Track 1
Outcome Harvesting

Category: Scripture Engagement

Course Description: During these 4 days you will learn about the Outcome Harvesting method which helps us gain a broad understanding of what changes we are contributing to, and is especially valuable in evaluating change in complex contexts. You will collect and write up outcomes, and evaluate and reflect on the changes that your project has contributed to. By the end you will come away with the skills to implement the Outcome Harvesting method in your own project and better understand the progress your project is making.  
Training method: The course aims to be a hands-on workshop, teaching the process of outcome harvesting by coaching you through a mini-evaluation of your own project. We will cover some theoretical sessions on using the Outcome Harvesting method for complex contexts, use simple participatory methods to help surface changes you have contributed to (but may not have thought about), practice writing outcome statements, do some initial analysis and reflection of the outcomes you have found, and then develop a plan for further implementation of this method in your project.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who wants to learn how her/his project is doing in order to make more informed decisions going forward.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn why we need a method like Outcome Harvesting to evaluate change in complex contexts. You will learn to use Outcome Harvesting as a monitoring, evaluation and learning approach.
Special requirements: Active engagement and knowledge about a specific project and the people involved and influenced by this project, so participants can draw on their own observations and own experiences, and work with real data. We strongly recommend doing this with at least one other person from your project, to help bring different perspectives, and help you reflect together.
How to prepare and what to bring along:Bring with you your project documents (like funder reports, project proposal/brief, other monitoring and/or evaluation reports). 
A computer with access to google sheets.
Watch the three videos on youtube that give you a good introduction to the Outcome Harvesting method. (Benefits of OH – How is OH done? – How is an outcome statement formulated?)
Think about what issue is it that your project is trying to address, and who is involved in making the situation what it is today?

Maximum number of participants: 12 (a minimum of 2 people per project)
Contact the track leader: Klaas de Vries (klaas_devries@sil.org,)

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Track 2
Audio/Radio Training: Unlock your potential

Category: Production

Course Description: During the EMDC Audio/Radio training, you will have the opportunity to take your audio skills to the next level our start to learn the basics. Of course, during the training, we provide you with the basics of knowing what sound is, how to control it and how to fix it if needed. We let you discover what sound waves feel like, what to do when recording sounds bad and how to make a simple edit of your recordings. This course is excellent for participants who want to do more with radio and podcasts. Bible and music recordings, video sound and dubbing.  Developments do not stand still, so AI and what tools are available will also be covered. We will of course share with you all our tricks and tips to support you with media in your organization. In short, the versatility of our training ensures that you go home with a dose of knowledge to share and multiply.  The trainers, Nathanael and Joost both have decades of experience in the mission field to make the best and most beautiful recordings. We have been giving the audio training at the EMDC conference together for years.  We look forward to meeting you and if you have any questions about the content or if the training is right for you, please email us, we are happy to help.
Training method: Lecture, practical, hands on, participatory
Who will benefit from this training?: This track is for those who want a basic understanding of audio and how to produce good quality audio recordings. Whether you have been recording for many years and want a refresher or are just starting to get into this field; there is something for you in this training track. 
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn basic audio recording techniques as well as how to produce audio for scriptures, stories or music. 
Special requirements: There are no requirements for this track. Come with whatever experience that you may have. Let’s learn from each other. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: You will need to have your own computer and some kind of headphones. 

Maximum number of participants: No Limit
Contact the track leader: Joost Bastiaans (joostbastiaans@twr.nl,)

 

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Track 3
Making Meaningful Media: Anthropological Insights for Media Practitioners

(formerly known as Culturally Intelligent Media)

Category: Communication, Anthropology

Course Description: How do media work and how do they communicate meaningfully in different parts of the world? How do you gain insights about your audiences? Do you know which media products are likely to be the most effective? What do you need to know to make media as meaningful as possible? Join us and see how a little anthropology can go a long way to answer these questions! 
In this track, we look behind the scenes of media. We start with the premise that it’s essential to know our audiences and understand what media are for them. We mainly draw on current anthropology – which is the study of humans – as well as communication theory and media studies. We use examples from film, which is the richest form of media, to demonstrate how and why different audiences understand media differently. You will learn how important people’s backgrounds and life experiences are in shaping the meaning they gain from media. Similarly, media producers’ backgrounds and life experiences shape the media products they create. We also look at what audiences think about media technology, which can add a twist to the communication process.
Since audiences are so central to media practice, we learn more about how to study them. We also learn how to evaluate media products before using them. This is crucial for maximizing the meaningfulness and impact of our media products. You won’t make or produce anything in this track, but we have lots of interaction and discussions about films and video clips that we watch together.
Training method: Both theory and practical exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: Everybody who is interested in cross-cultural communication using media including users, producers, distributors, project managers, mission directors, decision makers, etc.
What will you learn from this course?: We will learn about and discuss the following:

