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At Xenos Christian Fellowship we desire to be significantly involved in selecting, supporting, and sending mission workers from among our membership. Missionary Accreditation is the process by which a candidate might become recognized and supported as a missionary sent by Xenos.
Given the number of people who desire to do mission work, the wide variety of missions ministries available, and the limited resources of the church, Xenos often must make some difficult decisions regarding whom to support--and how much. The accreditation process is an attempt to make these decisions as fairly as possible, while at the same time giving proper attention to the needs of both the candidates and the church. As well, we want to give priority in the process to the leading of the Holy Spirit, who at times may ask us to do the "unthinkable" in missions outreach as a church.
Given the tremendous spiritual needs around the globe and the proliferation of specialized agencies designed to meet those needs, there are seemingly countless opportunities for a local church to get involved in missions.
Missionary Accreditation is designed to assist the church in identifying which of the many mission projects and needs it will commit its limited personnel and resources to.
Although many may have a desire to do foreign missions, we believe it is a specialized ministry and requires those who are spiritually mature, suitably gifted and proven in ministry. The timing also has to be right in the chosen field, the lives of the missionaries and their families, and the development of the local church. When these factors are all right the local church and its leadership will usually be able to make a strong contribution to candidates' ministries. We also feel we can help assess people's suitability for cross-cultural work.
Xenos leadership desires to work in cooperation with mission agencies in the selection process for potential mission workers. Of course, individuals are free to apply with mission agencies apart from the input of the church. Accreditation has nothing to do with permission. We are not involved in restricting ministry, but in facilitating and enhancing ministry. Nevertheless, we believe it is in the best interest of would-be missionaries to get as much feedback and support from the local church as possible, especially when they want support from the local church.
Having a solid home base of spiritual and financial support is key for effectiveness abroad. Xenos offers accredited missionaries several possible types of support, including financial assistance (see Section D below, Support Available for Accredited Missionaries).
Not all accredited missionaries will necessarily receive the same kind and/or amount of support. Levels of support will be negotiated with each missionary and viewed on a case by case basis. Factors such as the church's current missions focus, the church's overall financial priorities, previous commitments to other accredited missionaries, and the number of missionaries seeking accreditation, will be taken into account in setting the kinds and levels of support (see Section G below, Factors in Accrediting Missions Ministries).
For the purposes of accreditation, missions terms of service are categorized as follows:
The accreditation process will take into account any differences in the levels of commitment, qualifications, and support needs related to these terms
As a church, we can render prayer assistance through a Home Support team who can help with the writing and distribution of prayer letters, etc.
Missionaries can apply to receive financial support from the fellowship--either through a line item in the general budget or through individuals within the church, or both. The amount of support will be determined in the accreditation process (generally, 60% of total support is a maximum provided by the church). We assume that many short-term ministries (less than six months) can be self-supported (i.e., trip financed by personal savings, immediate family, etc.). See Section H below, Financial Support Policy for Missionaries, for more information.
For missions lasting at least one year, a Home Support ministry team must be formed to
The Home Support team will go through the same accreditation process as other Xenos ministry teams. In this way, the Home Support team will be able to receive volunteers and assistance through the Ministry NetWorking program.
Missionaries can usually make presentations at the monthly Servant Team Meetings, and at home groups. Teams can also apply to do a monthly Ministry Highlight or use the Ministry Display Table at a Central Teaching.
The World Ministries Department can work in conjunction with the team's mission agency and Home Support team in completing any necessary preparations.
Accredited missionaries will be commissioned by the church at one of the Servant Team meetings or another appropriate venue through the laying on of hands and prayer.
We assume a team's mission agency has the primary responsibility to provide supervision, accountability and personal care for field operatives. Xenos, however, can be involved in a pastoral role, paying special attention to the personal and spiritual needs of the worker. This can be facilitated through regular communication.
Missionaries who make at least a one year commitment, can receive help for the often difficult phase of re-entry during home assignment (furlough) and the completion of their term. Debriefing for short-term missionaries can assist them in getting the most out of their overseas experience.
Read on to the next section in "Missionary Accreditation"
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