Short Long CCM unpacked Booklet - Amazon S3

Global

Outreach

Short-‐‑

Term Misc ??s Long Term

Golden Hills Church Purpose:

Our purpose is to glorify God by making disciples who will impact every area of the world for Christ.

GHCC Missions Vision:

Every church member becomes strategically obedient to God’s heart for the world by being goers and senders.

Global Outreach

Golden Hills Community Church

2401 Shady Willow Lane

Brentwood CA 94513

September 2013

Contents

Why does GHCC Global Outreach send Short-‐‑Term Ministry teams? ....................................................................................................... 1

How do we decide to support a ministry through the sending of Short-‐‑term teams? .............................................................................. 1

What are the goals of a short–term ministry trip? .............................. 1

What outcomes can I expect from my ministry trip? ......................... 2

What are the Core Values for those going on Short-‐‑Term ministry? ................................................................................................... 3

What commitment is expected of me once I am accepted on to a team? ......................................................................................................... 4

What homework should an individual or a team member do, in order to better understand the culture and people they are going to serve? ......................................................................................... 4

Historical background ............................................................................ 5

Economic background ............................................................................ 5

Cultural background .............................................................................. 6

Statistics and other facts ......................................................................... 6

Do I need to speak the language? ......................................................... 6

What happens when I return from my ministry trip? ....................... 6

I have returned from my trip, how can I help a cross-‐‑cultural worker before they go or when they return from the field? ............. 7

What are the realities I need to be aware of when serving in short and long term ministry? ............................................................... 9

What happens if I raise more funds than I need for my trip? .......... 9

I have many areas of concerns about responding to the call of working overseas. Where can I find advice from real people? ...... 10

How can my growth group connect with a long-‐‑ term ministry partner? ...................................................................................................10

We have chosen a worker; now what? ...............................................11

What do I do if I am convinced that God is calling me to full-‐‑time cross-‐‑cultural ministry? ...............................................................12

What are some of the qualifications needed for long-‐‑term cross-‐‑cultural service? .....................................................................................13

How do our children feature in preparing for mission? .................14

How long does it take before I can leave to start long-‐‑term cross-‐‑cultural service? ...........................................................................15

How does GHCC support those who are long-‐‑term cross-‐‑cultural worker? ....................................................................................16

What happens when I return from long-‐‑term cross-‐‑cultural service? ....................................................................................................18

What about Mission Agencies? ...........................................................19

I have piercings and tattoos-‐‑ is that okay? ........................................21

Do we really need to eat crocodile? ....................................................21

Where can I find more information about unreached people groups? ....................................................................................................21

What does Unreached People Groups mean (UPG)? ......................21

I see that the term ‘cross-‐‑cultural worker’ is used in many missional publications these days. What does it actually mean? ...22

FAQs Short-‐‑Term Missions Page 1

Short–term mission unpacked

Why does GHCC Global Outreach send Short-Term Ministry teams?

Ultimately so that Christ is known, loved and worshipped by all peoples of the world with a special focus on the least unreached.

How do we decide to support a ministry through the sending of Short-term teams?

We develop short-‐‑term objectives with our ministry partners that will help them to achieve their long-‐‑term goals and objectives. The same applies when we would alongside developing churches at home and abroad. In each case we do not impose our own objectives and only respond to invitations following prayer, careful consideration and dialogue. We are careful to engage in short-‐‑term ministry only when the objectives and vision of the host is clear and strategically important. We are very conscious of cross-‐‑cultural tensions that can develop on issues such as dependency and holistic ministry. We send teams and individuals with no other objective other than to serve and be directed by the local host.

What are the goals of a short–term ministry trip?

We don’t see a short-‐‑term mission opportunity as a one-‐‑off event that occurs in your life; it’s so much more than that. Here is a list of objectives that we see vital to short-‐‑term ministry trips: • to support ministries and cross-‐‑cultural partners that are

participating in expanding the kingdom of God, particularly among those who have little or no access to hear the gospel;

• to develop a broader understanding of what mission means, and to share your understanding with your sending church;

• to enable you to learn what is involved in sharing Christ cross-‐‑culturally;


• to help you discover your personal role in world evangelization, and to be open to the Lord about your future role in reaching the world, near and far, for Jesus Christ;

• to encouraging the long-‐‑term church-‐‑planting efforts of our resident ministry partners.

