israel tour leader course

• Virtual Experiences

The Israel Tour Leader online academy is here to bridge site and Scripture. Through in-depth masterclasses of top-level Israeli tour guides and educators and virtual 360° tours to Biblical sites, you will gain tremendous knowledge of the Land that Jesus called home. Whether you are an Israel Travel Expert and want to be equipped and enriched, or you are a first-time traveler that wants to prepare ahead of your trip: Israel Tour Leader is your answer. 

Our 360 Experiences

The Valley of Elah

with Louie Giglio WATCH NOW

with Mark Varughese WATCH NOW

with Nathaniel Buzolic WATCH NOW

Our Courses

Jerusalem, Sanctuary and Stumbling Stone

with Ariel Fogelman

Shepherding Hebraically

with David Nekrutman

Ministry in the Epicenter

with Wayne Hilsden

Guest Courses

• STREAM AT YOUR OWN PACE & PLACE
• WATCH ON DESKTOP OR MOBILE DEVICE
• BECOME PART OF OUR WARM VIRTUAL FAMILY
• DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AVAILABLE
• DIFFERENT LANGUAGE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Frequently asked questions

WHAT IS THE ISRAEL TOURLEADER COURSE?

The Israel Tour Leader course is a streaming- and study platform that makes it possible for anyone who would like to lead tours to Israel or wants to learn about the Land, to gain tremendous knowledge of the homeland of Jesus from the comfort of your own home.

What are the main focal points of the course program?

From a content perspective, the main focal points of the Israel Tour Leader Course are 1) knowledge of Israel as the Land of the Bible, 2) knowledge of modern Israel, and 3) the ins and outs of leading group tours in Israel.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN AN ISRAEL TOUR LEADER MEMBERSHIP?

After enrolling, you will be able to access the ITL platform for a full year. Upon logging in, you can find all courses, 360°- and virtual experiences, and an instructional video under “myITL”. On the platform, you can furthermore find references for self-study and downloadable resources. You can work through the material at any time and any place. Additional courses and experiences will be added regularly.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I COMPLETE A COURSE?

After each course, there is a quiz with 25 questions. 15 correct answers are needed to pass. Upon completion of all the courses, you will receive an ITL academy certificate, that serves as proof of completion and gained knowledge. Your certificate indicates that you’re equipped to lead tours to Israel, and as such, travel agents might cooperate with you.

What language options does ITL offer?

ITL’s courses and virtual experiences are conveyed in English. Auto-translated subtitles are available in many different languages, such as German, Dutch, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indonesian, Spanish, and more.

I am interested in promoting Israel Tour Leader. Can I cooperate with you?

Most definitely! The ITL team is open to many different forms of cooperation. Please feel free to connect.

WHAT IS THE 30 DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE?

If you realize that ITL isn’t for you, we’ll offer a full refund within 30 days of purchasing your membership. All details can be found in our terms of service. 

Please note that there are no refunds for partially unused memberships if you cancel after the initial 30 days. 

Your membership will not be automatically renewed. 

No products in the cart.

ICEJ U Israel Tour Leader Training

$ 49.99

The training is presented in three sections:

Section 1 – Practical guidelines and tips for how to lead a tour logistically

Section 2 – Basic theological teaching that includes 20- to 30-minute videos on:

• God’s Promise – Israel’s Past
• God’s People – Israel’s Present
• The Cross – Israel’s Glory

Section 3 – Audio teachings given at 33 sites in Israel with downloadable outlines—and additional informational videos at some sites allowing you to see the site while learning what to teach there when leading your own tour

After Purchase Instructions:  You will receive an email confirmation receipt of your purchase. Under the download section of that receipt, you will see a linked title “Tour Training Access Code.” Click that link to download your access instructions.

Description

If you are a pastor or Bible teacher taking a group to Israel, the ICEJ U Israel Tour Leader Training will equip you to have the most effective tour possible and provide the trip of a lifetime your participants are hoping for. Our goal is to help you to deliver that life-changing experience they can only have in the land in the Bible.

Related products

Patterns of Evidence Exodus

Written in Stone: Jesus of Nazareth

Written in Stone: House of David

The Red Sea Miracle 1 and 2 DVD Combo Pack

Online course provides virtual-reality visits to Israel for Christians

The sites here are "for all to remember" what the lord has done, said the man who makes the tours..

WHAT IS IN THE COURSE?

• Tour Leader

Journey to the Land of the Bible

Old City Jerusalem, Israel

Dead Sea, Israel

Beth She'an

Charlie Spencer

Charlie has been co-leading these tours with Don Den Hartog for several years and this will be their 10th trip together. While Charlie does lead a few of the devotionals, he handles more of the logistics and Don focuses more on the teaching side while in the land.

