Training
Center for the Preparation of Missionaries
The Center for the Preparation of Missionaries (CPM) specialized programs help Christians with a passion to preach the gospel to neglected people, often in poor arid communities like the Sertão.
The CENTER for the PREPARATION of MISSIONARIES (CPM) has the main purpose of preparing dedicated individuals to work in mono- and cross-cultural mission fields. CPM also trains missionary mobilizers in local churches. Training seminarians, pastors, missionaries and mission teachers in general knowledge of the mission field is another priority.
Who Are We?
CPM seeks to develop a missionary interpretation of the entire Bible, integrating theology with missiology, academic research with ministerial practice and promoting a proper environment for integral growth. We aim, with the grace of God, to serve JUVEP’s missionaries, mission agencies, seminaries and evangelical churches in general.
Our courses do not have accreditation with the Ministry of Education (MEC) of the Brazilian government, however, the quality and effectiveness of our teaching is widely recognized by missionary agencies, denominations and local churches across Brazil.
CPM History
Since 1981, the JUVEP Mission, our parent organization has worked to increase missionary awareness, preparation of Christian leaders and in the planting of churches. Much of the focus is in the Northeastern Brazilian Sertão, in cities and villages that are unreached or poorly reached. Specialized targets include Quilombola communities, gypsy ranches (Ciganos) and Indigenous peoples. It was quickly clear to JUVEP, the need for specialized missionary preparation. In consultation with renowned missiologists from all over Brazil, the School of Transcultural Missions was started in 1998.
Under the coordination of Barbara Helen Burns, with an innovative curriculum and its new headquarters in Cabedelo, Paraiba, Brazil, the School of Transcultural Missions becomes a national reference in cross-cultural missionary preparation. At the beginning of 2015, Thomaz Litz took over the direction of the renamed Center for the Preparation of Missionaries (CPM), diversifying its course offerings and developing integrated programs with other JUVEP programs, including the Radical Sertão Project and the sister organization, the JUVEP Theological Seminary.
Since its founding, one hundred and fifty students have passed through CPM. Many former students are now developing their ministries in Brazil and in several countries in Latin America, Africa, Asia and Europe.
CPM Campus
The CPM campus is located at the base of the JUVEP Mission in Cabedelo, Pariaba The infrastructure consists of offices, air-conditioned classrooms, auditorium, specialized missions library, prayer house, industrial kitchen, dining room, dormitories for singles and couples. The entire building has Wi-Fi Internet and a large living area. CPM is located near the ocean beach of Intermares and a short distance the river beach of Jacaré where tourists congregate to watch the sunset. The JUVEP base camp occupies an area of 13,700 m² (3.4 acres). The walled campus has trees and grassy areas and offers several options for leisure, prayer and relaxation.
CPM Principles
CPM observes the following principles:
- Commitment to God and His Word
- Academic Excellence
- Character Integrity
- Emotional health
- Effective ministerial practice
Commitment to God and to His Word is the foundation of every Christian ministry including CPM. Therefore, students are led to a growing quest for knowledge and obedience expressed in the desire to reach lost people with the redemptive message of Jesus Christ.
High academic standards are pursued by CPM through a faculty recognized by academic competence, relevant missionary experience and life example in their Christian walk.
CPM emphasizes integrity of character and emotional health. Thus, we form a community of apprentices that aims to grow fully together in Christ. What most unites the CPM community is our collective desire to grow emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. We thus hold steadfast in the faith and proceed with confidence that as the power of the Word is changing our lives, it also preparing the way for us to bring the transforming message of God to others.
who we are
Four CPM Programs
Mobilizing Missionaries in the Church
For Christians who wish to promote missionary mobilization in their local churches. Duration: 1 year (beginning: February, April, August and October)
Mission Fundamentals
Seminarians, pastors, mission teachers and career missionaries who wish to obtain or renew their theoretical knowledge in missiology. This supports work on missionary projects in the local church or in the mono- and cross-cultural context. Duration 1 to 4 years, according to the availability of time and student performance. Start: all year round.
Preparing for Transcultural Missions
Christians who have the call of God to work in pioneering cross-cultural missionary ministries, especially among the traditional peoples and communities of the northeastern Sertão and unreached peoples of Brazil and abroad. Duration 1 year (full-time internship). This is the prerequisite for a Radical Sertão mission project.
Planting Pioneer Churches
Christians who act or want to act in the planting of relevant and contextualized churches, in the Northeastern Sertão and in other challenging contexts. Duration 6 months (full time with boarding school)