What outcomes can I expect from my ministry trip?

For you: • learning to walk in dependence on God

• explore your gifts and Christian character

• strengthen your prayer life in general as well as for the world and missions

• deeper understanding of the overwhelming need of the lost

• greater understanding for the need of financial giving to missions

• seeing the realities of missionary life

• observing the opportunities for service in missions

For your sending church: • the returned person will desire to serve in the church

• a greater understanding of local church involvement on a world level

• through you, education of the church about missions

For the ministry partner on the field: • received genuine help from an individual or team

• a broader base of prayer and financial support

• others coming to the field to serve as a result of the go-‐‑er’s reports

For the national believers: • encouraging them to reach out to their own people

• encouraging spiritual growth through testimonies, songs, sermons, and personal conversations


• breaking down stereotypes of people from your culture (All Americans resemble those in the movies)

For unbelieving nationals: • some would come to know Christ through your ministry

• that they would see the Christian life lived out in you

• breaking down stereotypes of people from your culture

What are the Core Values for those going on Short-Term ministry?

• a growing relationship with Jesus

• a servant heart

• a flexible attitude

• dependency on prayer

• be a learner As you work alongside the ministry workers and national Christians, try to understand why they do what they do. You will be amazed what you can learn from people of other cultures! Affirm the local church by taking time to listen to the leadership.

• it is useful to have some skills to offer

• respect the people you are going to serve

• daily time with God

• You should have a daily habit of spending time with the Lord. Spend quality time in prayer for yourself and for areas in your life on which you feel that the Lord would have you work.

• All short-‐‑term (team or individuals) sign a Code of Conduct form. This gives helpful advice and expectations for accepted candidates. The form serves as an accountability contract between you and your team members, as well as your team leader, church missions’ pastor, and those who you are going to serve. Rather than being a list of rules and regulations, it helps keep a focus on what you are


doing and why you are doing it. Do not be daunted by the expectations you will read in our Code of Conduct for Short-‐‑Term Ministry Teams & Individuals. Submit only when requested. The Code of Conduct for Short-‐‑Term Ministry Teams & Individuals is available online and at the GO Office.

What commitment is expected of me once I am accepted on to a team?

A commitment to regularly meet together as a ministry team, before you leave, is vital. It shows a commitment to each other, for those you are going to serve, and for the work you are going to do. We encourage team members to meet with a group of friends to specifically pray for the work they are about to embark.

Preparation time with your team before leaving is imperative. This is a time when you can plan your trip, to divide the workload, and to iron out questions and concerns while solutions can be easily found. While team planning is vital, prayer is even more important. While discussing ministry practicalities is commendable, seeking God’s direction for the ministry is even more important.

Someone once said ‘When man works, man works. When man prays, God works.’ Meeting together to pray is important for many reasons. It is important to pray for the country that you are going to; trusting that it is God who moves the hearts (see Ezra chapter 1).It is also effective for team bonding,;

What homework should an individual or a team member do, in order to better understand the culture and people they are going to serve?

As part of your preparation, we will give you the following questionnaire to complete. We want your experience to mirror some of the processes of long-‐‑term preparation. The following helps to build a picture and provides prayer insights into the host culture.


• What is the capital of your country?

• What percentage of the population lives in urban areas?

• What are the major ethnic groups, and what percentage of the population belongs to each of the major groupings?

• What is the official language of your country?

• What is the political format of your country (democratic, dictatorship, communist etc)?

• Who is the political leader of your country?

• Is there religious freedom in your country?

• What is the dominant religion and what are the other religions in your country?

• What are some of the major religious beliefs of the dominant religion?

• What percentage of the population is:

Christian Protestant Evangelical ______

What is the geography and climate of your country?

• How do people earn a living for their families?

Historical background

• Research a historical overview. Has the country been war torn? Stable? Strong world influence? How does the history effect the way the nationals view themselves? Recent changes?

Economic background

• What drives the culture’s economy? How do people earn a living for their families? Is there: Industry? Agriculture? Tourism? What is the standard of living? Average income? What can you expect of the culture’s living conditions?