• What is communication and how does it work in different parts of the world?
• What is anthropology and why is it important for media and communication?
• Which media characteristics are prone to be understood differently in different parts of the world?
• How do our experiences and backgrounds affect the way we understand and use media technology?
• What is the value of localizing media production?
• How can you do anthropology and learn more about your audiences?
• How can you test your media products for meaningful communication?
• How do you learn which media people use in specific locations?
• We practice our new skills by watching, analyzing and discussing two movies.

Special requirements: None
How to prepare and what to bring along: No preparation needed, just come and enjoy!

Maximum number of participants: 12
Contact the track leader: Johannes Merz (johannes_merz@sil.org)

 

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Track 4
Culture meets Scripture

Category: Communication, Anthropology, Scripture Engagement

Course Description: Significant events like a death, a birth, a wedding, a festival, a natural
disaster, etc. are marked by rituals. But those culturally required practices often contain beliefs
and values that typically involve “bowing to other gods.” The goal of this training is to equip
participants with a way to dig deeply into the motivating forces for their culture’s practices and
bring Scripture to bear on them so that they can make choices that honor God.
Training method: Mostly practical / exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: Absolutely everyone
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn to look deeply into the assumptions
foundational to important rituals from your place–the reasons for each part and the
consequences feared if something required is not done. Each reason, consequence and
assumption is brought to Scripture for God’s perspective on handling that issue. Participants will
also discuss ways to build the community of believers into a strong mutually supporting body.
Time permitting, they will delve into issues concerning the authority of Scripture, restoration of
believers and dealing with spiritual powers.
Special requirements: Come with a knowledge of your default culture(s).
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring your Bible.

Maximum number of participants: 50
Contact the track leader: Amy West (amy_west@sil.org)

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Track 5
Building Apps with Scripture App Builder

Category: Production

Course Description: How do I build contextually appropriate apps with Scripture App Builder? We will show you how to take Bible text and audio (in one or more languages) and turn them into a fully functional smartphone app. There will be time to work on a practical app project of your choice, and you will see examples of what others have done around the world.
This course is suitable for both beginners (who are building apps for the first time) and experienced users (who are wanting to learn about some of the latest features).
Topics covered will include:

• How to build an app with Scripture App Builder
• Designing your app to be appropriate to the intended audiences
• Synchronizing text and audio, so that phrases are highlighted as they are read
• Designing attractive app icons, splash screens and other app graphics
• Including multiple Bible translations and scripts within the same app
• Contents menus, Song books, Bible studies and picture story books 
• Glossary entries and cross references
• Verse of the Day, push notifications and In-App messaging
• Bible plans to encourage daily reading
• Adding Study Bible content 
• Using the AI Assistant to provide additional Bible engagement help
• Embedding video, such as YouTube videos or Jesus film clips
• Including Analytics within your app, and how to view the data on app usage
• Online and offline distribution methods, app store publishing and promotion on social media
• Understanding the difference between Android, iOS and web apps
• Checking that an app is ready to publish.

The training is led by the team responsible for the development and support of Scripture App Builder, so please come with your questions and ideas for future improvements.
Training method: Software demonstrations and hands-on practice.
Who will benefit from this training?: You might be new to building apps and want to learn to create your first app. Or you might be an existing user of Scripture App Builder and you want to get a better understanding of some of the more advanced and newer features in the software in order to improve your apps. You do not need to be a computer programmer – no coding is required.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn how to create a Bible app with Scripture App Builder, with appropriate features and content for your context.
Special requirements: You should come with translated Bible text (in Paratext format), Bible stories or Bible studies. If there is an audio recording of some of the text, that would be ideal. You do not have to have a whole Bible or New Testament; if you have just one book or a few chapters translated, you can still build an app. What is important, however, is that you have permission to distribute the content.
How to prepare and what to bring along:  Please bring with you:

• a computer (with several GB of free space on your hard disk);
• an Android smartphone (Note: if you have an iPhone and want to learn how to build iOS apps, we will cover this too, but you will need to have a Mac computer.);
• a USB cable to connect the smartphone to your computer;
• earphones/headphones to watch training videos and work on text-audio synchronization;
• any data that you want to use to build into an app (e.g. Scripture text, audio, Bible study questions, illustrations, videos, etc.)

