Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission and vision of Anchored International?
Our heart beats for one purpose: empowering missionaries to thrive, not just survive, on the mission field. We're committed to transforming Gospel workers' lives through comprehensive training, personalized mentorship, and continuous encouragement. Our vision is to see a new generation of resilient, well-equipped missionaries making a lasting impact across the globe.
Where is your training facility located, and what is its capacity?
Nestled in 1,400 acres of pristine Louisiana wilderness, just 40 minutes north of Baton Rouge, our training facility offers an immersive environment that perfectly mirrors real-world mission conditions. This former Christian camp, which houses 190+, has been strategically repurposed into a world-class missionary training center. It features rivers, lakes, and diverse terrain that provide the ideal setting for practical, hands-on missionary preparation.
What are the different training programs you offer and their durations?
We offer a range of specialized programs designed to meet missionaries’ needs at every stage of their journey.
The Elite Missionary Training (EMT) program is a comprehensive three-month pre-field training available year-round. It covers foundational skills and preparation for new missionaries.
Core Competency Trainings are short, one—to two-week sessions tailored to specific skill needs. They ensure missionaries are equipped in targeted areas for the duration of their missionary careers.
The Kingdom Builders Residency is an intensive two-month program for individuals passionate about planting house churches and developing house church networks across North America.
Our Legacy Connect Mentorship Program pairs retired missionaries with new missionaries for 1-3 years of guidance, including regular monthly calls and an annual in-field site visit.
For missionary soul care, we offer a two-week Debrief & Retreat Experience—a deeply impactful mix of professional debriefing and soul-restoring retreat at our beautiful property. This ensures our missionaries are emotionally and spiritually refreshed before continuing their work.
COMING SOON:
Missionary Support Staff Training (1-month intensive)
Church Missions Program Consulting
Can you tell me about your core team's background and expertise?
Our leadership team brings together over 100 years of combined mission field experience, blending expertise from Special Forces, international church planting, humanitarian aid, Soul care, and student discipleship. Each team member has lived and served in multiple global contexts, ensuring our training is grounded in real-world experience.
Jeremy & Susan Taliaferro: 22 years as missionaries serving with the IMB. Expertise: Missionary Training, Church Planting, Mentorship, Bushcraft, Homeschooling, Leadership, Team Building, Business as Mission, Strategy. Primary regions of expertise: South America & Africa.
Tad and Christy Eckerle: 16 years Missionary Kid (Wycliffe), 9 years Force Recon Marine, 18 years Business As Mission (BAM) as international contractor for US Department of State.Expertise: Special Forces Operations, Survival Evasion Resistance & Escape Instructor, Master Training Specialist & Curriculum Developer, Leadership Development, Cultural Integration, Business Management, Problem Solving & Strategic Planning, Home Educator Primary region of expertise: Middle East, SE Asia, Africa, Pacific
Chris & Jamie Suel: 15 years as missionaries and missionary support with IMB & via. Expertise: Security/Law Enforcement, Soul Care, Counseling, Student Ministry, Coaching. Primary regions of expertise: global.
Tim & Dede Wint: Extensive experience with humanitarian aid missions, and missionary support through Texas Baptist Men. Expertise: Engineering, Software Development, IT, Teaching, Leadership training, Water well drilling & maintenance, Health and Hygiene. Primary region of expertise: global
Chance & Chelsea Yankie: 25 years of student ministry in the local church and young life. Expertise: Student Ministry, Discipleship, Mentorship, Construction. Primary region of expertise: USA
What makes your training approach unique compared to other missionary training programs?
At Anchored International, we go beyond traditional approaches to missionary training. We've pioneered a revolutionary approach that combines Special Forces training methodology with deep spiritual formation. In doing so, we foster exceptional emotional and spiritual resilience. Our immersive outdoor training eliminates modern comforts, replicating real-world conditions missionaries will face in the field. Hands-on simulations with actors and mock villages allow trainees to test and refine their skills in challenging, life-like scenarios.
Additionally, our year-long mentorship program, which pairs graduates with experienced retired missionaries as guides, ensures enduring support and insight long after training concludes. This holistic and realistic preparation sets our approach apart.
Do you provide customized training based on specific mission fields or contexts?
Absolutely! We believe every mission field presents unique challenges, which is why we've developed a revolutionary customizable training approach. Before training begins, we work directly with field supervisors to create a tailored curriculum that precisely matches your future ministry context. Our innovative program includes:
Field-Specific Simulations: Using our 1,400-acre property, we recreate authentic environmental conditions matching your destination, complete with professional actors and mock villages that mirror your future ministry setting.
Adaptive Training Environments: Training takes place primarily outdoors in conditions that replicate your field assignment, ensuring you're fully prepared for the physical realities of your specific context.
Specialized Skill Development: Whether you're heading to urban Asia or remote Africa, we customize practical skills training to match your field requirements.