Cultural background

• Investigate the country’s cultural celebrations. Holidays? Arts, drama, music? Is their culture tied to the religious beliefs? How do they celebrate?

Statistics and other facts

• Population? What percent of the population lives in urban areas? Crowded living conditions? What are the major ethnic groups, and what percent of the population belong to each of the major groupings? What percentage of the population is: Christian; Protestant; Evangelical.

Websites to find more about the country you are going to serve: Joshua Project – http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-‐‑profile.php Operation World – http://www.operationworld.org/

Do I need to speak the language?

It greatly helps to know greetings in the local or tribal language you will be encountering. This goes some way to show that you value the people you are going to serve. You will learn some basic greetings during your orientation.

What happens when I return from my ministry trip?

For all returning workers, (Short-‐‑Term and Long-‐‑Term) you will have the opportunity to meet up for a debrief. This is a helpful time to talk through everything that happened during your placement. You will be given some questions in advance that will help you as you reflect about your time away.

For those returning home for good, we want to help give you some direction as to your next steps. This will consist of discussing how to integrate what you have learned into your life back home and how you can use your experiences to mobilize others.


We give Now That You’re Home booklet to every returnee. This booklet is a helpful tool to help you during the initial few weeks of adapting into your home culture by packing what ‘reverse culture shock’ looks like, to practical ideas on how to share about your time away.

Download the booklet, Now That You’re Home Booklet

I have returned from my trip, how can I help a cross-cultural worker before they go or when they return from the field?

You can serve various ways, depending on how much time you have to spare, and on your particular giftings.

We have listed some ideas; however, the list is not exhaustive.

Provide hospitality and a listening ear.

Reverse culture shock is real; especially the longer one has been away from home. Connecting with someone from home, who has experienced cross-‐‑cultural ministry, can bring comfort and healing in early days of re-‐‑entry; simply being understood cannot be underestimated. Remember, so many changes have occurred in the worker’s life. Often grief and loss is experienced during this time of transition. Furthermore, many familiar things at home have changed, and the partner themselves have changed. Invite the partner for a meal-‐‑ take time to listen to them, and ask questions. Pray for them before they leave your home.

Practical help for partners who have been away two years or more:

• Looking for a place to live; temporary lodging along with a list of homes for rent/sale;

• temporary transportation until folk work out purchasing vehicles

• basic things for the house while belonging are still in storage, such as cookware, plates and utensils, towels, sheets, bedding, etc

• Looking into the best cell-‐‑phone/internet plan


Provide practical help before the partner leave for overseas by managing business affairs e.g.:

• Money – taking care of financial support transactions

• Taxes

• Health-‐‑care

• Managing personal details e.g.: Sell car, look after house, vote by proxy

• Visit family members on behalf of ministry partner

• Arrange college student’s housing during school breaks

• Procure home-‐‑schooling curriculum

• Ministry needs e.g. Send Bibles, clothes, computers

Financial support

• Support a ministry partner from the country you have served in, or another GHCC worker whom God puts on your heart.

Communication

• Communicating with cross-‐‑cultural workers is an invaluable encouragement.

• Letters (yes, these are precious. Words of encouragement can be read over and over again)

• Email / Telephone (texts)

• Photos

• Care packages

• Personal visits


What are the realities I need to be aware of when serving in short and long term ministry?

Because of the world in which we live, GHCC needs to make you aware of things which can sometimes happen – such as loss of liberty, injury, illness or even death.

We trust that none of our short-‐‑term teams or individuals will suffer these things – apart from illness that may be prevalent in the area of the world to which you are going, and for which we urge you to take the necessary preventative medicines. However, we need to realise that we are not exempt from any of them, and that we cannot guarantee they will not happen. We know we are in God’s hands and trust him whatever our circumstances.

Therefore, we ask everyone who intends to serve on a GHCC ministry team to read carefully The Hold Harmless, Waiver of Liability and Emergency Medical Care Authorization and return it to us before leaving for a placement. This is only to be completed and submitted as requested

What happens if I raise more funds than I need for my trip?

Have a look at our guidelines below. This answers this question and more, regarding finance.

Download the Financial Guidelines For Short Term Mission Teams & Individuals.