Maximum number of participants: 40
Contact the track leader: Richard Margetts (mobileapps@emdcon.org)

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Track 6
Introduction to Scripture Engagement

Category: Scripture Engagement

Course Description: An introduction to Scripture Engagement (SE) for those who haven’t studied it before. It will be based on Wayne Dye’s ‘Eight Conditions’ paper, but organised by topics such as media, trauma healing, the arts, etc.
Training method: A typical session will contain some theoretical teaching, but with discussion, followed by group work.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who would like to see lives transformed as people engage with God through the Scriptures. Those who work with communities of unbelievers who need discipling to faith or believers who need discipling in the faith are particularly welcome!
What will you learn from this course?: By the end of the course you will have some idea of what kinds of SE topics you would like to take further. You will also have the basis of an idea of how to encourage SE within a given community.  
Special requirements: Please read Wayne Dye’s ‘Eight Conditions of Scripture Engagement‘ paper before coming. Also, begin to think about how this applies to your community or the community you work among.
How to prepare and what to bring along: You might need a laptop or tablet. Please bring a smartphone, pen and paper. You will also need a Bible (which can be accessed on your device).

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: David Gray (david_gray@sil.org)

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Track 7
Cross Cultural Mentoring

Category: Discipleship, Evangelism, Cross Cultural Communication

Course Description: In a mentoring relationship, similarity in relational expectations, communication styles, or shared experiences might lead to a more straightforward interpersonal relationship between a mentor and a protégé. But with more global partnerships and opportunities to learn from the expertise of those from different cultural backgrounds– the likelihood and benefits of cross-cultural mentoring relationships are increasing. The purpose of this workshop is to help participants understand key concepts in individualistic and collectivistic cultures, and learn how they can affect expectations, communication, and other factors in cross cultural mentoring relationships. Participants will also learn how to use the strengths from different cultures so that cross-cultural mentoring can be even more fruitful than mono-cultural mentoring. 
Training method: Principles and theories will be explained in a lecture form but the participant will have ample opportunities to explore the concepts through real life situations, role play and exercises to assure the principles and theories can be helpful in their own contexts.
Who will benefit from this training?:  Identify the type of student that would benefit from this course (eg. anyone who is interested in producing media for their ministries.)
Anyone who is a life-long learner, but especially those working in cross-cultural or intercultural relationships. Participants will learn about their own preferences for mentoring and how different cultures have other mindsets and practices in mentoring. Participants will learn how to adjust their mentoring practice to better serve people from different cultural backgrounds. Participants will learn how to mentor in a multicultural environment.
What will you learn from this course?: 

• Understanding cross-cultural mentoring 
• Mentoring issues in cross-cultural communication
• Mentoring cross over different worldviews: with special attention to understanding honor and shame cultures
• Understanding Cultural frame- applying Grid and Group, to help mentoring relationship
• Leadership and power in mentoring
• Cross-cultural conflict resolution in mentoring

Special requirements: Desire to learn, desire to understand your own culture and other cultures
How to prepare and what to bring along: (Not required to read before the workshop, but would be helpful to read:)

• book: Lingentelter & Mayers, Ministering Cross-culturally
• book: Jason Georges, The 3D gospel: ministry in guilt, shame, and fear cultures
• article: Sunny Hong. Cross-cultural mentoring: A brief comparison of individualistic and collective cultures. William Carey International Development Journal, Vol. 1. Issue 3: Summer 2012
• book: Duanne Elmer: Cross-cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry
• book: Erin Meyer, The Culture Map

Maximum number of participants:  30
Contact the track leader: Sunny Hong (sunny_hong@sil.org)

 

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Track 8
Digital Tools and Training for Disciple Making

Category: Digital Engagement, Social Media, Media to Movements, Evangelism, Discipleship, Strategy, Media, Digital
Security, Content Development

