MISSIONS POLICY
Agreed by the PCC on Monday 17 October 2005
Introduction
God is a missionary God and the Church is part of His mission (Matthew 28:18-20). A local church such as St. Mary Bredin (SMB) is called to have a world-wide vision and to be committed to send and receive missionaries. These principles should be reflected in its praying, programme and finances.
The aim of this document is to set out the way in which SMB encourages and supports mission activities both overseas and in the UK and to establish the remit of the Mission Partners Action Group (MPG).
Responsibility of the Mission Partners Action Group
The Purpose of SMB is to Worship God, Build His Church and Love the World.
The role the MPG plays in fulfilling SMB’s purpose is to:
- Assist the PCC in carrying out the church mission policy;
- Provide good stewardship over the funds with which it has been entrusted;
- Support Mission Partners by:
- Maintaining a high profile of the Mission Partners in the church family;
- Providing regular corporate and individual prayer support;
- Providing financial support;
- Ensuring service slots for Mission Partners visiting Canterbury;
- Organising a meal for the MPG and interested individuals from the church family when Mission Partners visit Canterbury;
- Providing regular communications through the church website, email and post;
- Providing debrief/care package when returning from the field.
- Encourage people in the church family to follow God’s call into mission;
- Be the point of contact for those members of the church family interested in getting involved in mission activities, ensuring appropriate resources are available for them and testing their vocation;
- Plan imaginative events and publicity to inspire and inform the church family so that it sees itself as part of the worldwide mission of God.
Accountability
The MPG is accountable to the PCC which will ratify its annual plan and membership.
Mission Partner Group membership
The MPG will have between 4 and 7 members including the Chair. It will seek its own members from the church family.
Members of the MPG are expected to:
- take an interest in local, national and world evangelism;
- attend the MPG meetings;
- take an active role in the decision making process;
- represent the Mission Partners to the church family;
- be able to make good desserts.
Definitions
Long-term Mission Partners: Those engaged in mission activity for more than two years
Short-term Mission Partners: Those engaged in mission activity for a period of up to two years
Training Mission Partners: Those training for mission, e.g. through Bible college or tropical nursing
Support Structure
Key principles
SMB supports a small number of long-term key Mission Partners who we see as our primary mission commitment and who we undertake to support through regular prayer and giving. These Mission Partners can be individuals, projects or organisations and represent a mix of UK and overseas activities.
The aim is to support a few Mission Partners well who often don’t have access to other avenues of funding, as opposed to supporting many Mission Partners little who may have access to multiple avenues of funding.
It also supports a larger number of short-term Mission Partners who have links with the church and who may be supported by individuals from the church.
In addition to supporting those already engaged in mission activity, SMB also aims to help those thinking about working in mission to discern where God is leading them.
We will always ensure that part of our resources are spent in supporting an Anglican mission agency - either an individual or a project.
Available funds
SMB sets aside 10% of its general giving for mission purposes. In addition, members of the church family give for mission purposes and these funds are accounted for in the Mission General Fund.
Individuals in the church family may direct some of their giving to the church towards particular individuals, projects or organisations who are not recognised Mission Partners by the MPG. These gifts are accounted for in the Mission Specified Fund and this fund is outside the remit of the MPG.
Application Process
The process for candidate Mission Partners to apply for financial support is set out in Appendix A and the application form for becoming a Mission Partner is set out in Appendix B.
Personal champions
Each Mission Partner will be encouraged to identify a ‘Personal Champion’ who can be their link to the church family whilst they are on the field. The Mission Partner will inform the MPG of the name and contact details of this person.
The Personal Champion cannot be a member of the MPG. In order to ensure sufficient coordination, the Personal Champion is expected to keep in close contact with the MPG and vice versa.
Support commitment
The MPG aims to provide the following support to Mission Partners by:
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Long-term
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Short-term
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Training
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Organisation
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Maintaining a high profile in the church family (e.g. church services, notice sheet, magazine, notice board, network groups?)
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Appointing a Personal Champion
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Regular corporate and individual prayer
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Regular financial support
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(one-off)
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(one-off)
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Regular communications through email and post (sermon cd’s, magazines, etc.)
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Ensuring service slots (testimony/ interview and prayer) when in Canterbury
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Providing a debrief/care package when returning from the field
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(when required/
appropriate)
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Organising a meal for the MPG and interested individuals from the church family
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The following commitment is expected from its Mission Partners:
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Long-term
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Short-term
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Training
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Organisation
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Regular communications through newsletters and reports
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(one-off)
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(one-off)
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Provide an up-to-date picture for inclusion in church communications
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(one-off)
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(one-off)
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Set up a prayer support group of at least 3 people (6 are recommended) before departure to the field
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Provide regular prayer updates for the church family
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APPENDIX A – APPLICATION PROCESS
1.
Candidate Mission Partner fills in application form (Appendix B)
+ sends to MPG Chair
2.
Candidate meets with Vicar + MPG rep who make a recommendation to MPG
(Long-term and Training Mission Partners only)
3.
MPG discuss, decide and communicate decision re acceptance and
(where relevant) level of funding to candidate
4.
New Mission Partner to identify Personal Champion and prayer group
5.
MPG to ratify Personal Champion
6.
Mission Partner leaves for the field
APPENDIX B – APPLICATION FORM
59 Nunnery Fields
Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3JN
Tel: 01227 453777
Fax: 01227 453373
MISSION PARTNER APPLICATION FORM
Name _____________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Telephone _____________________________________________
Email _____________________________________________
Present occupation _____________________________________________
Describe the project
Date to start _____________________________________________
Date to finish _____________________________________________
Where and with which organisation___________________________________
How much will it cost £_____________________________________________
How much do you have already £_____________________________________
How much would you like the church to provide £_________________________
Please return this form to the Church Office for the attention of the Mission Partner Group Chair who will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Thank you!