Become a church planter, applying your evangelism and discipleship experience in a creative-access country (CAC) in North Africa, one of the most unreached regions in the world. You will join an already strong team and a growing business established to meet and build relationships with people who need Christ.
Due to the nature of a CAC, you will work with an existing team composed of six families running a community center offering English classes, a gym, and other health-related programs. Serving in this position supports the team’s goal to develop house churches, in partnership with the national church, by enabling you to make connections and find people of peace with whom to share the gospel.
Required Qualifications:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- Completion of a minimum of 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry, 15 hours of Intercultural Studies (ICS)
- Spouse also must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed a minimum of 18 hours of Bible/theology, 15 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of 6 hours in cross-cultural or missions studies).
- Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 70 or higher
- Two years of successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience (ALME)
- Alliance ordination completed
- Strong, clear call to cross-cultural, pioneer outreach ministry, preferably in a Muslim context
- Previous training and experience in evangelism and discipleship training and application of church-planting and discipleship strategies/methods
Preferred Qualifications:
- A master’s degree in ICS, other ministry training, or a work-related field
- TESOL, TEFL, ESL, or CELTA certification to teach English (at least one spouse)
- Church-planting ministry experience
- Evangelism and discipleship experience
- Business and/or other professional certification
Responsibilities:
- Learn the language to a proficient level and adjust to local culture
- Seek and develop intentional relationships
- Boldly share the gospel with seekers
- Initiate and develop disciplemaking relationships
- Regularly open home for hospitality ministry
- Contribute to the work at the community center
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer 2017
General Information:
Successful outreach in this creative-access country requires a ministry platform that is not overtly religious. With this context in mind, a secular business was established to serve the dual purpose of obtaining legal residency and building relationships. Registered as a private club in the country’s capital city, the center’s goal is to serve families in the surrounding area through an American café, English classes, and a fitness center. The center provides tremendous opportunities for access to local people of all ages and walks of life, providing a venue for team members to use their gifts and talents in a ministry setting.
Language Expectations:
Language facility is essential to ministry. International workers receive two years of intensive language and cultural study. The goal is to speak and understand the local Arabic dialect at a functional level to share the good news of Jesus. Various language-learning options include the Thomson method (GPA) or formal schooling. The ministry center also offers an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with locals and learn the culture and language.
Health Considerations:
Medical services are adequate. Many medical personnel are trained in Europe. Private clinics offer most of the services familiar to North Americans; costs are quite reasonable. Malaria is not an issue. Most medications available in the United States can be obtained at the local pharmacy. Although medical services are adequate, it is advised that those with special health considerations contact the field, through the International Placement Office, before applying.
Expectations for Spouse:
The successful applicant’s wife is expected to engage meaningfully in fulfilling ministry objectives based on her gifts, training, the team’s needs, and her family’s needs.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
Quality formal educational opportunities are limited in this city. There is one suitable English-language private school for elementary-aged children and an English-language, homeschool coop for middle/high school children. Local French and Arabic schools also are available. A boarding option is available in Dakar, Senegal (Dakar Academy), for students in grades 8 through 12.
Compensation Package:
This position is designated to be fully funded through the Great Commission Fund (GCF). Please visit our compensation page for details on how U.S. Alliance international workers are supported. We offer a comprehensive package for this position, covering all costs related to a monthly living allowance, housing, travel, children’s education, and full benefits. GCF-funded workers share responsibility for raising GCF dollars from Alliance churches and other sources.