在時代裡攜手,於時間裡傳承,推動文字事奉,創寫新的世紀。
文字培訓
Training for Writers
工人先於工作,作者重於作品,真誠勝於一切
傳遞文字異象,栽培文字工人
自然,文字培訓機構的主要目的,是為教會和各樣基督教出版和傳媒機構,栽培編輯團隊、作者和譯者群。或差遣文字宣教士,進入各種文化媒體,在文化裡用文字發聲,呈現豐富活潑的基督教信仰。
創文主打是每年暑假八月第一星期,在美國洛杉磯舉辦文字營會。在這一星期的密集營會裡,開設6-7堂文字培訓、編輯、翻譯、文化等課。除了傳授文字、編輯、採訪、翻譯等技巧磨練文筆,我們秉持「工人先於工作,作者重於作品,真誠勝於一切」的信念,更注重傳遞屬靈的品格和僕人的服事心態。
多年累積的教學經驗(包括前十年透過神國機構(KRC)開設的文字課),確實推動了同學們在教會內外的創作、編輯、翻譯、採訪、網路事工上,逐漸開花結果。他們除了各自在傳統和電子媒體上發表文章、撰寫專欄或博客,或出書、或主編、或得文學獎,已逐漸在北美凝聚成一股不容忽視的力量。
2011年,文字培訓課也已開始在東南亞進行,但囿於環境,開課的時間與地點會用彈性方式在神開門的地方進行。
一般基督徒服事表達力和影響力的裝備
但是創文所提供的培訓,不只專對文字事奉,對其他各種形式服事,不論是在傳遞異象或講道、教導上,文字裝備也可以提升基督徒的表達能力和增加服事的影響力。
《不再一樣的領導力》(Spiritual Leadership)一書作者布克比(Blackaby), 即提到屬靈領袖應是語言和溝通的學生。即使最有效的溝通關鍵是聖靈同在,也不否定領袖需要在語言技巧上的鑽研。
布克比還說在傳統裡,最有效的溝通方式就是說故事。許多領袖書籍也都看重如何說故事,因此產生了一個新名詞:「故事力」。而且強調沒有故事力,就沒有感動力,故事力可以決定影響力。置入基督徒的服事,異象是否可以傳遞得令人有如眼見?事工是否可以激勵人投入?各樣見證是否說得清楚神聖作為?也靠基督徒的故事力有多少。
這也是為何創文會針對神學生,我們明日的領袖,提供全額獎學金。也會願意對所有全職傳道人,有免註冊費的優惠。我們盼望所有屬靈領袖和正在參與服事的基督徒,都受文字力和故事力的裝備。
1. Pass on the vision of writing ministry, train writers for Kingdom ministry
The main goal for these writing courses is to help train writers, editors as well as translators for church publications and mass media ministries. Writers are encouraged to become evangelists by using all kinds of cultural mediums to voice out a Christian perspective that is presented in a day-to-day language that speaks to today’s generation.
Every year the Genesis Writing Institute conducts a one-week writing boot camp. During the intensive week-long training, students elect to choose from writing essentials, editing, translations and culture totaling 6-7 courses. Students are taught under the overarching principle that “A genuine commitment precedes everything, workers shall come before their works and the lives of authors shall speak volume of their writings”. Through these classes, students are instilled in them a spiritual sound character and learn to embrace humble servanthood.
Students graduated from the GCWMI Writing Camps (and KRC Writing Workshop established 10 years ago)have become prolific writers, editors, and translators. Their works are published in church publications as well as in the secular media. Some of them went on to have their own books published, become chief editors for magazines, blog writers, or award-winning authors. Over the years, the GCWMI alumnus have proven themselves to be a formidable force in Northern America.
In 2011 GCWMI expanded its writing classes from North America to South East Asia and continuing to serve under limited circumstances.
2. Equip the Christian laymen with communication skills
The training courses provided by the GCWMI are geared towards preparing Christian laymen to become better servants whether in preaching or teaching, enhancing their overall communication skills to impact the world.
The author of “Spiritual Leadership” Blackaby said in his book that spiritual leaders ought to be “students of language and communication”. He believes it’s essential for spiritual leaders to acquire communication skills even with help of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Blackaby went on to say “traditionally, the most effective form of communication has been the story.” Stories have power to touch and influence lives. In Christian ministry, a vision can be best shared by telling a story. A powerful story can draw men and women to commit to God’s services; a riveting story with a testimony enables men to see God’s mighty acts.
This is why the GCWMI provides full scholarship for seminary students who are the future leaders. All full-time ministers are exempt from the registration fees. We encourage all spiritual leaders and Christian laymen to come to train with us to become effective storytellers.