Influence of Missiological Training on Trainers' Competences and Christian Maturity in the Selected Mission Training Institutions in Southwest, Nigeria

Globally, missionaries are supposed to receive prerequisite training to help them navigate their mission engagement. However, some still operate as if they are sent out unprepared. Despite some empirical evidence on missiological training and practices among Christian organisations in Nigeria, there seems to be little attention paid to the influence of mission education on trainers’ outcomes. Therefore, this study investigated influence of missiological training (MT) on trainers’ competences (TC) and Christian maturity among selected mission training institutions in Southwest, Nigeria. Descriptive Survey Research Design was adopted using Trainers’ Competence and Outcome Questionnaire (TCOQ) r = .864. Population of the study involves all mission training institutions and trainers, affiliated to Nigeria Evangelical Missions Association (NEMA) with a total sample of 82 mission trainers selected from five NEMA- members. MT has a significant influence on enhancing the trainers’ ability to conceive a well-developed curriculum as rated by 70.7% of the respondents. Influence of missiological training on: trainers’ language and culture learning experiences was rated by respondents as 67.1%, on skills in cross-cultural evangelism and church planting (75.6%), on discipleship and mentor relationship skills (62.2%), ability to manage people with sensitivity (67.1%) and on trainers’ wisdom and Interaction in cross-cultural and diverse situations (70.7%), on trainers’ interdisciplinary knowledge (52.4%,); trainers' understanding of theological, socio-political, economic, and ethnic realities (54.9%), understanding local political and social situations (62.2%), keeping trainers updated on global mission activities, and in keeping trainers updated on missiological thinking and writing (65.9%). MT enhances trainers’ clearer understanding of Missio-Dei was rated high by 85.4% of the respondents, 68.3% on enhancing a shift in worldview, and 80.5% on recognizing that mission is a task for all believers, and equipping for effective missionary training in different contexts. The study concludes that influence of missiological training was found to be significant on: trainers' capacity to effectively run mission training programs, trainers’ Christian maturity, on trainers’ ministry skills and experience, on trainers’ interdisciplinary knowledge, and on trainers’ vision for mission training. Based on this study's findings, it is highly recommended that more field missionaries should be encouraged to step aside for a while to acquire further education.