Charlie retired in April of 2022 from being a Children’s Pastor for 30 years, having served in Texas and Virginia. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and caught the vision for taking tours to Israel on a Familiarization trip with Morning Star in 1997. His prayer and desire is for the participants on these trips to gain a deeper love for the Word as they see it unfold in 3-D. Charlie’s favorite line for those who are considering visiting Israel: “Don’t look at it as an expense, but as an investment.”

He is married to his lovely wife, Sharon, and they have three pretty cool kids; two very spoiled granddaughters: Charlie Belle (yes, named after her Pappy) and Ellie Mae; along with four spoiled grandsons: Isaiah, Titus, Micah and Crockett.

Don DenHartog

Don was raised in Le Mars, Iowa and met his wife Patty in Omaha, Nebraska while attending college. Don and Patty have been blessed with four children, all who married and are parents of Don & Patty’s 16 grandchildren.

After graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1982, Don has served in pastorates in Kansas, Iowa, and North Dakota. Don served as Pastor of Biblical Education at Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester, Virginia, from 2004 to 2021. Don has traveled to Israel on 11 occasions. His final course for his D.Min. degree was taken through Dallas Seminary/IBEX in 2006. Don is presently the pastor of Grace Bible Church in McPherson, Kansas.

Don and Charlie have been best of friends and a highlight of their lives has been to co-lead several hundred people over the span of the last 15 years and 9 trips to the land of Israel. Charlie focuses on administrative details with Morning Star Tours prior to the trip and keeps things organized while on tour. Don focuses on the devotional and biblical component while in the land. They look forward to serving more people on the next tour in February 2025.

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

PastorMentor

Proven Practices for a Better, Bigger Church

A Pastor’s Guide to an Easy, Successful Israel Tour

You can Lead a Tour to Israel

Have you ever thought about leading a tour from your church to the Holy Lands? But you didn’t pursue it because you didn’t know how to make it happen?

It’s another pastor-skill that you just don’t learn in seminary.

I’ve led five tours and thought I’d share the know-how I’ve gained over the years to make it easy for you to lead a group of people from your church on a life-changing Israel tour.

Solve the Problems that Hold you Back 1. Is it safe?

Yes. Tourism is a big deal in Israel and the place is crawling with shiny buses filled with pilgrims from around the world. We feel safer in Israel than any other country we’ve visited.

And no. International travel is never perfectly safe.

The State Department has travel restrictions on the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and the West Bank. The Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights are easy to avoid, but you need to go into the West Bank to see Bethlehem and Jericho. Your tour guide and bus driver will see that you do it safely. You and the hundreds of other visitors who go to the Church of the Nativity that day.

Exercise the same safety precautions we use in the U.S.A. And of course, ask God for a safe trip.

2. Is it affordable?

The trip should cost around $3,500 per person for 10 days. That includes airfare, hotels, meals, transportation, and sightseeing. People will want to bring money for shopping, incidentals and tips.

The tour company will cover the cost of the trip for the pastor and spouse who organize the tour.

3. How do we know what to see and when to see it?

The tour operator will have experience and opinions on a good tour schedule.

I’ve learned more about what to see and when to see it each time I go, and I have definite preferences based on my experience. I’ve included the schedule I used on this most recent trip as a download.

4. Who organizes the tour?

As the pastor, I choose the dates that work best for me. The tour operator then builds the itinerary around my schedule and preferences.

The agency makes all the travel arrangements for the trip: air travel, hotels, the bus.

And the agency hires the tour guide. Every tour in Israel is required to hire a licensed tour guide. These guides know the Bible and Israel’s history, they speak many languages, and are always learning more. And they know everyone. Qualifying for a tour guide license is rigorous. This may surprise you, but most tour guides know more about the Bible than most pastors.

You may recruit a volunteer tour coordinator from your church to work with your members before the trip: answering their questions, and helping them connect with the tour operator to book the flights and make payments. It takes the details of the trip off your shoulders.

You, the pastor, cast vision for the trip, coordinate with the tour operator, and prepare to do some devotional teaching on the tour.

5. What about accommodations and meals?

The hotels serve breakfast and dinner buffets every day. The food is Mediterranean-style: meats, vegetables, and salads with enough exotic options to keep foodies interested.

Lunches are organized by the tour guide. There are good restaurants near all the major sites that are set up to feed busloads of hangry pilgrims. Be sure to request a variety of local favorites. No one wants falafel every day.

5. Should I go on a tour before I lead a tour?

It would be helpful, but not essential if you do your homework beforehand. There is a recommended reading list in the download at the end of this post.

6 Steps to Organize a Holy Lands Tour

1. pick a tour company..

It’s an important decision. Get this right and everything will be easy. Pick a less capable organization and you’ll find yourself resolving issues that shouldn’t have been problems in the first place.

The best way to find a good tour operator, of course, is by recommendations from people you know. I’m recommending the group we used this year. They have done an excellent job. Your tribe of churches may work with preferred operators.