FAQs Long-‐‑Term Ministry Page 10

Long-Term Ministry

I have many areas of concerns about responding to the call of working overseas. Where can I find advice from real people?

The link below offers advice from experienced cross-‐‑cultural workers that address issues of calling, support raising, debt, training, singles, families, mission, that can be found on Ask a Missionary website.

Here is a sample of some questions asked: • How do I discover the country or people-‐‑group God is leading me

to serve?

• Should I go on a short-‐‑term mission trip just to try it out?

• How long should I plan to go—one year, two years, or longer?

• Is there any way other than begging for support?

Ask a Missionary http://www.askamissionary.com/

How can my growth group connect with a long- term ministry partner?

Over the years GHCC has developed relationships with individuals who are committed to working among the lost. Many of these workers have connected with our small groups. A great way for you to connect with one of GHCC’s ministry partners is to commit to pray regularly for their ministry and the people to whom they witness. We still have partners who have not yet been assigned to a small group.

One growth group in Brentwood, who has connected with a worker, admits that authentic relationship takes time and effort to cultivate; and they are enjoying getting to know the worker in a deeper and more personal level. A two-‐‑way relationship means that the group can share their news too. They plan to surprise their new friend by sending a care package this coming Christmas!

Next Step: Together with the Global Outreach department, you can discern a worker to connect meaningfully with; that might mean a


young family, a family with teenagers, a couple, or a single worker. Perhaps you want to connect with someone who lives in a certain area of the world. • The Global Outreach department holds information packs for all of

our partners. For those workers that are still looking for a group to connect with, you are welcome to look at the information packs that contain information about the worker(s), the country where they work, and the people they are serving. This information will help you and your group decides with whom to foster a meaningful relationship.

• Contact the GHCC Global Outreach office ([email protected]), to chat about the options above.

We have chosen a worker; now what?

Now you have chosen a worker to pray for – what next? The GO office will facilitate the initial stages of contact with ‘your friend’ on the field. Please send your initial email of introduction to us at the Global Outreach office, who will forward your letter with our own cover letter. In your Worker Information Pack, you will find full guidance in how to go about sending your first letter.

Please note that your friend may be working in an area of the world that is extremely sensitive, therefore extreme caution needs to be followed. Full correspondence guidelines are included in Worker Information Packs.

We will ensure that a response from the partner is generated within a reasonable timeframe. As relationships develop and routine is established, we would encourage your group to circulate information among yourselves and include praying for them just as you would for each other. Once this has happened we will step back and follow-‐‑up by the occasional courtesy call to make sure that there is nothing more we need to do to assist your group.


It is hoped that your relationship with those on the field will foster an authentic relationship and a meaningful partnership between them and GHCC. Our friends will be encouraged to know that there are people back home who are committed to the Great Commission, and who really do pray and care for them and those they have been called to serve. May your group be privileged to see God’s glory revealed to the nations as the result of informed prayer!

As relationships and prayer develops so too does the possibility of your group sending a representative/s to make a field visit.

Tool: Download the booklet Praying for Friends: http://www.goldenhills.org/ministries/global/resources.php

This is a resource to help individuals and groups to pray meaningfully for their chosen cross-‐‑cultural partner.

What do I do if I am convinced that God is calling me to full-time cross-cultural ministry?

The first step for any person or couple exploring the possibility that the Lord is calling them to Cross-‐‑Cultural Ministry is to speak with your missions’ pastor. Share with him the factors that led you to this point. You may be asked where you gifts lie, what experience you have, what area of the world you want to explore, and what area of work you feel the most passionate.

Every situation is unique and individuals need to be orientated accordingly. During the initial stages you will have many questions and concerns. There are often things that appear to be complex and confusing. It is the role of the GO Pastor to assist in helping to unpack these issues, to offer some suggestions, coach, orientate and pray with the potential candidates and help them engage in the process which will determine and crystallize their calling.

Prospective candidates should not feel overwhelmed or deterred by this. Candidates should not jump to conclusions about whether or not they


are suited to cross-‐‑cultural ministry. Just because a person may not appear to check all the right boxes doesn’t necessarily mean that they aren’t being called. Very often issues that cause concern can be worked through when viewed as opportunities to grow. Candidates should bear in mind that we are not looking for the perfect person – they don’t exist!

