When you respond to God’s call and embark on the journey towards cross-cultural mission it is a mistake to think that the only people involved are the mission agency and yourself. There are many people who play a crucial role at every stage – helping to discern the call of God, sustaining you in your ministry and receiving you upon return. It is important for you to cultivate partnerships with your sending church, other churches who want to support you, and with individuals who love and care about you and the work. A team approach is essential as you will need people who will pray for you, support you financially and encourage you in many different ways. This module will look at how you build a supportive team and continue to connect with them once you have joined a ministry team.

 

Pre-field requirements:

  • Confirmation of calling from sending church.
  • Confirmation of ongoing support from sending church.
  • An initial support team.
  • An ongoing plan to build your support team and to develop your relationships with supporters.
  • To obtain an official Pioneers prayer card.*
  • To understanding best practice for writing to supporters.*
  • Obtaining necessary agreed funding in place prior to leaving for the field.
  • National Director’s approval of financial support level.*

 

How to fulfil requirements:

    Essential (requirements which must be completed)

    • Confirm church agreement with the Sending Church Handbook.*
    • Encourage church leadership to attend interview and be involved in discussions with the Member Care team.*
    • Attend Pre-Field Orientation.*
    • Agree your budget and strategy for raising your required support with the Member Care team.*
    • Ensure Regular ongoing communication with sending church and other supporters.
    • Liaise with the Communications team about the creation and production of your Pioneers prayer cards.*
    • Review funding level and obtain approval from Member Care Manager and National Director before making departure arrangements.*

     

    Ongoing development (ways of growing further in this area):
     

    • Attend a Myles Wilson seminar.
    • Attend the Mission Explored “Local Church” session.*
    • Attend Via Support Raising Bootcamp
    • Regularly communicate with Member Care Manager about support.*
    • Maintain regular contact with supporters.
     

    Suggested resources

    Start here – suggested foundational resources

    • Missions: How the Local Church Goes Global – Andy Johnson.
    • Personal Support Matters: Your guide to developing a support team for ministry– Claire Niclasen and Myles Wilson.
    • The God Ask: A Fresh, Biblical Approach to Personal Support Raising – Steve Shadrach.

     

    See also

    • Friend Raising: Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts – Betty Barnett.
    • Antioch Revisited: Reuniting the Church with Her Mission – Tom Julien.