This country has more unengaged and under-engaged people groups than any other single nation. It will be a tough place to serve and demand a high level of tenacity. Workers will be members of a team dedicated to a culturally sensitive approach to pioneer church planting, using some form of a business initiative. Each team member will be expected to strongly contribute in the areas of relational outreach, discipleship, and leadership development as core methodologies in this effort.
Required Qualifications:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- Completed a minimum of 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of Intercultural Studies (ICS)
- The wife must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed a minimum of 18 hours of Bible/theology and 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 55 or above
- Two years of successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience (ALME)
- Alliance ordination completed
- Training or experience in leading any of the following: small groups, TESOL, church planting, discipleship, evangelism
Preferred Qualifications:
- A minimum of one year of graduate or seminary training in missions and cross-cultural studies
- Previous ministry experience in an urban cross-cultural context
- Some business training and experience
Responsibilities:
- Learn the local language to a proficient level and adjust to local culture
- Make new contacts, share the gospel, and develop relationships
- Be prepared to travel, when invited by new contacts, to build relationships and evangelize
- Initiate Bible studies or discipleship activities with new contacts
- Regularly have an open home for entertaining new contacts and team events
- Attend, lead, or contribute to a weekly Bible study, discussion, or other types of ministries designed as outreach, discipleship, or worship meetings as a part of the church-planting effort
- Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the team’s business plan, including mission, goals, core values, structure, administration, market strategies, financial issues, processes, personnel, implantation, design, and evaluation
- Participate in business planning, strategy sessions, and implementation as agreed on in consultation with the team leader
- Strengthen personal knowledge of general business principles, best practices, and local business issues
- Carry out any work duties related to a professional ministry’s meaningful, impactful presence
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer 2017
Work and Living Environment:
Life and ministry in this country will not be easy for the reasons cited above, but it is highly strategic for advancing the Great Commission. Workers should be prepared for the long haul. It will be through friendships and relationship networks that the gospel is most effectively shared, and making many friends is possible.
Status of Christian Witness:
These areas are critically under-engaged with the gospel. The people are difficult to reach, yet God is opening many hearts. Currently, the overall number of Christians in the area is under 1 percent of the total population.
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. International workers receive two years of intensive study in the local language and culture. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level to share the good news of Jesus. Workers will be expected to be disciplined and intentionally persevere in the first season of language learning.
Health Considerations:
Local hospitals may not be considered adequate for some health issues. Much better medical care is available in the country’s major cities and regional hubs, such as Singapore and Bangkok.
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:
Educational options include homeschooling, possible co-op schooling, and local international schools. Boarding school is not an option before the child reaches high-school age. Local regular schools may not be considered adequate.
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. C&MA international workers are compensated. You will see there a comprehensive package that would be offered with this role covering all costs related to a monthly living allowance, housing, travel, children’s education, and full benefits. GCF-funded workers share corporate responsibility for raising GCF dollars from among Alliance churches and other possible sources.