What to look for in a tour company:

• Christians – for their understanding of the sites that are important to you.
• Experience – how well they know Israel, how well connected they are.
• Integrity – this may be hard to gauge, except by word of mouth.
• U.S. Based – planning is easier if their time zone is close to yours and the calls aren’t international.

2. Set the dates.

Spring is the best time to go. The hills are green. The temperature will be in the 60s to 80s. There may be some rain, but importantly, you want to avoid the heat that drains a traveler’s enthusiasm.

If you go in springtime, work around the timing of Easter that year.

October and November are are also good months to go. The weather is the same as spring; the only difference is that the hills aren’t green.

Which days of the week are best?

It’s easier for your church members if you depart on Friday night or Saturday morning. For the preacher, leaving on Sunday night or Monday is more convenient.

I like to arrive home on Thursday of the following week. It’s better not to preach that weekend while jet lag rages.

In addition to the dates of the trip, work with your tour operator to set these dates in your early planning:

• When you will do publicity.
• When the deposit and payments are due.

When you put it on the calendar, it becomes real.

3. Publicize the trip to your congregation.

Making a pilgrimage to Israel is a step of discipleship for the members of your church. Their lives will be changed as they see the places that Jesus walked, so don’t feel reluctant to talk about the trip. It’s good for your church.

Use these means of communication:

• Announce the trip during announcements in weekend services.
• Preach it by connecting it to a relevant point in your sermon two or three times.
• Use the video, webpage, and printed brochure that your tour operator provides.
• Post lots of social media that links to the web page of your tour.
• Have an information meeting to tell more about the trip and to answer questions. Have your tour operator present, or Skype in.

You should allow about six months to talk about the trip and give people time to decide before the initial deposit is due.

4. Decisions and deposits are made.

It’s busy in the days leading up the the deposit deadline because people will have questions. They may need some reassurance or clarification from you. Some people may not be able to do all the walking the trip requires.

Your tour operator will handle all the financial transactions. People can pay online or send a check.

5. Hold a trip meeting.

Have a meeting sometime after the first deposit is made so people who are coming can meet each other, and so you can cast vision for the importance of the trip in their spiritual lives.

They will also want to know how to prepare for the trip and you can answer their lingering questions.

6. Confirm final arrangements.

In the days leading up the departure, work with the volunteer trip coordinator to answer questions, confirm travel arrangements and double-check documents.

Your tour operator will tell you what they need and will work with your people.

Timeline for a Holy Land Tour

12 months in advance.

• Pick a Tour Company.
• Set the dates.
• Recruit a volunteer trip coordinator in your church.

6-12 months

• Publicize the trip to your congregation.
• Hold an informational meeting for those considering going – at 6 months.

3 months out

• Hold a orientation meeting for those who are going.

Tips and Recommendations

1.  leave at night..

Book a flight that leaves in the evening and flies through Europe. Sleep on that first flight. When you wake up adjust your watches to Israeli time, and make the flight from London, Frankfurt or Istanbul to Tel Aviv. Go to bed when you get to the hotel that evening.

2. Stay in just two hotels.

The first one is in Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. Stay there for 3 nights. Check out on the morning of the fourth day, put the suitcases on the bus, and travel from the Galilee down to Jerusalem via Jericho and the Mount of Temptation.

Your group will feel more comfortable returning to a familiar hotel and you will spend less time packing and moving luggage.

3. Have a Christian tour guide.

You can work with a Jewish guide because he or she will probably know the New Testament better than you and your group can lead the praying, but it is easier if the guide is a brother or sister in Christ. Our tour operator works with Arab Christians. We recommend them.

4. Make the most of lunch.

The buffet in the hotels starts to feel pretty routine after a few days, so use the lunches to give a more varied eating experience. St. Peter’s Restaurant near the Church of the Multiplication serves some scary looking local fish. Even if most in your group aren’t adventurous enough to eat them, they should at least take a picture.

Pre-arrange with someone who can sing who signs up for the trip to lead singing.

Sing often. Whatever hymn or chorus comes to mind as you stand at the site where Jesus was born, or in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, or as you sit in the temple at Capernaum. It’s worship of the most authentic kind.

6. Pursue the perfect itinerary.

You can see enough in ten days.

Your tour operator will have ideas, but they will want what you want. In my Pastor’s Perfect Tour Israel Book I give you the perfect schedule.

You will develop some personal preferences over multiple trips. Each time I go, I rely on our tour guide for one or two things I haven’t done before. We recently discovered Magdala, the tunnels under the Wailing Wall, and the Antonia Fortress.

7. Read before you go.

Plan to invest some time to prepare to lead this trip. Your tour guide will have enough to say, but be ready to bring the Bible into every site. You will skip between Old Testament stories, the Gospels, ancient history, and first century culture.

Your preparation if you haven’t led a trip to Israel before:

• Learn about the sites that you will visit.
• Choose the Bible passages that happened at those sites.
• Know what is significant about that place or that passage.
• Refresh your memory by reading an overview of the history of the people and the land so you understand the context.