What are some of the qualifications needed for long-term cross-cultural service?

The bible shows the characteristics that all Christians should live by, Galatians 5: 22-‐‑23; Titus 1: 6-‐‑9; 1 Timothy 3: 1-‐‑12 are among the many imperatives we are given. We recognize that we are all a work in progress! Evidence of a teachable spirit and a willingness to change unsanctified areas in our lives are vital attributes for all Christians, including those in full-‐‑time Christian service.

We understand that God equips and qualifies those who respond in obedience; we are required to be obedient to our function as senders by thoroughly preparing candidates so that they will be well placed and equipped for ministry. The GO pastor will journey through the process with you. That may include: • personal study and prayer of the country in which you are called

• updating professional skills (skills that are certain to be used on the field)

• language acquisition

• specific missional and biblical training

This is not an exhaustive list.

Once it becomes apparent that God is indeed calling an individual, couple or family to cross-‐‑cultural ministry and certain pre-‐‑requisites are met, the GO Pastor will initiate the next phase.

Our booklet Global Outreach Career Worker Guidelines will answer more of your questions regarding issues relating to long-‐‑term workers. This will be given following an appointment with GO Pastor.


How do our children feature in preparing for mission?

We believe that God doesn’t just call a husband or wife. He calls both. Neither do we accept that children’s needs do not merit careful consideration. We believe that God is concerned about the welfare of children and will also call and affirm them in a special ways too. During the candidating process GHCC will also consider and pray for children and will work with parents to help with any issues and concerns they may have. We will also help families to set criteria for their family as faith objectives that we would trust the Lord to meet as a part of the confirmation process.

Just as candidates are required to have completed “Perspectives”, children of a suitable age are encouraged to participate in one of the special programs that GHCC offers. Our Educational and Children’s Pastoral Staff will be involved in the candidate preparation process and may be consulted at any time on an on-‐‑going basis. They are also involved in the de-‐‑briefing of children who return from the field.

We are acutely aware of some of the challenges “Third Culture” and “Mission Kids” (MK’s) encounter and we have access to specialists in this field that can advise and help parents and children alike. Concerns may range from emotional and spiritual development to educational needs and re-‐‑entry into US education and life. We also encourage MK’s and the relevant GHCC Youth Ministry to foster and maintain relationships so that a natural connection exists whenever they return home. We encourage parents to plan furlough around special MK Camps and GHCC Youth events.

Mentors/coaches appointed to parents will also have a concern and involvement with the children and will help them in the preparation process.


How long does it take before I can leave to start long-term cross-cultural service?

Very often, the time between responding to God’s call to cross-‐‑cultural service, to the time to actually leaving, is often a long process that cannot be short-‐‑circuited. Mission agencies, as well as GHCC, realise the importance in this process; it is a time to discern and confirm God’s leading.

Furthermore, although a person, couple, or family, may have a clear calling and commitment to serve cross-‐‑culturally, there will always be room to grow and develop in readiness for ministry. GHCC will work with candidates to help in this. Prospective candidates should not feel overwhelmed or deterred by this. It is our responsibility to seek the Lord together with a view to determining how we might best develop and prepare candidates and their children for effective cross-‐‑cultural living and ministry. This process is about embracing the opportunity to grow and expand knowledge and understanding to the point where workers and their families are equipped and prepared to develop a viable, sustainable and effective ministry.

Many called to long-‐‑term ministry may have had short-‐‑term experiences. As important as these short-‐‑term experiences can be, the realities of cross-‐‑cultural living and responsibility are often not truly experienced or understood in a short-‐‑term experience. Long-‐‑term preparation by definition requires an in-‐‑depth approach to preparation. Many dynamics in a cross-‐‑cultural context are rarely encountered prior to going to the field and so many areas of preparation need to be covered. Additionally, pre-‐‑existing issues and concerns that are ‘managed’ or ‘hidden’ at home must be addressed prior to going to the field. It is clearly understood that such issues become amplified on the field when new pressures and challenges are evident. At best this can handicap ministry and at worse cause failure and return from the field.