Course Description: Customize and implement the powerful resources (Prayer.Tools, Zume.Training, and Disciple.Tools) that countless ministries have leveraged and developed for 50+ languages that impact multitudes.
Training method: This interactive and practical training will include testimonies of God at work around the world, demonstrations, discussion groups, and step-by-step tutorials.
Who will benefit from this training?: This training will benefit leaders who love Jesus, want to be disciples and make disciples, and strive to steward the digital resources God has entrusted to our generation.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn the immense value of building ministry tools in an open source environment, a Biblical framework based on the Great Commission and Great Commandment that been of immense blessing to a number of overachieving teams, how to use Prayer.Tools to lead (even huge) prayer campaigns, how to facilitate Zume.Training groups, and how to leverage Disciple.Tools to faithfully serve those to whom you minister. 
Special requirements: Beyond an eagerness to learn together, there are no prerequisites for this training track, though prior exposure to Disciple.Tools, Zume.Training, and Prayer.Tools would be helpful. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring your digital device, ideally a laptop.

Maximum number of participants: No limit
Contact the track leader: JS (js@gospelambition.org)

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Track 9
Websites with Kalaam Media (User Group and New Websites)

Category: Production, Distribution

Course Description: Whether you already have a website with Kalaam Media and want to refresh it, or you want to build a new website for your ministry needs, this training track is for you!  Websites serve as a valuable tool to promote the language specific media/content for the people you serve.  Wildfire is the Content Management System (CMS) developed by Kalaam Media that helps users to create, manage, and modify content on a website without the technical knowledge of coding.  In this training track we will work together, teaching you Wildfire and its many features.  We will discuss basic website design principles including planning, design, and promotion. We will spend time working and giving advice to the design of your website.
Training method: Our instructors will present material on a variety of related topics and lead a time of discussion.  We will demonstrate how to use our software, then you will learn by practicing and doing it yourselves.  This is a hands-on course and you will be building a website as you learn.
Who will benefit from this training?: This training is for anyone who has media/content they want to publish on websites. If you have a Kalaam Media site that you built in the past, you will benefit by learning the new features of our software, and by using the focused time to work together.  Most of our participants are working in language communities who wish to build multilingual sites which promote Scripture in languages which do not already have an internet presence.  Other types of ministries that desire a website can benefit as well, such as Churches, Media to Movements, and others.  The software requires no programming or coding.
What will you learn from this course?: You will first learn how to plan your website for your target audience, then how to create your own website based on that plan.  You will learn new trends in website design, SEO, how to promote your site, and more.  You will learn many tips and tricks of working with Wildfire.  At the end of the time together, the goal is to launch your website so it can be accessed anywhere in the world.
Special requirements: This training track assumes the participants have a basic knowledge of computers, meaning familiarity with browsing the internet, saving files in folders on their device, typing, etc.  We do not charge any fees to build a website or to launch it with us, but we do want to ensure everyone is working with the goal of completing their website.
How to prepare and what to bring along: The main requirement is to bring lots of good media to put on your website.  Gather relevant pictures, audio, video, text, documents, and whatever it is you want to share with your audience. You must bring a laptop that you can use to build your website with.  Our CMS. Wildfire, is an online tool, so you will not need to install any special software.  An external mouse is highly recommended.

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: Dave Johnson (dave@kalaam.org)

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Track 10
Social Media & AI For Ministry: A Masterclass (With Certification)

Category: Social Media, Content Development, Media, Communications

Course Description: Social media is a part of everyday life for more than 4.8 billion people, making it one of the largest communities in the world. When you learn how to use this powerful tool, you can reach the previously thought unreachable in almost every tribe and nation. Taught by MII (Media Impact International) and Indigitous, this course is a masterclass (with certification from MII University) based on a curriculum that is designed to equip MII’s global ministry partners with the best practices and tools for spreading the Gospel digitally. You’ll also learn how to follow up with your responders and eventually encourage them toward the Christian Community.
Training method: The training includes both teaching and workshop sessions. The teaching sessions will cover strategy and tactics for Social Media & AI. AI strategies will be specific to social media usage – including tools & tactics. The workshop sessions will help you learn how to create campaigns, use tools, and deploy AI & advanced techniques hands-on, with real-life examples and Q&A.
Who will benefit from this training?: Social media facilitators, content creators, ministry leaders, follow-up teams, and evangelism/discipleship strategists.
What will you learn from this course?: In this course, you will learn:

