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Jun 13, 2011

11 Core values for missionary care (Part II)

The second core value identified by Global Connections relates to the recruitment, selection and appointment of missionaries (see the complete list of core values at http://www.globalconnections.co.uk/resources/codesandstandards/membercareguidelines). While many of these topics will relate specifically to mission agencies, the local church should be involved in several areas. “Good practice,” they say, “should ensure that throughout the recruitment process, the needs and views of the whole family are considered.” Some of their suggestions that pertain to churches include:

maintaining contact between the mission agency, the local church, and the missionary candidate from the beginning of the application process
encouraging and assisting the candidate to ask appropriate questions regarding the best fit for potential ministry
offering to provide a representative from the church during the agency’s interview process
ensuring the needs and opinions of the whole family are considered (particularly important with older children)
identifying areas requiring further training or maturation
development of memorandums of understanding between the church and the sending agency, specifying who is responsible for what, and to what extent
identifying areas of preparation for the whole family (again, especially important with children)

The Global Connections web site has a link to detailed guidelines for families which is worth reviewing. In adhering to this core value, pastors may play a crucial role, as might other church leaders or individuals with a personal knowledge of the candidate’s character and background. Other church members may be able to plug into communications or research. Other missionaries in your church, or ex-missionaries, could be particularly useful in assisting candidates in knowing the right questions to ask.

If the local church accepts the responsibility discussed in our previous post (June 6, 2011) then this is a logical follow-up. A candidate may be able to navigate this phase of the missionary experience on his own, or with just the help of his prospective sending agency, but the experience will be greatly enhanced by the participation of his sending church as well.

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