Mission Training International President Oppty Profile

OPPORTUNITY PROFILE 

PRESIDENT 

PALMER LAKE, COLORADO 

Equipping & Developing Cross-Cultural Messengers of the Gospel 

www.jobfitmatters.com

GREETINGS 

Letter to Candidate, 

Thank you for your interest in the position of President and CEO of Mission Training International (MTI). We join you in prayer and trust in God’s direction 

for your future and for the future of our highly impactful ministry of holistic preparation for cross-cultural workers around the globe. 

Incorporated as Missionary Internship in Michigan in 1954, MTI has been a pillar in the field of missionary training. We relocated to Colorado in 1991, 

establishing a permanent training center in Palmer Lake, near Colorado Springs. Our mission is to serve mission boards, churches, and other sending 

agencies by developing and equipping their long-term, cross-cultural messengers of the gospel. Our vision is to see these cross-cultural workers experience 

effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality. 

Today, MTI partners with more than one hundred agencies. Over the past 70 years, we have served over 50,000 cross-cultural workers. We continue to 

prepare and care for individuals, couples, and families for healthy cross-cultural service through Pre-Field Training (Compass), as well as provide Debriefing 

and Renewal (DAR) for those returning from overseas ministry. We pioneered the development of age-appropriate training for the whole family. We are 

thankful for our role in carrying the Gospel worldwide and are excited to serve those the Lord brings to us! 

At MTI, we have fostered a vibrant community deeply rooted in our core values: personal vitality in our relationship with God, loving, unified teams, integrity, 

and the pursuit of quality and excellence in our services. These values are not just words on paper, but the guiding principles that shape our culture and 

operations. We desire the next president of MTI to live out these values and vision. 

The enclosed materials help you understand MTI’s role in missionaries’ preparation and holistic care. They also include the essential qualities we believe 

God is directing us toward in selecting our next leader. In addition to this profile, please visit our website and read the recent blog posts to gain more insight 

into our ministry. 

If you sense God leading you to consider this position, please review the Process of Candidacy section and follow the instructions. Your questions can be 

directed to Laura Coverstone or Ed Poff at JobfitMatters. Thank you for considering Mission Training International and the role of President and CEO. 

Sincerely, 

Faith De La Cour, Chair, Presidential Search Committee for MTI 

Terri Watson, Chair, MTI Board of Trustees

OVERVIEW 

Mission Training International (MTI) was founded in 1954 with a mission to equip cross-cultural workers for effective, enduring service in new cultural 

contexts. Over the decades, MTI has refined its offerings into two core programs: Pre-Field Training (Compass) for those preparing to serve crossculturally, 

and Debriefing and Renewal (DAR), which supports workers on home assignment furlough, and those who are transitioning back to their 

passport culture. At the heart of MTI’s philosophy is the belief in equipping the whole family. The MTI team understand the success and well-being of a 

missionary depends on the preparedness and resilience of the family. Therefore, the programs are designed to include the whole family unit, including ageappropriate 

tracks for children, recognizing their particular needs in the mission journey. 

Today, MTI partners with over 150 agency partners and has trained more than 50,000 cross-cultural workers. The organization is recognized for its holistic 

approach to missionary care, focusing on effectiveness, endurance, and personal vitality of those who serve cross-culturally. 

MTI is seeking a President who embodies a deep, humble faith in Jesus Christ and who demonstrates spiritual maturity, emotional intelligence, and a 

collaborative spirit. The next president will be expected to guide MTI through a new season of strategic planning, build upon MTI’s solid foundation, and 

inspire a hopeful vision in an evolving missions’ landscape. This individual will oversee a talented leadership team, manage organizational resources, and 

maintain strong relationships with donors and partners. The ideal candidate will have firsthand experience with long-term international missions, a strong 

talent for leading other leaders, and expertise in fund development. 

This leadership opportunity is uniquely situated in Palmer Lake, Colorado, just outside the beautiful city of Colorado Springs. Known for its natural beauty, 

Colorado Springs is nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and boasts over 300 days of sunshine each year. The region offers an exceptional quality 

of life, with abundant outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and biking. The community is deeply rooted in faith, with numerous churches, parachurch 

organizations, and Christian nonprofits, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with other mission-minded leaders. Colorado 

Springs is also family-friendly, offering excellent schools, and a vibrant cultural scene. 

MTI’s next President will enjoy a lifestyle enriched by the stunning natural environment and the supportive, mission-oriented community of Colorado 

Springs. If you are ready to lead in such a dynamic and meaningful role, we invite you to explore this opportunity further with us.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES 

God is the initiator and owner of Mission Training International. We are His servants. God has called a group of His beloved children to a specific vision, 

mission, and set of core values that guide every aspect of our service. 