For the reasons mentioned, candidate preparation is not simply an academic exercise. Equal emphasis is placed upon spiritual growth,


mentoring, and preparation, which is why we appoint a mentor/coach to each candidate. Their role is to prayerfully journey with the candidate and develop a relationship that may continue for many years.

Our booklet Global Outreach Career Worker Guidelines will answer more of your questions regarding long-‐‑term workers. This will be given following an appointment with the GO Pastor.

How does GHCC support those who are long-term cross-cultural worker?

We see that ‘support’ is multi-‐‑faceted, covering every area of need – and each area of support is equally important. Listed below are the key areas that GHCC offer support: • Prayer support: We actively encourage prayer by various means

throughout the body of GHCC, for our partners and the people they have been called to serve.

• Financial support: Along with our workers, we trust that the Lord will provide all their needs. We do all we can to make a financial commitment in some capacity. As with other areas of support, the GO pastor will discuss matters concerning support directly with GHCC’s workers.

• Member Care: GHCC is committed to maintaining and developing workers and families in ministry. We believe that it is in the best interest of all workers that we provide an appropriate level of member care. Although we expect all workers to have developed a high level of maturity and dependency on the Lord, we acknowledge our need to ensure good briefing, de-‐‑briefing and on-‐‑going pastoral concern for workers and their families while on the field or at home.

• Support/Resource Group: Prior to leaving for the field or further training, GHCC will ensure that each ‘unit’ has a prayer support base. In addition to individual prayer support, a unique prayer group will be established. This group will be comprised of people


clearly committed to the worker who will foster a close prayer-‐‑centered relationship with their ‘friends’ in ministry. Their primary objective will be to maintain communications and to commit to regular times of collective prayer with the purpose of partnering in Kingdom Advancement through the ministry of their ‘friends’. By default, this group will be sensitive to some of the practical needs that arise and will prayerfully seek ways in which they can help. Some areas may concern furlough/home assignment arrangements, issues relating to the rental of property, concerns for elderly parents, children’s needs, etc. The support group will be encouraged to remember birthdays, sending local news, sharing about what’s going on at the church, etc.; anything that helps a worker and family to remain connected to the church.

• Small Group Prayer Support: Workers will also be linked to at least one of our small groups and two-‐‑way prayer requests and concerns will be exchanged. We expect a cross-‐‑cultural worker to assist GO in cultivating general interest and commitment to God’s heart for the Nations. As with the relationships with the Support Group, it is the worker’s responsibility to develop and maintain authentic relationships with their support base. The Small Group connection is purely prayer based and the worker should honor this by not expressing or implying that they are seeking material or financial support from the group.

• Communication: keeping the worker we support current on what is happening locally and informing them in a timely manner of any changes in our policies or financial commitments.

• Practical assistance: housing, transportation, furniture, etc., while in our area, or special needs while on the field. We will attempt to meet special needs through the worker’s Support Group.

• Speaking engagements: Global Outreach will contact you about opportunities to share at bible studies, growth groups, and other meetings. This gives the worker an opportunity to tell their story, to


share with and update the members regarding mission goals, experiences, and needs. It is also an important time for others to ask questions and to get to know you, and to understand the work you are involved in.

We trust that these factors nurture authentic and meaningful partnership between GHCC and its ministry partner.

What happens when I return from long-term cross-cultural service?

Before you return home on furlough, or whether you’re returning home for good, you will be contacted to arrange a time to meet with the GO pastor for a debrief. This debrief is a helpful time to think through and talk through everything that happened during your time away.

For those returning home for good, we want to help give you some direction as to your next steps. This will consist of discussing how to integrate what you have learned into your life back home and how you can use your experiences to mobilize others.

We give the booklet Now That You’re Home to every returnee. It is a helpful tool to help you during the initial few weeks of adapting into your home culture; it unpacks what ‘reverse culture shock’ looks like, to practical ideas on how to share about your time away.


What about Mission Agencies?

There are so many mission agencies, what questions should I be asking a mission agency to help me determine which one is right for me and the church?

We acknowledge that every mission agency will have their own requirements in who they accept for serving with them. However, potential candidates should ask their own questions to see if a potential agency could be the right fit for them and Golden Hills. Finding the right agency is the process of confirming God’s direction.

