Essentials in Debriefing

Handwritten quote "Everyone has a story" above a wall display of open books with various illustrations.

What is Essentials in Debriefing?

Essentials in Debriefing is a comprehensive program offering in-depth training on personal debriefing across different age groups. The program includes:

  • Core Training in principles, methods, themes, and skills for effective debriefing

  • Interactive Sessions with practical exercises to apply debriefing techniques

  • Exploration of Key Themes that impact well-being in cross-cultural ministry

  • Storytelling Focus to develop an understanding of the role of personal story in spiritual and emotional health

  • Facilitation Skills for leading healthy personal debriefing within the context of cross-cultural family life

View the sample schedule here!

Two people holding hands on a table, with one person holding a cup of coffee in their other hand.

What can I expect?

We believe regular, personal debriefing is vital for those in cross-cultural ministry. Adults and children in this work face unique stress, loss, and major transitions. Engaging with a supportive community can shift perspectives, deepen personal understanding, and foster empathy for others' stories.

Our goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to facilitate impactful, healthy debriefing for those in cross-cultural ministry.

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When: Our 2025 program is full to capacity. Join the waitlist or check back at a later date for 2026 availability!

Cost: $1,700 per individual (all-inclusive, covering all food, housing, retreat materials, and more!)

Where: Mission Training International, Palmer Lake, CO

NOTE: Children’s and Youth Programming not available for Essentials in Debriefing

Program Details

Large, multi-story building with green roof in a hilly, forested landscape, featuring a playground in the front and mountains in the background.

Life on Campus

    • Each room features a bed, desk, dresser, and private bathroom.

    • Our community spaces include several fireplaces (both indoor and outdoor), private seating areas, and a game room with foosball, ping-pong, and air hockey.  

    • All of your sheets and towels will be provided for you, and we have a complimentary full-service laundry room.

    • Our food service team works to prepare a variety of offerings throughout your stay. You will enjoy three meals a day and snacks during break periods.

    • We have two minivans that are available to our participants. We do ask that you stay within the Monument/Palmer Lake area. This will get you to several gyms, grocery stores, and local restaurants.

    • Located in Colorful Colorado, we have many opportunities for outdoor activities nearby. We have several trails that encircle the campus and are walking distance from the Santa Fe Trail. The weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to bring plenty of layers!

 FAQs

General Questions

  • MTI is physically located at 421 Highway 105, Palmer Lake, CO 80133.

    Free shuttle service is provided by MTI (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM) from the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), any Colorado Springs Hotel, and the Monument Park-n-Ride. Please note that you will need to provide your own transportation if your arrival/departure is outside of our shuttle schedule or if you are flying into or out of Denver International Airport (DEN). As you make your travel plans, please be aware of the following parameters:

    • Schedule your arrival flight to the Colorado Springs Airport before 1:30 PM on Monday, the first day of the program. Our MTI courtesy shuttle runs from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM on Monday only.

    • Please plan your departure flight on Saturday from Colorado Springs Airport for after 2:00pm; flights from Denver International Airport for 3:30 PM or later.

    • The MTI shuttle will pick up at the arrivals pick-up loading zone at the Colorado Springs Airport. If you experience flight delays, call MTI at (719) 487-0111 to keep us informed.

    If your arrival or departure falls outside this timeframe or you choose to arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN), your transportation options include:

    • Rental car

    • You may choose to arrange for a commercial shuttle to the Monument Park ‘n Ride or the MTI training site (MTI can pickup at the Monument Park-n-Ride between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM). Consider Groome Transportation or Along Came Carol.

    • Uber, Lyft, or Taxi

  • Program will begins each day at 8:30am and ends at 4:00pm. Some days during the program have exceptions and will be noted on your schedule when you arrive.

  • Mission Training International is in a beautiful area twenty miles north of downtown Colorado Springs and forty miles south of Denver. The town of Palmer Lake is a quaint village nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with an elevation of 7,225 feet. There are many tourist attractions in the area.

    To enjoy these attractions, you may find it beneficial to drive your own car to your MTI program or make plans to rent a car for the days you would like to see the sights.

    Pikes Peak Cog Railway
    Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
    Seven Falls
    Cave of the Winds
    Manitou Cliff Dwellings
    Garden of the Gods
    Olympic Museum
    United States Air Force Academy
    Western Museum of Mining and Industry
    Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
    Focus on the Family


  • While you are at MTI, you are welcome to receive mail. Let your friends and family know to have letters and packages shipped to:

    MTI (attn: Your Name)

    P.O. Box 1220 (421 State Hwy 105)

    Palmer Lake, CO 80133

  • Transfers and Cancellations:

    • All deposits are non-refundable.

    • Any refunds or transfers will result in processing charges.

    Regarding Compass & DAR:

    • A requested transfer between programs will result in the loss of your deposit and requires an additional deposit before the new requested registration is confirmed.

    • Cancellation more than four weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit.

    • Cancellation or transfer less than two weeks before the start of your program will result in the loss of your deposit and 50% of your total bill. The additional fee will be deducted from any program payment monies already collected, billed to your credit card on file or billed to your agency.

    • You will be charged the full amount of the program if you fail to cancel before the first day of your program.

    Regarding all other MTI events:

    • Any cancellation of your registration for an MTI event will result in the loss of the deposit. If no deposit was made, a charge of $150 per adult will be assessed.

    • No refunds will be issued for cancellations within 30 days of the starting date of the event.

    • Transfers are not available for MTI events.