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.
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