• Best practices and tools of digital marketing used for proclaiming the Gospel
• How to use social media & AI for ministry, with real-life examples and case studies
• How top social media platforms work, with top strategies for each of them
• How to design a social media campaigns: persona, content, spiritual journeys
• How to run organic and paid social media campaigns
• How to design a follow-up process & engage with your audience
• How to use AI in social media
  How to measure and analyze your social media efforts… and more

Special requirements: No special requirements.  
How to prepare and what to bring along:

• List the social media platforms you use (or plan to use) for your ministry.
• List the top 3 challenges you currently face when using social media for ministry.
• List the top 3 new things you’d like to learn during the training.
• If you have a laptop or a tablet, please bring it to the training, as there will be plenty of practical assignments.

 Maximum number of participants: No limit.
Contact the track leader: Natchi Lazarus, MII International Marketing Strategist (natchi@mii.global)

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Track 11
Hands-on Orality Method: Simply The Story

Category: Orality, Scripture Engagement, Evangelism, Discipleship

Course Description: Learn Simply The Story, used in more than 135 countries for in-depth, oral based, Scripture engagement, church planting, evangelism and more. This course provides training to equip oral learners in the Bible and skills for reaching the lost. See families and whole villages change!
Training method: Theory and practical exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: Benefits anyone interested in orality, Scripture engagement, reaching the lost, and discipleship. Applicable methodology for adults and children.
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn skills for personal study, small group Scripture Engagement, and how to reach non believers using the STS orality method.
Special requirements: None. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring yourself. Gain an extra step (but not necessary) if you want to download the free STS handbook in advance. Handbook available at www.SimplyTheStory.org under the Resources tab and Gifts. Email us to learn which part to read first.

Maximum number of participants: 100+ (no limit)
Contact the track leader: Butch Vernon (vernon@simplythestory.org) Larry Dinkins (larrydinkins@gmail.com) , (andrea@storymail.net)

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Track 12
Eyes 4 Impact: Media assessment and planning for social change & sustainability

Category: Media, Scripture Engagement

Course Description: In this course you will get to know six key impact factors for effective media initiatives. You will then apply these principles to real life case studies using a participatory planning framework.
Training method: This workshop relies mostly on hands-on case studies and group discussions during which the facilitation of the framework will be practiced. In the introduction phase of the workshop, participants will learn about the principles of the method via interactive Powerpoint presentations and group discussions. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences to enrich the learning experience.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone making decisions in terms of media strategies, be it developing budgets, leading or implementing media initiatives. This workshop will also equip Media and SE practitioners who are interested in becoming more effective in their media approaches and make better choices considering the many options out there.
What will you learn from this course?: After this course, you will be able to apply key communication principles to your own media or SE ministry, helping you identify areas for improvement. In particular, you might develop new paradigms in terms of the impact of technology or product centric approaches versus the impact of socially and culturally embedded approaches.
Special requirements: There are no special requirements to take part in this course. You may want to consider taking this workshop with 1 or 2 other members of your team, although you can also apply what you have learned later to your team efforts.
How to prepare and what to bring along: All course materials will be shared during the sessions, including materials for further reflection and practice. 

Maximum number of participants: 12
Contact the track leader: Andreas Ernst (andreas_ernst@sil.org.)

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Track 13
Strengthening Christian Families Program

Category: Scripture Engagement

Course Description: Research shows that the strongest protective factor in a child’s life is the family, which includes a close relationship with a caring, responsive adult. Strengthening Communities and Families is an evidence and Scripture-based curriculum for the whole family designed to help strengthen family relationships and build resilience in children. The 18 lessons focus on improving family communication and developing positive social skills so that parents and children have closer family relationships. This also helps children stay free from addictions and other delinquent behavior which improves their quality of life and strengthens society. The separate lessons for parents, teens, and children cover many topics under the areas of bonding with your family (communication skills, expressing love), setting healthy boundaries (practical family management and positive parenting skills), and monitoring/self-regulation to help keep kids safe from alcohol and other drugs along with other areas like screen time use, friendships/bullying, and sexuality. There are also many more related topics such as: emotional well-being, problem-solving, anger and stress management, forgiveness, setting goals, purpose in life, and giving back to your community. Brain information is spread throughout the curriculum to teach how you can learn new healthy habits, and also to explain how our brains become addicted to things like video games, pornography, alcohol, and other drugs. You can see more information about the SCFP on the website: https://www.scfpinternational.org/. You can also request the free curriculum from the “contact” page on the website. Training Method: You will learn the curriculum by participating in exercises and activities to apply some of the concepts in your own life. There will also be an opportunity for practice teaching. 
Training method: The lessons in this training will be presented by a combination of lecture and participation through exercises, role-play, and small group discussion.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone interested in strengthening family relationships, learning positive parenting skills, and building resilience in children. The program has been used within the church in Sunday School, parent groups, youth groups, retreats, and kid’s clubs. It has also been taught as family curriculum in Bible schools, as ethics curriculum in community schools, with parents in drug rehabilitation, in ministry to street children, orphanages, children’s homes, IDP camps, and as an evangelism tool. Anyone involved in these types of ministries looking for family curriculum can benefit from this training. 
What will you learn from this course?: You will learn how to use the SCFP curriculum and ideas for implementation and contextualization for your cultural context.
Special requirements: Able to communicate in English. Willingness to use the concepts within your own life and family and be open to sharing the program with others
How to prepare and what to bring along: You will need to download the full curriculum to use from your computer throughout the workshop.