Encourage your tour group to do some reading about Israel:

• Search on Amazon for books about Israel and read what interests them.
• Watch the old Peter O’Toole movie called Masada.
• Read the Gospels and Joshua through 2 Kings in the Old Testament.

8. Baptize.

Many people choose to be baptized again in the Jordan River. It’s a meaningful experience in the midst of their pilgrimage.

This time I had the privilege of baptizing six women from Philly and Jamaica, and most of our tour group. Baptisms are one of my favorite things anywhere, but especially in Israel.

Consider using the Tour Operator we use: Good Shepherd Travel

Call Tony Abuaita at 844.659.5263 or email him at [email protected]

Blessings on your pilgrimage!

Start Here to learn more about the resources available for you at PastorMentor.

Reader Interactions

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Proven Practices for a Growing Church

Pastor mentor store, what do you want to learn today, show me how to….

Plan the Perfect Church Calendar Improve my Mental Health Find a Mentor Do Outreach and Evangelism Evaluate my Church Set Goals See Church Growth

• Accessibility decleration

Israel and You Spaces and Places in Israel

Israel licensed tour guide course-english.

Israel and You May 4, 2013 Courses

( 570 Academic Hours )

Supervision and Licensing by the Israel Ministry of Tourism

Program’s Objectives :

●● Providing Tour Guides with knowledge about the Land of Israel, in the fields of Archaeology,

History, Religions, Flora and Fauna, Geography, Art, Architecture, and Israel’s current affairs in Social, Governmental, Economic and Political subjects.

●● Acquiring the ability for the Tour Guide to show visitors around the Country in a manner

suitable to the diversity of the clientele.

To whom is this program designated ?

●● Everyone who is interested to work as a Guide with Foreign or Local groups of tourists in Israel.

●● All those who love excursions and would like to deepen their knowledge of subjects related to theHoly Land.

●● Graduates in Studies of the Land of Israel, Archeology, History, Bible, Geography, Geology.

●● Speakers of languages that are requested in the Tourism Sector – like German, French, Spanish,

Italian, Portuguese, and more –an advantage!

Academic Acknowledgments:

Graduates of this course will enjoy the acknowledgment of up to 40 points by the University of Haifa,in the following courses:

Geography, Studies of the Land of Israel, General History and Archaeology; candidates will be

subjected to the enrollment conditions of the University and will need to fulfill the academic

requirements determined for each course.

Enrollment Requirements :

●● Maturity Diploma. (TAWJIHI) *

●● Knowledge of the English Language Additional languages an advantage!

●● Israeli Citizen or Resident (Permanent or Temporary Residence Visa holders).

●● Suitable capability of oral expression.

●● Successful completion of the selection procedures established by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

●● Candidates from age 30 and above who do not possess a Maturity Diploma will be required to

submit proof that they have completed High School (12 SchoolYears).

Program Extent and Classes :

The Course includes 570 academic hours in class and 80 field trips, designed to make proper acquaintance of Israel. The field trips will not be consecutive, and they will usually be performed on a predetermined day of the weekly studying schedule. Students will be notified well in advance about trips that will last several days.

Class Location, Program Type and Schedule :

JERUSALEM :  Tuesday+Thursday 18:00-21:15.

Field Trip :  Sundays

TEL AVIV :  Monday+Wednesday 17:30-20:45.

Field Trip :  Sunday

Among the learning subjects : *

●● Bibliographic guidance and Tour preparation according to the areas and subjects involved.

●● Geography and Climate: Maps and their use by the Tour Guide; Israel’s eography and Climate.

●●  Geology and Geomorphology: Basic knowledge of Geology and Geomorphology; The main shapes and outlines of Israel’s landscape.

●●  Botanic Science and Zoology: Flora and Fauna in the Land of Israel.

●●  Religions and Minorities: Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Minorities in Israel.

●●  Archaeology: Introduction to Archaeology and Pre-History; Biblical Archaeology; Classical Archaeology; Early Muslim Archaeology.

●●  Art and Architecture: to Art and Architecture; Islamic Art and Architecture; Modern Architecture in Israel from the beginning of the 19th Century.

●●  History of the Land of Israel and periodical classification: Biblical Period; First Temple Period; Second Temple Period; Roman and Byzantine Periods; Early Arab Period; Crusader and Ayyubid Periods; Mamluk and Ottoman Periods; The New Epoch up to our present day.

●●  Current Affairs in the State of Israel: The Government of Israel, State and Religion; Society, Immigration, Absorption and Settlement; Economy, Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Water Resources; History of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Peace Process; guidance methodology; typologies of incoming

and local tourism.

●●  Guidance tools and aids: Acquisition of guiding experience and skills for tour

management and organization; Suitable guidance methods for different topics and

diverse types of clientele; Workshops managed and operated by the students; Manners and Behavior; Security and Safety; Relations between Tour Guide and Tourism Authorities; First Aid Course; Learning how to look up bibliographical sources on the Internet

●●  80  touring days :  Didactic one-day guided tours, regional or by subject.

