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Nicholas A. Venditti, Ph.D.
President
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What makes INSTE unique? First of all, it is both portable
and affordable. No matter the size of the church,
INSTE is a fit. All that is needed to get started is
a mature, dedicated leader called to make disciples,
whom INSTE trains through a short leader-training
program right where he or she is. INSTE supplies the
materials - books and tests included - a support system
for the group leader, plus records and recognition for
the courses studied.
INSTE is affordable. A person can study all five years
in INSTE for less than it would cost for one semester
at a traditional Bible College. Furthermore, INSTE comes
to the local church, so Bible college training is available
to all.
Secondly, INSTE's methodology sets it apart.
Most formal educational systems today are based on the
Greek didactic model revolving around a lecture. INSTE's
model is based on relationships, a Hebrew model that
incorporates learning into the life rhythm of the church
and learner.
Thirdly, INSTE is not just church-housed, it is church-based.
Our mission statement is clear:
INSTE exists to help the local church
make disciples and develop leaders
for the fulfillment of the church's mission.
INSTE is a mission facilitator. Every church has a
unique calling to fulfill, so INSTE stimulates the growth
of "stem cells" in the church that become
the mature disciples and Bible-centered leaders that
help the local church fulfill its unique mission. Thus
no two INSTE groups are alike, because the gifting and
calling of the individuals in those groups are at the
direction of the Holy Spirit.
It is important to note also that INSTE does not prepare
leaders for the church; it prepares the leaders
of the church. The preposition is important.
God makes leaders by gifting them. The leaders are already
there; INSTE equips the called.
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