Cultural Immersion: During training, you'll live in one of our "continental" zones, experiencing the daily rhythms, customs, and challenges specific to your future ministry region.
Each program concludes with a full year of mentorship from a veteran missionary who has served in your target region. This mentorship provides invaluable insights and support during your crucial first year on the field.
This comprehensive, customized approach has proven highly effective in preparing missionaries who don't just survive but thrive in their specific ministry contexts.
What is your approach to language training?
The innovative Growing Participator Approach (GPA) revolutionizes traditional language learning. Rather than confining you to classrooms, we immerse you in relationship-based language acquisition that mirrors how you'll learn on the field. This proven methodology helps you develop natural language skills through meaningful interactions, setting you up for faster cultural integration and more effective ministry from day one.
If specific language mastery is required, we work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your needs.
How do you handle security training for high-risk areas?
Our security training integrates Special Forces expertise with biblical wisdom, creating a robust "theology of risk" that prepares missionaries for any environment. Through stress inoculation training, intelligence analysis, and live scenario exercises, we equip you with both practical skills and spiritual discernment needed for high-risk contexts. Our approach ensures you can minister effectively while maintaining appropriate security protocols.
What kind of mentorship or support do you provide after training?
Post-training support is at the heart of our mission. Each trainee is paired with a retired missionary who brings the wisdom, empathy, and insight only experience can offer. These mentors provide monthly check-ins for encouragement and advice and on-site visits to support you in your mission. This personalized support is invaluable for navigating challenges and sustaining your ministry long-term.
What are your current training costs per person?
Our pricing reflects the depth and quality of our training programs. The three-month Elite Missionary Training is $10,000 for individuals, $20,000 for couples, and $25,000 for families.
The two-month Kingdom Builders Residency program costs $5,000 per individual.
The two-week Debrief & Retreat experience is $2,000 per participant. Discounts are available for early adopters and groups, and scholarships are offered through Project 139 to ease financial barriers.
Consider this not as a cost but as an investment in long-term ministry effectiveness and sustainability.
Do you offer any scholarships or financial assistance?
Yes! Through our partnership with Project 139, we're committed to making our training accessible to called and qualified missionaries. We believe that financial constraints shouldn't prevent God's called servants from receiving proper preparation.
How do you measure the success of your training programs?
We gauge success through ongoing relationships with our alumni, tracking key metrics like retention, duration of service, and real-world impact. Feedback from our partnering organizations also helps us continuously refine our programs to meet the changing needs of missionaries worldwide. Our ultimate measure of success is seeing our graduates thrive in their long-term ministry roles.
What is your approach to spiritual formation during training?
Our spiritual formation program rests on three powerful pillars:
Biblical Foundation: We emphasize deep engagement with God's Word, ensuring it becomes the unshakeable foundation of ministry.
Spiritual Discipline Mastery: Trainees master 12+ essential spiritual disciplines crucial for field sustainability.
Authentic Community: We foster genuine Christian community that provides support, accountability, and encouragement.
This integrated approach creates resilient missionaries who can thrive spiritually in any context.
How do you prepare missionaries for cross-cultural challenges?
We've developed a revolutionary immersive approach that goes beyond traditional classroom learning. Through our unique combination of cultural mentors, real-world scenarios, and hands-on experience, we prepare missionaries to navigate complex cultural landscapes with confidence. Our training includes live simulations with international advisors, practical case studies, and deep-dive cultural workshops that transform theoretical knowledge into practical wisdom.
Soon, we’ll also incorporate insights from Third Culture Kids and national partners who will live on campus as cultural advisors.
What practical skills are included in your training?
Our training equips missionaries with an extraordinary range of practical skills tailored to field needs. From solar repair and 4x4 driving to farming, medical preparation, and even homeschooling strategies, we emphasize hands-on learning for real-world scenarios. Depending on the specific training group’s needs, we ensure you’re equipped with the skills necessary to serve effectively.
Do you provide any resources or equipment for missionaries?
Yes, we offer complete outfitting solutions tailored to your specific field needs. From custom-designed go-bags to comprehensive medical kits, we ensure you have the right tools for your mission. Our equipment recommendations come from decades of field experience, and we can help source specialized gear that's proven reliable in challenging environments.
How do you handle medical emergencies during training?
Basic medical training is included in our Elite Missionary Training program to help missionaries address common field injuries. For more serious incidents during training, a hospital is located within a 30-minute drive, ensuring immediate professional care.
What are your requirements for accepting candidates into your programs?
We seek individuals who are born-again believers with a demonstrated calling to missions. Applicants should have the backing of a sending church or organization and provide references supporting their readiness and commitment to the mission field. You can begin the application process here.
Anchored International exists to empower missionaries to serve with confidence, resilience, and joy. We invite you to join us and experience training and support that truly make a difference.