Certification :

Students who will fulfill the program’s requirements, attend classes and join the tours on a regular basis, successfully pass examinations, present required assignments and complete their projects will receive the Diploma of “Graduate of Tour Guide Course” from the National School of Tourism inIsrael, under the management of the University of Haifa.

Licensing by the Israel Ministry of Tourism :

●● The License of “Israel Tour Guide” will be appointed by the Israel Ministry of Tourism to those who will have fulfilled the following requirements:

●● Graduated from the National School of Tourism in Israel.

●● Received a certificate of absence of criminal indictments from the Israel Police.

●● Successfully passed the governmental final exams. (Written and Oral)

Tour Guide Course Tuition Fees :

The tuition fee includes :  80 touring days; support materials; entrance fees to the sites; BB for excursions that will last more than one day.

The enrollment fee of 350 NIS is not included in the tuition fee for the Tour Guide Course, and will

need to be paid separately.

It shall be clarified that in the event the studies are discontinued at any stage of the course ,  the

student shall bear the whole tuition fees of the course and the costs of the services ,  including

tours ,  and will not be entitled to any refund or return of tuition fees .

Registration Form – Download

Program in PDF – Download

Share this:

About israel and you, related articles.

Yad Ben-Zvi – The Ben-Zvi Institute, Jerusalem *

April 12, 2018

Tour Guide License – Lander Institute

May 5, 2013

Help support our friends in Israel in their time of need.

Create a Study Tour

If you can teach the Bible in a classroom, sanctuary, lecture hall or living room you can create a Study Tour that will bring the land and lessons of the Bible to life.

We'll equip your church, seminary, nonprofit, or educational institution to design, promote, and lead an in-depth Study Tour for 30 or more people with just 6 to 18 months lead-time.

Plan A Study Tour Now

See for yourself

Check out the Online Tour Journal to browse the archives or follow a current study tour. This will give you a clear idea of what you can expect on a GTI Study Tour!

Want to see it in person before you bring your group? Let us know and we'll arrange a planning trip or preview tour!

Churches and Pastors

Schools and teachers, seminaries and professors, how it works.

GTI Tours equips you to create your own Study Tour with our full-service, all inclusive Study Tour package. It provides pastors, professors, teachers and tour leaders with turnkey solutions that can be customized to meet the needs of anyone from a first-time tour leader to a seasoned professional.

When you partner with GTI Tours you get our complete Study Tour Package which includes everything below as well as all that we've learned over the last decade working with dozens of ministry partners running hundreds of Study Tours.

What's Included

Study tour mentor.

This seasoned Study Tour Leader will help you craft your itinerary, teach you best-practices, and answer any questions you have along the way about leading groups or teaching a particular site.

Travel Coordinator

This dedicated travel professional is available around the clock during your study tour ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience for everything from online registration to the final flight home.

Local Guide

GTI partners with the best local guides who understand history, culture, and more importantly, they understand our participants are not simply tourists, they’re people worth educating and investing in.

Customized Itinerary

Create your own itinerary or work with your Study Tour Mentor to customize one of our standard itineraries for Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Greece that facilitates a historical and spiritual teaching narrative.

Israel Pre Trip Curriculum

GTI provides all participants access to an online course that covers foundational concepts that will equip your followers to soak up and retain your teachings in Israel.

Printed Study Guide

This invaluable printed guide features maps, timetables, Bible references for almost every site in Israel allowing your participants to take notes and journal what you have taught and where you have led.

All Expenses Covered

Our all inclusive tours mean you and your participants won’t have to juggle cash and haggle over prices. Your Travel Coordinator and Local Guide have prepaid and pre-tipped everything on your trip.

Online Registration

Just because you're creating a Study Tour doesn't mean you have to handle registration and payments. Our staff and the secure registration site handles all document and payment collections.

Preparation Guide

We have a detailed packing list, travel guide, and frequently asked questions section of the site that keeps your participants informed, prepared, and excited for your Study Tour.

Backpacks and Gear

We take care of everything so your participants can stay focused during your Study Tour, including providing them with a hydration backpack, study guide, flashlight, and plug adapter.

Online Tour Journal

We facilitate a near real-time audio/video/photo blog for your participants so friends and family can follow along and so you can promote your upcoming study tours to a broader audience.

What influences the cost?

A group study tour requires the coordination of hundreds of variables that influence the final per-person cost of a trip. The number of paid participants, number of days, season of travel, hotel selection, and distance from an international hub are just a few of variables that factor into the final cost. Your Study Tour Mentor can work with you to identify any cost saving options while ensuring your Study Tour provides participants a life-changing encounter with the land and lessons of the Bible.

