There are many organisations of similar focus to PTI working in developing countries, but they are mainly serving a group of people that are different from the target group for PTI.

PTI is not aiming to address the needs of those at Theological College or University level, but is specifically aiming to serve and support people who have had, and can expect to have, little or no training at all – at any level.

The training and support that is provided falls into three distinct, but interrelated categories:

1. In-country training
Face to face training by expatriate trainers who visit locations close to the homes of the pastors in question, and deliver bible based seminars to large groups. These seminars are specifically aimed at developing the capability of the participants to handle and preach from the Word of God, and to pastor those who form the local churches.

2. Literature
The provision of books to supplement and support the teaching received.

3. Distance mentoring
The facility for those who have been trained, to continue their learning by correspondence with a mentor who answers the questions they have, and guides them through the books they have received. This mentor also supplies them with additional books, as their needs and capabilities develop.

Although the sequence of teaching will often be as shown above, sometimes the mentoring process, and the supply of a selection of books will precede the provision of the in-country training.

In due course, PTI will also seek to train pastors selected from those who attend the seminars, so that they in turn can teach others from amongst their peer group. These trainers will receive additional support in this activity that is aimed at multiplying the effectiveness of the process, and establishing an indigenous operation.

Although there are some agencies seeking to reach groups similar to the ones targeted by PTI, during our research those that already work in developing countries repeatedly emphasised that the need greatly outstrips the resources currently being directed towards it. In particular, the advice was that there should be no fear that duplication would occur. There will be many, many locations where there is currently no training ministry occurring even though there might be other training operations in the country or even in the same region.

Click here to watch a short video introducing PTI's work
(04m 19s, 4.8Mb, Windows Media Video)