Maximum number of participants: 20 participants 
Contact the track leader: Leslie Wannemacher (leslie_wannemacher@sil.org)

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Track 14
KeyMan

( Description Coming Soon )

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Track 15
Foundations for Refugee Ministry

Category: Evangelism, Scripture Engagement, Discipleship, Refugee

Course Description:People who have fled their homes because of violence, hatred, and persecution are stuck for years or decades in a battle for survival while they look for a permanent place to call home. Those who walk this ‘refugee highway’ today face increasingly complex challenges, difficult decisions, and unique realities. 
The Church has so much to offer along the refugee highway, but extra care is required for this type of work. Ministry in a humanitarian context is complex, and understanding the global forces that shape this space can help inform our work locally. This track will focus on best practices for refugee ministry and how Christians can play a meaningful role in walking with displaced people on the long road of recovery.
Training method: This track will consist of theoretical and best practice components that will ultimately lead to focused practical exercises. The content is designed to be conversational and interactive.
Who will benefit from this training?: Any leader/worker who wishes to engage with refugees and other displaced people will benefit. In the past, we had participants focused on one local context as well as those who are thinking more broadly on behalf of a region or larger group. This course is suitable for people with little to no experience as well as those who have some experience but wish to focus or re-tool their approach.
What will you learn from this course?: This course will provide a foundation for understanding the complex realities faced by people who have been forced to flee their homes and walk the refugee highway. The course will also provide a well-researched, strategic framework for how Christians can make a meaningful difference in this area. You will learn about the principles of best practice for this type of ministry. You will learn how to work with major gatekeepers and stakeholders in the humanitarian world. You will have the opportunity to discuss the unique challenges in your context with others. Finally, you will leave with tools for evaluating and planning a ministry with displaced people.
Special requirements: None.
How to prepare and what to bring along: No special preparation or tools are needed for this track. It will however be helpful for participants to come with a way to take notes.

Maximum number of participants: No Limit
Contact the track leader: Jacob Tornga (jacob.tornga@iafr.org)

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Track 16
AI Tools in Kingdom Ministry

Category: Media, Scripture Engagement, Translation

Course Description:This course, organized by an AI team from SIL, is designed to delve into the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across various domains pertinent to ministry work, including media, Scripture engagement, and Bible translation. It offers a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, tailored for individuals who are keen to explore the application of AI to God’s Mission.
Training method: This workshop will feature a combination of presentations, group discussions, and exercises allowing you to get hands-on experience with AI tooling. This will not be a comprehensive “how to” training course, but will focus on giving you ideas, inspiration, and basic tools so that you can experiment and discover applications and strategies relevant to your specific ministry contexts.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone who wants to learn more about Artificial Intelligence and its possible applications in ministry work. It is aimed at participants who are comfortable with computers, but may not have any direct experience with programming or creating AI applications and are curious to know more.
What will you learn from this course?: An introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its various subdomains

• How Machine translation may be used to draft texts in 1,000 or more languages
• Checking Bible drafts with Augmented Quality Assessment (AQuA)
• Using Massively Multilingual (M2) chatbots – for evangelism and discipleship
• Retrieval Augment Generation (RAG) for chatbot interaction with documents
• Text to Speech (TTS) and Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) for minority languages
• Image and video augmentation and generation
• Discussions on best practices and ethics when interacting with AI technology and applying it to our areas of work

Special requirements: Being comfortable with computers, and a willingness to learn by writing and running simple code applications.
How to prepare and what to bring along: Bring a laptop. Prepare by experimenting with some of the popular AI applications – ChatGPT, DALL·E, etc.

