Spearhead Schedule

Approximate Spearhead Summer Schedule

The exact dates of the Spearhead schedule change from year to year, but here is a sample schedule from 2009 to give you an idea of what the summer looks like:

2009 Spearhead Sample Schedule

You will notice that the first four weeks of the program focus on learning Spanish, the Mexican culture and your local ministry, while the second four weeks focus on doing full time ministry. This significant amount of time devoted to learning and being trained is crucial to the success of cross-cultural, incarnational ministry.

Basic Layout of YearOut Program

The YearOut program runs from late September through the end of the next year's summer program (mid-August). It is for Spearheaders who had a good experience in the summer and want to continue serving in Mexico. We have also had some people join the program in the fall, if they were unable to attend Spearhead in the summer. Here is the basic layout of the program:

  1. First week - Orientation
  2. Fall - Ministry with training (2 meetings per week with team)
    1. Training includes both ministry and cultural training
    2. Language classes or individual tutoring (depending on your Spanish level)
    3. Weekly Bible Study
    4. Start monthly book reports on books on the following themes: Discipleship, Evangelism, Leadership, Mexican Culture/History, Cross-cultural relations, Missionary Biography, and one of your choice (these are throughout the whole year)
  3. Winter break - option to go home for 2-3 weeks
  4. Spring ministry - More time in ministry, meet with team monthly, and with mentor monthly
    1. Possibility of missions trip to Central America during Holy Week
    2. Member Care retreat with all LAM missionaries
  5. Mid May - Facilitator Training Retreat
  6. Late May - Mid June - Preparing for summer program
    1. Visiting churches - Meet with each pastor
    2. Visiting and sharing meals with host families
    3. Reviewing work plans for each placement
  7. Mid June - Mid August - Facilitator for Spearhead summer program