Australia's BMW (Bible, Missions and Work Training School) is located just a few kilometres out of Tewantin, Queensland on 266 acres of beautiful land. As the name suggests, BMW focuses on three areas: Bible (academic classes) Missions (outreach in the local community) and Work (training in practical skills needed on the mission field).
The purpose of Teen Missions International is to "Train Tomorrow's Missionary Today." We aim to empower our Bridge the Gap students to step out in obedience to God's calling to serve Him with their whole lives.
Our goal is to provide well-rounded, balanced, holistic and practical training to prepare graduates for life and ministry, whether this be in missions, pastoring, youth leadership or whatever God calls them to! We aim to do this by providing a disciplined enviornment conducive to spiritual growth, in-depth study of the Word of God, as well as work training, communication and living skills, practical outreach and missions experience.
During the course of the year students will complete 9 months of study and practical training which will take place at our Teen Missions base on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, QLD. Practical experience may include building, property maintenance, mechanics, computer, graphics, office work, and more, providing students with a wide range of skills which will be useful on the mission field. It is a good choice for those who are thinking of taking a gap year between school and university.
There are 2 choices for overseas mission experience. The first option is being a leader on our summer teams program. This is a good choice for those wanting to go onto further studies. The second option is helping at one of our overseas bases, with close to 30 nations to choose from.
After completing the one year program students have the option of continuing their studies. The second year of study and practical training will take place at one of our overseas bases. Like the first year, students have both classroom training and practical experience in many different areas such as building, property maintenance, mechanics, computer, graphics and office work, just to name a few. They also have the opportunity to get involved in local ministries in the area.
The third year is a year of internship where students have the opportunity to put their training into action. They may choose to spend their year of internship in one of the 26 countries where Teen Missions is based.
Students live in dorms on campus and eat their meals together. Thirty minutes each day is set aside for personal devotions. A minimum of two hours study time is set aside each evening, except on Friday night. Because classes are small, teachers are able to give personal attention to students when there is a specific need. Emphasis is placed on God's Word and Missions.
Work and Practical Missions Training
From Monday to Friday students will undertake four hours of work training each afternoon. The purpose of this is two-fold 1) to learn and gain hands-on experience in practical skills needed for ministry and missions and 2) to assist with the maintenance of the Teen Missions base and camp ground. The jobs students learn are many and varied and include the following: construction, office work, graphics, hospitality, horticulture, catering, landscaping, mechanics and finances. Students will also be involved in the big task of preparing for Boot Camp, helping with literature, tents, tools, puppets and everything else that needs to be organised. Another fun aspect of the work training invovles visits to schools, churches, festivals (such as AGMF) and other groups to promote the ministries of Teen Missions through static displays, audio/visual presentations, testimonies and whatever else creative imaginations can come up with!
There will be time set aside each week for students to minister in the local community, to share the love of Jesus through words and actions. There are many options students can choose from, such as Sunday School teaching, nursing home visitation, Religious Education in schools, Friday night street ministry, kids clubs or home help for the sick or elderly just to name a few.
As part of our program, students are required to meet regularly with a mentor who will help guide and encourage them in their spiritual journey throughout the year. One night during the week is also set aside as a time for students to come together and share what God is doing in and through their lives, and to also learn more about personal spiritual growth and relating to others. This is lead by our staff, although student involvement is encouraged.
Leisure facilities on the property include a swimming pool, basketball court, volleyball court and modified obstacle course. Our property backs onto Mt Tinbeerwah and a hike to the top will reward you with glorious views out to the coast and mountains. Within 15 minutes drive are numerous stunning beaches, gardens, national parks, fishing spots, shopping centres, libraries, gyms and cafes. A little further afield you will find many popular tourist spots including the Eumundi Markets, Big Pineapple, Australia Zoo, the Glass House Mountains and so much more, including of course, the majestic coastline that seems to go on forever!
All Teen Missions programs are highly structured and a high standard of conduct is expected from its participants. To ensure the integrity and reputation of the ministry, the efficient running of the program and the well-being of the students, a number of policies have been put in place.
- Smoking and the possession or use of any non-prescription drugs or alcohol is prohibited.
- Students are not permitted to drive TMIA or staff vehicles. We are located 8 km's out of town, a bit far for most people to walk, so we strongly recommend you bring your own car.
- Students are expected to do light chores each day, except Sunday, to ensure the cleanliness of living areas, classroom and work spaces and to keep their bedrooms clean and tidy.
- Computer, television and DVD should be limited and reflect choices that are pleasing to God and not offensive to fellow students.
- Students must dress in modest attire which is suitable to the classroom and work environment.
- For the consideration of the cooks, sufficient notice must be given if you plan to miss a meal.
When students enrol they will receive a comprehensive Student Handbook and are required to sign a Student Agreement saying they agree to abide by the policies. Policy infractions may be addressed to the Principal or Student Coordinator and will result in the loss of some free time. It is expected that the conduct of the students will reflect Christian standards, including honesty, morality and courtesy as they endeavour to live a life that is above reproach.
At this time we are unable to accept overseas applicants unless they have been involved in an overseas Teen Missions Program and can be recommended by overseas staff.
Overseas applicants also need to take into consideration that to gain a visa to stay within Australia for a 12 month period can be a difficult and costly process.
Students need to have at least attained a Year 10 School Certificate, or equivalent, in order to attend the BMW Training Centre. Students may be 17 when they start the program, but must be turning 18 during the year that they are at BMW.