The Commitment
The First Group of Participants would be Senior/Lead/Teaching Pastors.
Pastors are the key to the churches. They are the God-given and recognized Bible teachers of the churches. Any movement that succeeds in getting people in American churches back to contextual Bible study must begin with the pastors. Most evangelical pastors have not been to Israel.
Most educated estimates from seminary and denominational leadership state that approximately 90-95% of all pastors have never been to Israel. Most pastors want to go to Israel, but do not go primarily for three reasons:
1. Pastors simply cannot afford to go and will never be able to go unless someone aids them financially.
2. Pastors do not know how to facilitate such a trip, i.e. the “how to” of the trip.
3. Pastors desire to go with someone who understands what needs to be taught and who can teach them the great truths of the Bible in the context of the land, people and culture.
Each pastor is required to make a good faith commitment to take pastor's preparation training prior to the trip. The training will be available online or in module format. The materials are designed to maximize the pastor's experience while on-site in Israel. The pastor completes the training while on the trip and receives a “Holy Land Bible Study" certificate or “Certified Teacher’s Diploma” while in Jerusalem. This is awarded at a ceremony at the close of the trip. This training is not academic in nature but rather for knowledge, inspiration and aid the pastor in experiencing God while in Israel.
The pastor, upon returning to his church in America, is committed to lead his congregation to discover the Bible as he experienced it in Israel. This commitment should be fulfilled within six months of his return. You may choose from a variety of formats of study. This will accomplish at least two primary goals:
1. By teaching the material in his church, he solidifies the material in his own heart.
2. By teaching the material in his church, he teaches his people the great truths of the Bible in their Hebraic/Judaic context.
A student’s guide or workbook will be published, along with the primary materials of the pastor’s training, by The Olive Tree Foundation USA.
The Second Group of Participants would be Bible Students in College/University or Seminary.
Bible students (ages 18-26) are the key to the future. While pastors are the key to the American churches of today, the Bible student is the key to the future and coming generation.
The second group of participants is Bible students (ages 18-26) who are presently enrolled in a college, university or seminary as a student of Biblical studies or related areas. Students will receive the same preparation training as the pastors and will be awarded a certificate at a ceremony at the close of the trip. Students can choose to receive college/seminary credit for their participation in the trip by completing additional assignments. Bible students may also be qualified for a full semester of study abroad in Israel with an accredited university.ix