Vision: 

Mission: 

To see cross-cultural messengers of the gospel of 

Jesus Christ experience effectiveness, endurance, 

and personal vitality. 

To serve mission boards, churches, and other 

sending agencies by developing and equipping 

their long-term cross-cultural messengers of the 

gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Core Values: 

Relational Vitality with Jesus Team Integrity Quality & 

Excellence

STATEMENT OF FAITH 

• We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. 

• We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

• We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed 

blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. 

• We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful people, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. 

• We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. 

• We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection 

of damnation. 

• We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. 

• We believe that Christ commanded the church to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing and teaching those who 

believe.

HISTORY 

Mission Training International began in the hearts of Phil Armstrong, R.E. Thompson, and Clyde Taylor and was incorporated as Missionary Internship 

in Michigan in 1954. These leaders noticed a critical gap in missions. Many missionaries, though spiritually prepared and passionately committed, found 

themselves facing unforeseen challenges in new cultural contexts. This gap in preparation led to difficulties that, in many cases, could have been mitigated 

with proper training. It was out of this need that Missionary Internship was born, with a mission to equip these individuals not just with good intentions, but 

with practical skills and knowledge to navigate diverse cultures effectively. 

MTI’s initial steps were humble, starting with workshops and training sessions focused on cultural adaptation and community engagement. As the need 

for such training became more apparent, MTI expanded its reach and capabilities to include language acquisition, self & others awareness, and resilience, 

eventually establishing a permanent training center in Colorado, which allowed MTI to develop and offer more comprehensive programs to a growing 

community of global workers and their families. 

MTI’s journey from a small group of visionaries to a cornerstone in missionary preparation underscores the critical role of comprehensive training and 

support in the success of global missions. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the work of organizations like MTI is more crucial than ever. 

Through a commitment to the holistic well-being of missionaries and their families, MTI continues to pave the way for a future where cross-cultural workers 

are fully equipped to navigate the complexities of their calling with grace, effectiveness, and compassion. 

MTI has served over 50,000 

cross-cultural workers going to 

all corners of the globe.

INITIATIVES 

Pre-Field Training 

Our pre-field training program, Compass, offers a thorough and immersive 

experience aimed at preparing missionaries for impactful and sustainable 

long-term service across cultures. The training, led by field-experienced staff, 

focuses on equipping participants with essential skills and insights needed 

to navigate the intricacies of life and ministry in diverse cultural contexts, 

empowering them to thrive and create a meaningful impact in their crosscultural 

missionary endeavors. 

Key Training Components: 

1. Cultural Adaptation 

2. Spiritual and Emotional Resilience 

3. Language Acquisition 

4. Age–Appropriate Training for Children 

5. Marriage and Family Support 

Debriefing & Renewal (DAR) 

Debriefing and Renewal (DAR) offers singles, couples, and families a chance 

to discuss their experiences, whether they’ve been in service for two years 

or forty. Experienced debriefers lead participants through daily discussions, 

creating a safe environment to share their stories. DAR is tailored for those 

on furlough or transitioning back home. MTI debriefers are not affiliated with 

the organizations that refer their cross-cultural workers to us for debriefing 

sessions. DAR stands out as an exceptional debriefing program with three 

decades of expertise. Trusted by over 120 mission agencies and churches, 

DAR comes highly recommended.

INITIATIVES 

Catalytic Gatherings (Events) 

MTI also offers additional development opportunities called “Catalytic 

Gatherings” such as the Mental Health and Missions Conference (MHM), 

the International Congress on Language Learning (ICLL), Foundations in 

Debriefing, and more. 

John Powell Institute 

John Powell Institute (JPI) is a learning community highly focused on supporting 

the resilience and retention of cross-cultural workers. These workers need 

holistic care across the life arc of their service. Though this statement may 

seem obvious, current attrition numbers across Western sending agencies 

reflect a reality that there is still work to be done in identifying and improving 

the care of these workers. MTI has recently initiated this collaborative effort to 

research and address the development of policy and practice for the care of 

cross-cultural workers. 

READ OUR BLOG!

PARTNERS SERVED 

Africa Inland Mission 

Amazima 

Biblical Ministries Worldwide 

Center for Mission Mobilization 

Cru 

Encompass World Partners 

Fellowship of Christian Athletes 

Global Outreach International 

Greater Europe Mission 

Missions of Hope International 

International Justice Mission 

Kid’s Alive International 

Mission to the World 

Mustard Seed Network 

North American Baptist Conference 

Pioneers 

Reformed Church in America 

Samaritan’s Purse International 

SEND International 

SERGE 

SIM 

Navigators 

The Salvation Army 

World Venture 

Young Life 

For a more complete list, see www.mti.org

AT-A-GLANCE 

$1,780,000 

Annual Budget 

$4,600,000 

Assets 

$0 

Debt 

$24,000 

Giving 

$ 

47 Employees 

10 Full-Time 6 

Part-Time 

31 

Adjunct 

$1,800,000 

Total Revenue 

$1,600,000 

Program Revenue 

$140,000 

Event Revenue 

$70,000 

Other Income 

70 Years of ministry 

Served more than 50,000 

cross-cultural workers 

! ? 