Our Ministry Partners

We facilitate hundreds of Study Tours for dozens of churches, educational institutions, and tour leaders who we refer to as our Ministry Partners. Together we guide our participants through a life-changing encounter with the Lands of the Bible. Get to know a few of our featured Ministry Partners.

BEMA Discipleship

"BEMA" is a Hebrew word that refers to the elevated platform in the center of the synagogue where th ... people of God read the Text. The community of God's people did not gather in buildings that faced a stage with an audience, but rather they allowed their gathering to reflect what they hoped to be true of their lives — revolving around the Word of God. God had spoken — are we listening? In 2008, Marty Solomon (current Associate Campus Pastor with Impact Campus Ministries and then Director of Outreach at Twin Falls Reformed Church) had the incredible opportunity to travel to Israel and study under Ray VanderLaan for two weeks. The experience changed his life forever. It seemed as though every mental image he had been given throughout his life was discarded and replaced by the things that he saw and learned. After his return to Israel and then to Turkey with VanderLaan in 2010, more pieces began to find there place in Marty's conscience.

Master's International University of Divinity

MASTER'S IS AN INDEPENDENT DISTANCE EDUCATION DIVINITY SCHOOL FOUNDED FOR WORKING ADULT LEARNERS. W ... provide a wide range of certificate and degree programs that can be earned through online directed study courses, short intensive online live classes, and brief residency group learning seminars. Our unique combination of study choices makes it possible to earn a ministry degree without being required to relocate.

The Acacia Project

The Acacia Project offers tools, information, and resources to help people better understand the Bib ... e by teaching the context, culture, and history of the Text. The goal is to create people who live, breathe, and love God's Word.Abraham Joshua Heschel once noted: “What the world needs is less text books and more text people.” Like no other before him, Jesus epitomizes the Acacia Tree, the walk, a Text person. Jesus call to all who desire to follow him is that we strive to be Text people. As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus we will see how he lived out the text in both his teaching and actions and thereby learn to be more like him. Our hope is that as we read the text in the land, what some call the 5th Gospel, the scripture will come alive with the pictures God has painted in the text as we seek to understand more fully the people, culture, and context of the land of the Bible.

Legacy Milestones

According to a recent survey by George Barna, most parents in America believe that it is their respo ... sibility to instill spiritual truth in the life of their children. Deuteronomy 6, Psalm 78, and Ephesians 6:4 compel parents to take the spiritual training of their children very seriously. As parents, our best effort at spiritual training is often bringing our kids to church. This is only a small part of the solution. We believe it is our job to equip parents to effectively train our children in the Christian faith as they do the common things of life. Faith is far more important than just two hours on Sunday. How does a parent take on the responsibility of "primary faith trainer" in the life of his growing child? First, the parent grows in his or her own understanding of the Bible and relationship with Christ. Second, parents learn how to effectively practice age-appropriate family devotions in their own home. Finally, parents learn to equip their children for the natural, spiritual milestones of life.

Grace Bible Church Houston

GBC exists to glorify God by making disciples who transform the world.We understand discipleship as ... n intentional, relational process by which people are equipped and sent out for God’s Kingdom work. For those who consider GBC their church home, this process takes place in three settings: Corporate Worship, Small Groups, and Service.

Church in the City

We are a local church family that gathers in the Wicker Park / West Town area of Chicago. Our desire ... is to transform cities by proclaiming and releasing the love of Jesus.

International Ministerial Fellowship

International Ministerial Fellowship is an association of evangelical Christian churches, ministers ... nd lay workers with an emphasis on the centrality of Christ and the Person and Work of the Holy Spirit which offers fellowship, multiple members’ resources including appropriate ministerial credentials, ecclesiastical endorsement and the service of a Missions Sending Agency. With a membership of over 1,300 across the nation and 100+ missionaries in 44 countries.

Moody Bible Institute

Long considered the gold standard of Bible-based education, Moody Bible Institute has been preparing ... students for ministry since 1886, with a combination of biblical knowledge and practical training.Along with higher education, Moody Bible Institute is also a media ministry that exists to equip people with the truth of God's Word to be maturing followers of Christ who are making disciples around the world. Other primary ministries include Moody Radio, Moody Publishers, Moody Conferences and the daily devotional, Today in the Word.

Hume Lake Christian Camps

Hume Lake Christian Camps is a year-round youth camp and adult retreat center providing epic, high-e ... ergy, life-changing programs for churches, schools, teams and groups.We teach the Gospel while giving your group unforgettable camping experiences that reinforce your own ministry.In spite of being nestled deep in Sequoia National Forest, our facilities provide ample comfort and convenience. Which is why most Hume Lake guests feel they're at a resort, not just a camp.Hume programs capture the attention of guests and campers, win their trust, and direct their focus to the gospel of Jesus Christ.We do this not only through traditional programming—speakers, bands, campfires, activities—but also through creative themes, full-production films, zany skits, stage theatrics, innovative recreation and dynamic musical worship.