As a part of the candidating process, the Global Outreach department has the joy of walking this journey with you. Together, we prayerfully discern with you which agency is the best fit.

Our booklet Global Outreach Career Worker Guidelines will answer more of your questions regarding issues relating to long-‐‑term workers. This will be given following an appointment with the GO Pastor.

Some questions for considering Mission agencies as partners: • Accountability – What mechanism/guidelines are in place to ensure

spiritual, moral, and financial accountability?

• Does it have a clear vision statement that is evident in their fields of ministry?

• Care – How does the organization listen to, care for, and respect its people, on and off the field?

• Church – how does it collaborate with, and submit to, the local church and church leadership in the host country?

• Church Partners – How does the agency involve partner churches in decision-‐‑making and issues concerning its personnel?

• Compatibility – Is there a good fit relationally? Do we like each other?

• Conflict Management – What structure is in place for the agency regarding conflict resolution?


• Crisis Management – What mechanism and policies are in place to deal with crises (serious illness, death, hostage-‐‑taking, civil war etc.)?

• Culture – Is there a strong sense of exclusiveness, or is the agency open to working with other like-‐‑minded agencies for the sake of the gospel?

• Evaluation – How does the organization evaluate its progress, processes, and people?

• Faith – Do we agree on the fundamentals and any other significant doctrines?

• Funding – Are we in agreement with how workers and the organization are funded?

• Health – What is the agency’s guidelines regarding health care?

• Innovation – Are they consistently adjusting, improving, and innovating?

• Leadership – How can you tell that godly and capable leadership is in place?

• Mission, Vision, and Values – Does their direction and DNA fit with our priorities?

• Partnership – Do we have similar understandings of what partnership means?

• Prayer-‐‑ How important does prayer feature in the life of the agency?

• Types of Ministry, Goals, and Methodology – Are we in agreement?

Note: No agency is perfect; few will check all of your boxes. However, there must be transparency, trust, and mutuality on all sides. This is all part of the process that the Lord uses to confirm, or otherwise, if a three-‐‑way partnership is the ‘right fit’ for promoting and empowering an effective ministry partnership.

FAQs Miscellaneous Page 21

Miscellaneous questions

I have piercings and tattoos- is that okay?

Tattoos and piercings are really fashionable just now, however, they can be perceived as a sign of rebellion in another culture. The way forward is to simply prevent them being seen.

Short-‐‑term mission is about adaptation and having to surrender, sacrifice, and submit for the sake of the gospel. This may mean covering up a bit more than one would in the US. It’s not because GHCC Global Outreach likes rules, but because we don’t want to be a stumbling block to the people who we are going to serve. In some cases, you might be one of the few Christians that national encounter.

Do we really need to eat crocodile?

If you have the privilege to be invited to a local/national’s home, it will indeed be a special cross-‐‑cultural experience. You might not be offered crocodile to eat, but you will probably be offered something you haven’t tasted before. Unless you know you are allergic to the food you are being offered, the best thing to do is to accept a small amount. Be assured that a lot of work and thought has gone into preparing the meal to honor you.

Where can I find more information about unreached people groups?

The Joshua Project compiles the work of numerous missions’ researches to develop a list of all ethnic peoples that is as complete as possible.

http://www.joshuaproject.net/

What does Unreached People Groups mean (UPG)?

An ethno linguistic* people where there is no viable community of believing Christians with adequate numbers and resources to evangelize their own people without outside (cross-‐‑cultural) assistance.

FAQs Miscellaneous Page 22

*an ethnic or racial group speaking its own language. A people distinguished by its self-‐‑identity with traditions of common descent, history, customs, and language. Operation World, Seventh Edition, p. 958; p. 962.

I see that the term ‘cross-cultural worker’ is used in many missional publications these days. What does it actually mean?

Cross-‐‑cultural workers can be defined as full-‐‑time Christian workers sent out by their church(es) to work among peoples of a different culture, either cross-‐‑culturally in their own country, or abroad.

Cross-‐‑cultural worker is a better name to use in some geographical areas due to the connotations that the word ‘missionary’ carries. Many of our partners request that we do not use this term.

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Documents

Short Long CCM unpacked Booklet - Amazon S3