Facilitates an industry-leading 

debriefing program (DAR) 

Partners with over 150 

agencies and churches 

Plans and executes 

a variety of catalytic 

gatherings including 

Mental Health & 

Missions and 

International Congress 

on Language Learning 

Assists its partners by 

implementing program 

content sharing

THE POSITION 

The President is tasked with administering the affairs of the corporation in harmony with the decisions of the Board of Trustees, as well as articulating the 

values and vision of MTI internally and externally. The President has other powers and duties as the Board or By-Laws may prescribe. The President leads 

an experienced and capable team of direct reports, currently consisting of the Compass Director, Director of DAR, Director of Care and Projects, and the 

Vice President of Operations and Human Resources. 

Current MTI Organizational Chart: 

COMPASS is the pre-field training program 

DAR is the debrief and renewal program for returning missionaries 

CHIPs is the Children's program (age appropriate training/debriefing) 

CATALYTIC GATHERINGS are conferences hosted at or hosted by MTI 

GLOBAL COLLABORATIONS is a program that is being evaluated 

MTI BOARD 

EXECUTIVE TEAM 

COMPASS DIRECTOR 

DIRECTOR OF DAR 

DIRECTOR OF CARE & PROJECTS 

VP OF OPERATIONS & HUMAN RESOURCES 

PRESIDENT/CEO 

EXECUTIVE 

ASSISTANT 

DIRECTOR 

OF CARE & 

PROJECTS 

VP OF 

PROGRAMS 

VP OF 

OPERATIONS/HR 

COMPASS 

DIRECTOR 

DEBRIEFING & 

RENEWAL (DAR) 

DIRECTOR 

CATALYTIC 

GATHERINGS 

DIRECTOR 

MTI MOBILE 

DIRECTOR 

ADMIN & 

FINANCE 

HOSPITALITY 

SENIOR 

MANAGER 

GLOBAL COLLAB. 

DIRECTOR 

(To Be Evaluated) 

CHILDREN 

(CHIPs) 

ADULT 

CHILDREN 

(CHIPs) 

ADULT 

Major Strategy Role 

Support Role 

Executive Role 

Board 

FOOD 

SERVICE 

FACILITIES 

HOUSEKEEPING

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Acts as Chief Executive Officer of the corporation. Is a leader of leaders. 

• Oversees the MTI leadership team as they run programs, operations and finances. This includes hiring, supporting emotionally, encouraging spiritually, 

compensating fairly, and shaping the team as necessary to implement the mission of the organization and maximize flourishing. 

• Has fiduciary responsibility for all organizational resources and corporate assets. 

• Leads fundraising and rebuilds a development function that is effective at developing new resources for programs, staff compensation, and new 

initiatives. (Growing annual fundraising from under $200K to $1M within the first two years.) 

• Is a primary representative of MTI with domestic and global donors and partners, communicating the DNA of MTI and developing resources. 

• Communicates and inspires a hopeful, growth-oriented vision for MTI as the international missions’ landscape evolves. 

• Creates stability through consistent and predictable leadership (longevity, ideally at least 10 years) and retention of staff. 

“It has been a safe, comfortable, healing place to process my story. I 

enjoyed the group and individual debriefing sessions. I have felt seen and 

heard and loved. The food and facility have played a part in my unplugging 

and being able to be present and engaged throughout this time.” 

— Debriefing & Renewal (DAR) Alumnus

QUALIFICATIONS 

PERSONAL 

• A humble follower of Jesus Christ. Demonstrates a sincere, vibrant spiritual maturity, reliance on scripture and security in their identity in Christ. 

• Is passionate about international missions and missionaries and their families. 

• Is relational. Knows and is known by all staff. 

• Ability to listen/communicate internally up and down the organization with board, leaders and staff in addition to all external constituents. 

• Emotional intelligence, healthy conflict management and collaboration skills. Values giving and receiving honest and accurate feedback. 

• Demonstrates understanding and passion for the mission and vision of MTI and to articulate it clearly both internally and externally. 

• Evidences the ability to strategically lead and collaborate with a strong leadership team in the implementation of the vision, mission and values of MTI 

through its strategic initiatives. 

• Demonstrates the ability to effectively lead, manage, value, grow and support MTI’s resources of people, property, time, and money. 

• Practices wise discernment in making decisions. 