Maximum number of participants: 40
Contact the track leader: Mark Woodward (mark_woodward@sil.org)

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Track 17
Contextualized Scriptwriting

Category: Production

Course Description: Scripts are the foundation of any good film. In this course you will learn the key terms and concepts, standard practices and helpful tips involved in the screenwriting process. This program is provided by a seasoned Create International screenwriter and filmmaker sharing insights on proven practices that will improve just about any script you are writing. Special attention will be paid to drafting effective cross-cultural evangelistic films. The practical outcome is a completed short film script.
Training method: Lecture, discussion, writing exercises and assignments.
Who will benefit from this training?: Anyone interested in improving their scriptwriting skills is invited; however, this presentation will be especially helpful to screenwriters, producers, and directors planning to create effective cross-cultural evangelistic films for unreached people groups.
What will you learn from this course?: Topics will include: scriptwriting terminology, script format, three-act structure, plots, themes and characters and helpful advice to guide your evangelistic scriptwriting ambitions. 
Special requirements: A laptop and script formatting software like Kit Scenarist or Celtx.  
How to prepare and what to bring along: Download Celtx or Kit Scenarist to your laptop and bring your imagination to class. We also recommend watching one or more of the following films in advance: 
The Distant Boat
The Incredibles 
The Iron Giant 
Three Idiots 
Taare Zameen Par (Like Stars on the Earth)

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: Steve Baldwin (steve@createmobile.org)

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Track 18
Mobile Production

Category: Production, Communication

Course Description:  The tremendous adoption of mobile devices as well as popular media sharing platforms like social media, provides incredible ministry opportunities using people’s second heart language – the language of media. This introductory level, hands-on workshop is phone based rather than using a computer, and will teach you how to shoot powerful still images and videos, then use these to create engaging visual media using only your smartphone. The emphasis will be on using available, accessible tools to tell powerful stories. No experience required, just a willingness to grow as a creator!
Training method: Mostly practical / exercises
Who will benefit from this training?: This for anyone interested in creating compelling visual content for ministry purposes using smartphones and other widely available and affordable tools.
What will you learn from this course?: How to create media content using just a mobile phone, freely available apps, and some inexpensive, basic equipment.
Special requirements: A smartphone, a desire to learn.
How to prepare and what to bring along: You must have your own mobile phone (smartphone, not feature phone) capable of taking video and still images. You will be requested to download and install specific apps to your phone prior to the course (details will be provided). You should also bring any other equipment you may already own (a microphone, tripod, etc.)..

Maximum number of participants: 15
Contact the track leader: Jeff Gregory (jeff.gregory@eu.agwm.org)

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Track 19
Trauma Healing Story Based – Initial

Category: Discipleship

Course Description: “Healing the Wounds of Trauma” is a proven program that applies Scripture and mental health principles to address spiritual and emotional wounds caused by trauma of war, violence, natural disasters, and abuse. Story-based Trauma Healing adapts “Healing the Wounds of Trauma” for people with low literacy and/or people who prefer learning and communicating orally.
Training method: We will employ the participatory learning model which means that learning will be experiential and hands-on.
Who will benefit from this training?: This material can be used by church leaders, laypeople, mental health professionals and anyone else who ministers to people who have experienced emotional trauma.
What will you learn from this course?: Participants will explore their own heart wounds while learning to care for others who need emotional and spiritual healing. We will discuss caring for those who are grieving, learning to trust God in adversity, bringing our pain to Jesus, and how and why to forgive others. This learning will take place through hearing oral stories and discussing questions, participating in various related activities, and learning and practicing group facilitation skills.
Special requirements / Necessary Qualifications: Participants must be present and actively involved in all sessions of the training process. They will receive digital materials in advance, with an assignment to begin learning the two stories they will be asked to tell as part of their practice facilitation.

How to prepare and what to bring along: Come ready to participate, share your experiences, and open your heart to God’s Word and the mental health material. Let people know that during the sessions your phone will be off, and that you can communicate only during breaks. Pray that God would prepare your heart for what He wants you to learn during this time.

