Opportunities
Global Ministries provides several ways for churches and individuals to participate in the work of world missions. Here are some of the key forms of involvement.
Missionary Service
Throughout our history, God has used individuals who were in the right place, at the right time to initiate ministry and develop local churches and leaders. We believe that God is continuing to call believers into missionary service and that the days of sending North Americans has not come to an end.
Characteristics:
Global Ministries is looking for individuals who demonstrate a genuine dependence on God, concern for the lost, and consistency in their spiritual, personal and family life. The nature of missionary work is such that candidates ought to be empathic, able to withhold judgment, tolerant of ambiguity, willing to persevere and determined to see multiplication occur at every level.
Requirements:
Candidates are required to be fully devoted follows of Christ, members of a local United Brethren church, with sufficient training, experience and education to perform the tasks and ministries they will be assigned. They must be citizens of their sending country and have the support and approval of their local church.
Steps to Service:
1. Initial Contact
The first contact may occur through correspondence or a conversation with a representative of Global Ministries, but whenever possible Global Ministries will seek to meet face-to-face to discuss opportunities for service with those seeking counsel.
2. Letter of Endorsement
Global Ministries will then contact the candidate’s local church and request a letter of endorsement. The pastor or appropriate leadership team may provide such a letter. The letter should indicate whether the local church supports the candidate’s decision to pursue service with Global Ministries and if it intends to provide support in any way.
3. Application
Each candidate will complete an application form, life history questionnaire and personality inventory. In the case of married couples, both the husband and wife will be considered candidates. References provided in the application will be contacted and a criminal background check conducted.
4. Interview
A committee of 3 to 4 members of the Global Ministries Leadership Team will interview the candidate(s).
5. Approval
The interviewing committee will make their recommendation to the Global Ministries Leadership Team that meets twice per year.
6. Global Ministries Orientation
Orientation will take place in Huntington, Indiana and will cover:
•Mission strategies and objectives
•Procedures and policies
•Creation of a budget
•Development of a support base
7. Support Raising
Along with the coaching and assistance of Global Ministries, candidates will raise sufficient financial support in cash and pledges to meet their projected budget for their first term of service.
8. Training
Training in cross-cultural adaptation and language acquisition will be provided for all candidates and children. Global Ministries may assign additional training specific to the candidate’s anticipated ministry.
9. Deployment
When sufficient support has been raised in cash and pledges, new staff members will be deployed to the intended field of service. Generally, the term of service will be three years at a time.
10. Language and Culture Study
During the first year of service, new staff will be expected to focus their time and attention on language and culture study as assigned by Global Ministries.
China
We are currently seeking individuals with educational training and experience to form a team of 3 to 5 consultants to work in Southern China. This team will operate in conjunction with the local department of education. Strong relational skills are required and a willingness to use subtle influence with friends and neighbors. Undergraduate or graduate degrees in English education or TESOL are an asset. Must be willing to learn a new language, live simply and raise support.
Projects
We continually provide specific projects which need to be funded. Usually, these involve something in one of our partnering countries--a church in need of repair, an outreach program, a student to support, and much more. The various current projects are listed here.
Work Trips
Every year, many groups from United Brethren churches in the US and Canada travel to other countries to do such things as construct buildings, hold medical clinics, and teach. A few groups are organized directly by Global Ministries, but most are initiated in local churches. Read about the various work trip opportunities.
Opportunity for Teachers
The International Academy of Saint Petersburg (www.myiasp.com) is deeply committed to providing quality Christian education, in English, to the International Community. The academy brings the families of Christian workers, business people and diplomats together with an International English-speaking teaching staff in a nurturing, Christ-centered educational environment. A UB couple are currently assigned to the academy and would love to have some UB coworkers join them.
Here are their needs for fall 2009:
- Elementary teachers (need two; grade level assignments still flexible)
- ESL specialist (to teach and help develop our ESL program; have two helpers in place)
- Secondary English and Math
- Other subjects, please inquire! Especially with non-core subject areas (drama, music, art, etc...) we can work out full-time combinations.
If you know of anyone looking to teach overseas, please contact the Global Ministries Office.
Partnering with Other UB Churches
Some UB churches take strong interest in a specific country, and want to partner with other local churches that share their interest. Here are three examples:
Mexico. The Mount Pleasant UB church of Chambersburg, Pa., is working with our churches in Mexico.
Honduras. The Fowlerville UB church of Fowlerville, Mich., has a special passion for church planting in the Copan region of Honduras.
Nicaragua. The Brown Corners UB church of Clare, Mich., is tightly focused on helping the United Brethren people of Nicaragua.
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