How does ITCM accomplish its mission?

1. ITCM teaches the Bible, theological reflection and the history of God's people. All classes in Bible and Theology are taught by active or retired professors with doctorate degrees from some of the most respected universities in the U.S. including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, etc. All either currently teach or are retired from teaching in universities or colleges associated with the churches of Christ in the U.S. Courses include Old and New Testament text, New Testament Greek, in-depth study of Biblical Theology, Church History, Exegesis, Biblical Ecclesiology, Apologetics and Systematic Theology. Special seminars on topics of interest such as Christian Marriage, Spiritual Disciplines, Christian Ethics, Conflict Resolution etc. are offered free of charge to the students and churches annually.
   
   
2. ITCM arranges for structured, internships in ministry. ITCM invites as ministry coordinators mainly Russian speaking brothers and sisters from the churches with reputations for fruitful ministry. Internships are conducted in St. Petersburg area churches and in churches across Russia and the FSU.
   
   Every Spring students are required to travel to an area of Russia to participate in evangelistic campaigns and conduct personal evangelistic Bible studies with seekers under the leadership of Russian evangelists.
   
   
   Every Fall a choice of ministry internships in various churches in Russia and the FSU are offered. Students choose one each year for a total of two. Internships are offered in pastoral counseling, preaching, women's miistry, youth ministry, deaf ministry and worship music.
   
   
   
   
   
3. ITCM provides practical secular job skills. ITCM is convinced that the effective model for ministry shown by Paul, Priscilla and Aquilla and others we find in the New Testament (Acts 18:2 ff.) is also needed in Russia today. Therefore after they complete the Bible and Ministry portion of their education, for a period of 3 months, students will be offered training in one of the following job skills as desired: accountant, computer programmer, commercial driver, pc user, web-designer, secretary, chef, hairdresser, etc. ITCM feels that not only is the method used by Paul, Priscilla and Aquila more effective, it is absolutely essential in Russia today. Fewer and fewer churches and ministers of the gospel are being supported by foreign churches and those that are see the amount of their support decrease yearly. Unless the churches in Russia become financially independent they may suffer and wither away. In order to ensure the best quality training available, we work with courses and programs in St. Petersburg which offer certificates of completion in a variety of job skills.