This page describes how partnership with GAAMT continues after a program is accredited. It explains the yearly reports and periodic reviews that keep the partnership active. It also describes the three tiers of Accreditation Partnership and how partners grow from one tier to the next.

Accreditation and the Great Commission

GAAMT's main goal is the fulfilment of the Great Commission. We want churches to equip their members to take part in God's mission. We also want churches to work together toward this shared goal.

Accreditation serves this goal. Its purpose is to support faithful disciples and fruitful ministry in local churches. For this reason, GAAMT hopes that partners will keep growing in their training work after accreditation. We also hope that, over time, partners will help other churches strengthen their own training.

Ongoing Partnership

After accreditation, GAAMT stays in regular contact with each partner. This contact takes several forms.

• Yearly reports. Each partner sends a brief report each year. It gives basic information about student numbers and completions, and it mentions any major changes. Partners also share their challenges and stories of growth. GAAMT responds to every report.

• Periodic reviews. GAAMT and the partner hold a deeper conversation every three years for new partners and every five years for long-standing partners. The conversation looks at what the program has achieved and whether the growth commitments have been met. It also helps the partner set new goals.

• The Annual Online Gathering. Partners meet online each year for encouragement and shared learning, and for prayer.

• Personal contact. Partners can contact their GAAMT representative at any time. They can also ask for introductions to other partners with similar contexts.

The Three Tiers of Accreditation Partnership

All accredited partners begin at the same starting point. Over time, partners can grow into deeper tiers that contribute to the wider GAAMT network. The tiers describe growth in contribution, and GAAMT values every partner equally.

Certified Partner

Certified Partner is the starting tier for every accredited program. Certified Partners can award GAAMT-accredited ministry qualifications to their graduates. They may use the GAAMT name and logo with their accredited program. We are exploring options of names being listed on the GAAMT website, unless networks prefer not to be. Certified Partners keep a regular relationship with GAAMT through yearly reports and the annual partnership fee.

Contributing Partner

Contributing Partners develop their own training materials for their local context. They then share these materials with other partners in the GAAMT network. The materials should be evangelical in content. They should also focus on equipping believers for ministry and disciple-making.

Before materials are shared, GAAMT holds an informal review in conversation with the partner. This review confirms that the material is sound and suits church-based training. Contributing Partners choose how their materials are shared. Some offer their work as open source for others to adapt. Others prefer that their materials are used as they are. Recognition as a Contributing Partner comes through personal conversation with the GAAMT team.

Catalyst Partner

Catalyst Partners have worked closely with GAAMT for at least five years. They have shown consistent faithfulness in their training programs and close alignment with GAAMT values.

Catalyst Partners can assess and accredit new training programs on behalf of GAAMT. They serve as regional representatives of the GAAMT network and mentor newer partners. When a Catalyst Partner accredits a new program, that program becomes a GAAMT Certified Partner. Catalyst Partners follow GAAMT guidelines and report new accreditations to GAAMT. They remain accountable to the Accreditation Council.

How Partners Grow

Growth from one tier to the next comes out of an established relationship. Partners usually follow a pattern like this:

• Years one–three: The partner launches its accredited program and settles into the rhythm of yearly reports.

• Years three–five: The partner begins to share what it has learned. It may develop its own materials and become a Contributing Partner.

• Year five onward: When there is consistent faithfulness and clear alignment, a conversation about Catalyst Partnership can begin.

The Catalyst conversation takes place with the GAAMT team and a wider group of GAAMT leaders. Together we discuss the partner's experience and capacity, along with its regional relationships. We also discuss mutual expectations and accountability. If you are interested in this path, please write to accreditation@gaamt.org.

Growing Together

GAAMT hopes that every partner will flourish in its own context. We also hope that partners will strengthen one another across the Majority World. Our shared hope is a growing movement of churches that train their own members for faithful ministry and for the Great Commission.

More Information

Sections 7 and 8 of the GAAMT Accreditation Handbook describe ongoing partnership and the three tiers in more detail. The Handbook is available to partners and potential partners on request from accreditation@gaamt.org. You can also ask the chatbot on this website any questions about partnership after accreditation.

Introducing GAAMT Accreditation | Accreditation Expectations | How to Apply for GAAMT Accreditation | Model Curriculum | Beyond Accreditation