainee presents the whole body of material to him over the months of training. 

The training will include the following:

First, a detailed overview of most of our diagrams will be presented in forty-minute lectures in a systematic way, both to help with memory and to make it possible to smoothly transition through the material. Each diagram will be explained, weaving together the main points and ending with a transitional statement for the next diagram. We will follow a very strict outline and format, because while we do not care if it is changed once it is learned, for the purpose of clarity and retention we will stay right on track with the originally intended flow of the material. As mentioned, one set of diagrams will be provided for note taking. 

Second, participants will each be assigned a partner of the same sex for the purpose of immediately presenting the material to one another. Typically at this stage the trainee will feel like he is making many mistakes in presentation. The strength of this practice time is that it builds a relationship with the other student, breaks down the nervous feelings of presenting to others, and helps him see what he missed from the lectures. The instructor will move around between the duos to answer individual questions, and the whole group will reconvene afterward for questions, if necessary.

Third, each participant is responsible for covering the material learned in each session with his chosen counselee, using the counselee’s own personal life experiences. Only the material covered for that session is to be conveyed to the counselee. This will reinforce the material, show the student what he still needs to learn, and give him the opportunity to ask follow-up questions pertinent to his situation during training.

Fourth, during each month the new material presented is to be reviewed, relevant Scriptures are to be studied, and the material should be practiced so its flow begins to come together for the trainee. The next month the process will be repeated with a whole new set of materials. 

Fifth, each participant is expected to take notes of his own as a very important tool for the learning process. At the end of the training a set of the instructor’s notes as well as fresh diagrams in paper form will be given to each student. Those who want to purchase a CD copy of the diagrams will find those available at our online resources section, www.abidinglife.com.

Final Note: Our goal with this intensive training is to equip believers to help others with their growth in Christ. All believers struggle. Our emphasis is that there is nothing the nearness of Christ will not heal. We believe that Christ will use the training to help the local body by preparing people to work with others who struggle, those who have questions about how to experience the abundant life Christ offered, and even seeking unbelievers who have been led by Christ to the point of questioning. It would be our sincere hope that the trained students would be of great benefit to their local church and community by spending precious time with the many who come for help.

 Cost: 

Personalizing Seminar: Airfare, meals, and lodging for Tim Lester. ALMI is paying Tim to conduct the training, and therefore, a love offering should be taken for ALMI.

Intensive Advanced Training: Airfare, meals, and lodging for Tim Lester. When the hosting area’s budget allows, Karen Lester will be available to come to help in the training. This option provides more on-site help to answer questions about the material being taught during practice sessions. ALMI is paying Tim to conduct the training, and therefore, a love offering should be taken for ALMI.

A fee could be charged to each person to cover the cost of Tim’s airfare, meals, and lodging. There are some ways to reduce those costs. For example, individuals may use their air miles to purchase the plane tickets, and Tim is not opposed to staying with a family (instead of at a hotel), as long as he has a quiet place to which he can retreat for some privacy to prepare, study, and pray. Therefore, the exact cost of the seminar is something that will need to be worked out. 

There will also be the expense of printing the diagrams and notes for each person attending, approximately 400 pages per person. Tim will send ahead a CD containing the diagrams and notes so that they can easily be printed.

Our goal is for the training to remain affordable as it equips those who are interested in discipling others.

Phase two of the training could also be completed at the Mount Alford Lodge Christian Conference Centre in Boonah, Queensland, Australia. A training opportunity arises every other year as Geoff Hopson covers the diagrams and other materials the first week and Michael Wells presents the information the second week. The date for the next such training can be obtained from Kay at the office, abidinglife@aol.com. The cost of the training and the opportunity to find out about the possibility of registering are available from Wendy Bell, info@mountalfordlodge.com.au  Mount Alford is a beautiful, peaceful facility in a rural setting that lends itself to a wonderful time of “getting away” for a concentrated time of study, fellowship, and weekly outings.

You can find materials for all of our seminars (Basic, Personalizing and Advanced) in our resources section. Please check the descriptions for the appropriate files.