The Church at Rocky Peak

Whether you're just checking out church for the first time, or you’ve been a follower of Jesus for ... a long time, we’re glad you found us – and we hope you come and visit us soon.Our weekend services are designed to help you encounter the presence of God in worship - and to grow in your relationship with God through a practical time of teaching in His Word.We have an excellent kids program available for kids birth through fifth grade during all services.Interpretation for the deaf is available at the 5:30 pm service on Saturday and the 9 am service on Sunday.

The Well Community Church

The Well is a multi-site church, which means we are one church in many locations. Each Well Campus f ... els very different, but all share one faith, one purpose, one biblical teaching. As you move from guest to Well family, we encourage you to intentionally follow Christ becoming more like Him, find a place to serve, and do life with those around you.Our Discovery class is your first step to connect. Directional Leader Brad Bell talks about who we are and where we are going. You will learn what we believe, and why we do the things we do. And the best part – you will learn about you. Then, if you would like to join a Life Group or serve God with the talents He has given you, we can help connect you to the right place. Ancient Paths Adventures The purpose and focus of an Ancient Paths Adventure is to give you a deeply experiential study tour to the land of Israel and Jordan that is intricately planned and all-inclusive in its needs for the ease and worry free adventure of a lifetime. While some destinations we will visit on this tour are popular tourist attractions, many are well off the beaten path and each site has been carefully selected because of its ability to transport the student into the text of the Bible. Our intention is that after visiting each sight you will be better versed in the history, geography, and biblical significance of the location. Each stop we make is designed to bring Scripture to life in a way that it enriches and impacts the way you read it. After all, it’s been said that there are 5 gospels—Mathew, Mark, Luke, John, and the land of Israel.

Strategic Renewal

Strategic Renewal is a para-Church ministry that exists to serve the local church and is characteriz ... d by an extraordinary commitment to the priority of prayer and the ministry of the word. In all we do, we underline the Scripture’s emphasis on healthy local-church leadership, the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit, and the pursuit of cultural transformation.

Walking the Text

Along with leading biblical study trips, Brad serves as the Teaching Pastor at Central Wesleyan Chur ... h (Holland, MI). Brad also serves as a faculty instructor for the Gray Institute (Adrian, MI), and has been instrumental in the development of the Free2Play Academy.Brad has been on numerous biblical study trips with Ray Vander Laan to Israel, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Sinai, both as a participant and as a facilitator. In addition, Brad had the privilege of studying for a year at Jerusalem University College in Israel after receiving his Masters of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary (Holland, MI). For the last several years, he has been led trips to Israel, Jordan, and Turkey.

North Pointe Christian School

NorthPointe Christian School is a 41 year old independent Christian school serving over 740 students ... ranging from 3 year old Preschool through 12 grade. Programs are available for full-time and part-time students. NorthPointe Christian offers traditional, Spanish immersion, and school & home hybrid models of education. Our families travel from all reaches of the West Michigan area and attend over 120 different churches. NorthPointe Christian Schools is dedicated to preparing students to impact their world for Jesus Christ.

The Forge is an 8-month resident discipleship program designed to develop followers and prepare lead ... rs for a lifetime of good works.From August to May each year, a small number of young men and women make the decision to set aside 8 months of their lives towards developing character, identity and discipline consistent with Christian leadership. The close community and rigorous schedule challenge the students to discover not just what they can accomplish - but who they really are. In so doing, they become men and women who aren't performers; they are leaders.

Joshua Wilderness Institute

Our mission statement at Joshua, “Transforming the Life Effectiveness of God’s People” is simp ... e. But the process by which this mission is realized is anything but. Utilizing a combination of theology, Bible study skills, philosophy and worldview training, evangelism, character development, personal life skills, and monthly mission trips, we endeavor to expose students to life, guide them to discern God’s will, and cultivate a spiritual passion and calling. Ultimately though, it is not our programming or passion that transforms these students. It is God Himself responding to the individual cry of each one who has purposefully set this time aside to be transformed. The sole motivation for attendance should be life effectiveness, through an increase in wisdom. When students come with that singular goal in mind, each one takes home a measure of transformation proportional to his or her individual drive and desire to be more like Christ.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university that is committed t ... liberal arts and professional education. U.S. News & World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University as "one of the best Master's universities in the Midwest." Over 3,000 students live and learn in state-of-the-art residence halls and academic facilities on IWU's residential campus in Marion, Indiana. More than 80 majors are offered, covering everything from Art to Theology and Ministry. An increasing number of honors students on the residential campus has led to the formation of the John Wesley Honors College. Another 12,000 adult learners attend classes at regional IWU Education Centers in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, as well as through our online degree programs, including associate, bachelor's and master's degree offerings such as the Master of Education, certificates and electives. The innovative adult education program, which was established in 1985, has received national attention.