Maximum number of participants: 24

NOTE: This is a 5-day class and will use the free day of 18 May as the extra day
Contact the track leader: Amy Fields (amy_fields@sil.org)

 

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Track 20
Oral Bible Translation Tools and Training

( Description Coming Soon )

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Track 21
Planning for Multilingual Scripture Engagement

Category: Scripture Engagement,

Course Description: Applying practical tools to plan for successful Scripture Engagement in settings using more than one language.
The goal of this training track is to introduce participants to two tools – the Multilingualism Assessment Tool, and the Scripture Engagement Guide, and then assist participants to use them to develop concrete plans for successful Scripture Engagement in the contexts where they work. 
Both tools are designed to be used with members of the communities themselves, for example church leaders. They are designed to encourage conversation about current use of Scripture, and to envision future ways forward, with regards to which languages and formats will be the most effective for different sections of the community. 
The track will have group class time to introduce the two tools, but also substantive time devoted to working on a plan for a particular context, through the two tools.
Training method: Hands on exploration and practice using the tools, with an opportunity to discuss with those developing them.
Who will benefit from this training?: This will benefit SE specialists and consultants, program planners, funders, and those on the ground in a current Bible translation or Scripture Engagement program. It will be particularly relevant for those who have already taken an introductory training course in Scripture Engagement, but this is not a prerequisite.
What will you learn from this course?: You will be introduced to content that will aid in key participatory decision making about translation and SE strategy. You will practice facilitating discussions, and work on a plan with support from the track leaders.
Special requirements: Participants will arrive with different levels of knowledge and experience. We will send out a short questionnaire ahead of time to better understand your needs. 
How to prepare and what to bring along: Viewing some of the material at https://emdc.guide and https://sites.google.com/sil.org/mat/home will help you decide if you wish to attend. It will help to arrive with a specific audience/community in mind and how they use their languages.

Maximum number of participants: 30
Contact the track leader: Maik Gibson (maik_gibson@sil.org) or Peter Brassington (peter_brassington@sil.org)

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Track 22
FLExTrans Machine Translation

Category: Translation

Course Description: FLExTrans  is a new rule-based machine translation system. It allows you to use linguistic rules to adapt one language into a related language. It uses Fieldworks Language Explorer (FLEx) as the database for source and target language dictionaries and grammar settings. Note: this is not an AI/machine learning system. This course is divided into two parts, with the option to take either the first two days only, or all four days. The first two days will be spent learning about FLExTrans and getting hands-on experience using it to translate from one related language to another. Through several sample language pairs, you will experience many of the different capabilities of the software. On the last two days, if you choose to continue, we will get into the details of writing transfer rules that give the ability to turn one language into another. This work gets more technical, requiring linguistic skills and knowledge of FLEx.
Training method: Both theoretical and practical training.
Who will benefit from this training?: This workshop will be great fun for people who love working with languages and want to see the power of linguistically-based machine translation. The first two days are good for: anyone who is curious about FLExTrans, project administrators considering FLExTrans for their project, project members who would be the ones applying FLExTrans in a project. The combination of all four days is targeted at the linguistic specialist on a project who would either be developing the rules themselves, or collaborating with a rule-writing specialist to provide the linguistic expertise needed to develop the rules.
What will you learn from this course?: In this track you will have the opportunity to experiment with FLExTrans to see if it would be a good fit for your Bible translation or language development project. In the first two days you will get to experience running FLExTrans in various sample languages. In the final two days, you will practice the technical skills of writing transfer rules. Time-permitting, you can experiment with your own language pair.
Special requirements: For the first two days, no special requirements. For those who continue for the last two days, experience using the FLEx software, especially with interlinearizing texts, is required. You will get more out of the last two days if you have a good knowledge of linguistics, especially morphology. If you want to experiment with your languages, linguistic knowledge about them is required.
How to prepare and what to bring along: For the final two days, prepare two toy FLEx projects in each of the languages you want to experiment on (they must be related to each other), with a small amount of parallel data interlinearized in both. More details about how to do this will be provided. Contact the instructor if you have questions. 

Maximum number of participants: 20
Contact the track leader: leader: Beth Bryson (beth_bryson@sil.org) or Ron Lockwood (ron_lockwood@sil.org)

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Track 23
Community Health Evangelism

( Information Coming Soon )

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You may only attend one Track in Pre-EMDC Training Session.