PROFESSIONAL 

• Minimum of a four-year degree. 

• Has personal experience in international missions, preferably long-term. 

• Has led leaders in high-scope, complex leadership roles. 

• Experienced and skilled in fund development.

EXPECTATIONS 

Successful leadership of MTI is judged by how well its leader aligns with and carries out the mission and vision, lives out the core values, meets the 

expectations of its governing body, leads and builds a capable executive team, meets the needs of its partner organizations, and responds to the input of 

various constituent groups. The next President of MTI will work with the board and the current leadership team to develop the next strategic plan. The new 

Strategic Plan will likely contain some of the following results/expectations/goals as shared by the board and leadership team: 

• MTI continues to be the “gold standard” in equipping cross-cultural workers; building on the reputation of 70 years of quality care. 

• MTI is future-focused, developing relevant initiatives to meet the needs of MTI mission partners at more points in the cross-cultural workers’ journey. 

• Nurtures and maximizes a healthy team and organizational culture. 

• Maximization of participants’ experience and facility capacity via full and impactful programs. 

• A well-compensated staff team who are growing, developing, and flourishing with strong retention. 

• Successful fundraising efforts supporting new initiatives and expanding current program staffing. Growth in annual fundraising from $170K to $1M 

within the first two years by building long-term relationships with partners. 

“I feel equipped to go to the field, but I think I was most impacted by the 

relationships here. You have helped me know who I am and how God has 

created me. I am leaving here with a new confidence.” 

— Pre-Field Training (Compass) Alumnus

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 

Mission Training International is located 23 miles northwest of Colorado Springs and 50 miles south of Denver in the picturesque town of Palmer Lake, a 

popular spot for those who enjoy fishing, hiking, skiing, biking and horseback riding. Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs offers 

a blend of natural beauty, a thriving community, and a strong foundation in faith and service, making it an ideal environment for someone stepping into a 

leadership role with MTI. 

Lifestyle and Environment: 

Colorado Springs offers an exceptional quality of life. With over 300 days of sunshine, residents enjoy year-round outdoor activities. The iconic Pikes Peak, 

one of the most famous summits in the United States, provides breathtaking views and a constant reminder of the natural beauty surrounding the city. 

Beyond the mountains, the city is rich with cultural experiences, family-friendly neighborhoods, and top-rated schools, making it an excellent place for 

families and individuals alike. 

Community and Networking: 

The city’s strong Christian community is reflected in its active churches, parachurch organizations, and nonprofit networks. As an executive at MTI, you’ll 

have opportunities to engage with a broad spectrum of leaders and influencers in ministry, both locally and globally. Colorado Springs is known for its 

collaborative culture, where organizations often work together to enhance their impact, and you’ll be part of this dynamic ecosystem. 

Amenities: 

The city’s amenities include excellent restaurants, arts, and entertainment, access to world-class healthcare facilities, while still maintaining a small-town 

feel. The sense of community, combined with the vast outdoor space, allows for a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. 

With a population that is both faith-driven and mission-oriented, Colorado Springs fosters collaboration and support among like-minded organizations, 

making it a hub for Christian leaders. If you are passionate about advancing God’s kingdom through missions and are looking for a place where your 

leadership can flourish, we encourage you to explore this opportunity with us.

PROCESS OF CANDIDACY 

If after reading this Opportunity Profile you sense that the gifts and experiences God has given you are a good match for the role of President at Mission 

Training International, we invite you to begin the inquiry process. All candidate information and conversations are treated confidentially. You may contact 

Laura Coverstone of JobfitMatters at any stage of the process to receive more information and ask questions. Her contact information is below. 

1. A current resumé 

2. Responses to the following essay prompts: 

• Describe your testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. How is God using you in your work, in your church, and in your community? 

• What is it about this position – specifically at Mission Training International – that attracts you? (Please include any previous knowledge of or 

interaction with MTI) 

• How has your previous experience prepared you to lead a high-capacity, multi-faceted organization that ministers to missionaries? 

3. Provide the name and contact information (phone number and email address) of four references who know you and your career well enough to comment 

on your suitability for this position. (References will only be contacted after we receive your permission to do so later in the candidacy process.) 

Note: Please do not be overly concerned with brevity in this package of materials. While we are not seeking large volumes of content, we request that you 

provide sufficient relevant information to reflect your fit for this role and the strengths you bring to your candidacy. 

Submit this information in one document or PDF to: 

LAURA COVERSTONE 

Managing Partner 

JobfitMatters Executive Search 

resumes@jobfitmatters.com 

Phone: 615.261.4623 

Please include “Mission Training International President” in the subject line of your email. 

SEARCH TIMELINE 

All candidate information will be reviewed upon arrival. The candidate review process will continue until the President has been selected.

Mission Training International President Oppty Profile

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