Frisco Bible Church

Nothing is more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ. Everything we do is in response ... o what He has done.From our FB KIDS and Student ministries to all of our adult communities, they're geared to move you toward a rich and difference-making daily walk with Christ.You matter to God. That's why you matter to us.

Cornerstone University

CU is a Christ-centered university with a passion for global influence through the transforming powe ... of the gospel.We exist to empower men and women to excel as influencers in our world for Christ by offering a student-focused learning community where Jesus Christ is central.We aspire to create a thriving community of fully devoted followers of Jesus in a spiritually contagious, academically excellent, richly resourced, and culturally diverse learning environment that attracts outstanding students, faculty, and staff who influence our world for Christ, his church, and his kingdom. Bridges for Peace Bridges For Peace is a Jerusalem-based, Bible-believing Christian organization supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews worldwide through education and practical deeds expressing God's love and mercy.Bridges for Peace provides a variety of travel opportunities and lectures to help you or your tour group gain a deeper understanding of Israel, the Jewish people and the Jewish roots of our Christian faith in light of the Bible, history, archaeology, and current events. An extensive pre-travel study manual is a part of all BFP tours and is also available to individuals or tour groups coming to Israel.

Under the Fig Tree

George DeJong has served as Senior Pastor of Holland Heights Church in Holland, Michigan since the s ... mmer of 1990. In 1998 God ignited a great passion in George as He led him to journey the land of Israel, walking in the footsteps of his Rabbi, Jesus. Since then George has been committed to a deep study of the Text in its Jewish context. In turn, this has not only shaped his life and ministry at Holland Heights Church, but his love for the Word has opened opportunities to study with Ray Vander Laan of That The World May Know Ministries as well as at Jerusalem University College! Shaped by the rabbinic method, George has participated in and led dozens of study trips. As great as George’s passion for the study of God’s Word is his love and delight to share and to teach it in the context of Egypt, Jordan and Israel. George is a much loved and highly respected teacher and leader and to experience the lands of the Bible with him is to be in the care of a good shepherd whose love for those he leads is only surpassed by his love and respect for God’s word. A recent participant said it well: “There were many highlights on the trip, George’s teaching and leading is without doubt the most outstanding highlights of the trip.”

That the World May Know Ministries

Ray VanderLaan is the founder of That the World May Know Ministries and host of the video series Tha ... the World May Know. He is a published author and teaches Bible at Holland Christian Schools in Holland, Michigan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i create my own itinerary.

Absolutely! When you partner with GTI to create a group study tour you’ll have the opportunity to talk with one of our Study Tour Mentors and work out a tentative itinerary that meets your needs and is informed by the experience of a seasoned leader. Time of year, physical capabilities of the group, and tour duration are just a few of the variable we’ll help you understand as you craft an itinerary that will bring Scripture to life while walking in the Land.

What are a study tour leader’s responsibilities?

We’re willing to take as much off your plate as you would like to give up. We handle secure online registration for your participants as well as all payment, travel, and lodging details. We work with the guides, hotels, and airlines and even provide your participants with a robust Study Tour Preparation Guide.

• Request Info

• Western Seminary
• Study Tours

Israel Study Tour

Coming may 2024.

Jerome, translator of the Latin Vulgate, called the Holy Land pilgrimage "the Fifth Gospel." We invite you to read "the Fifth Gospel" in the land of Israel. Without doubt, this journey will be the most significant experience of your seminary career!

This study tour is designed specifically for seminary students like you. Western Seminary professor Dr. Jan Verbruggen will serve as group leader for this class. 

Participate in a three-week course entitled "Geographical and Historical Setting of the Bible." The course, offered in association with the Jerusalem University College , provides an excellent introduction to the geography, history, and archaeology of Israel. This tour includes lectures, map work, assignments, and exams. You will earn 4 semester hours of academic credit, transferable to Western Seminary.

May 12 to June 2, 2024

We will stay at Mt. Zion on the Jerusalem University College campus — just a five- minutes’ walk from the Old City of Jerusalem. As we study, we'll take field trips throughout the land of Israel with overnight stays in the Negev, on the Sea of Galilee, and in Jerusalem.

Cost & Flight

We will leave the US on May 12 and arrive in Israel on May 13. For your return flight, we will depart on June 2, 2024.

The cost for the program is $4,095 for campus housing at the Jerusalem University College (JUC). Married couples typically stay in the Gloria Hotel, with a cost of $5,350 (double occupancy) per person. The hotel has air conditioning and a private bathroom and is situated inside the old city. It is about a 10 minute walk to the JUC from the Gloria Hotel. These prices include housing, food, transportation in Israel, admission fees, study materials and tuition for the program. There is no difference in price if you take the class for credit or for audit.

Application Process

To participate in the program, you need to submit an application , your application fee ($50), and a $200 deposit to Jerusalem University College by Oct. 15, 2023. Each participant must fill out the application (spouses included). First time users will need to create a new account and apply for the 5A program with Western Seminary.

Sample Schedule