Missions Philosophy of Digital Missions Display

Biblical Foundation

We understand evangelism and missions according to the commission given by our Lord Jesus Christ in Acts 1:8:

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Four Levels of Missions

  • Jerusalem: Our immediate mission field—families, neighbors, and those in close proximity to our church and homes.
  • Judaea: Our regional mission field—suburbs, cities, and states across America where we aim to support Bible-believing church missionaries.
  • Samaria: Our cross-cultural mission field—reaching people of other cultures and languages within the United States of America.
  • Uttermost part of the earth: Our international mission—sending and supporting church planters to proclaim Christ and establish churches abroad.

Our Missions Philosophy

1. Definitions

  • Church Planting: The complete process of evangelizing, baptizing, teaching, organizing believers into a local church with biblical leadership, ordinances, and worship (1 Cor 1:17; Acts 16:30–33; 1 Tim 3:1–13).
  • Planted Church: A church that no longer requires a missionary’s leadership.
  • Missionary: One primarily engaged in preaching and teaching during church planting (Acts 13:13; 15:36, 41).
  • Missionary Helper: One who assists the missionary without primary preaching responsibilities (Acts 19:22; 2 Tim 1:16–18).
  • Missionary Candidate: A man seeking support to function as a missionary.
  • Candidate: One seeking support to serve as a missionary helper.
  • Initial Consideration: Period of evaluation by church leadership and members before financial support is committed.

2. Actions

a) Our Aim

To see the First Commandment become the first priority in all nations through Jesus Christ (Mark 12:28–29; Matt 28:18–20).

b) Our Action

i. Identification
  • Missionaries must meet elder qualifications (1 Tim 3:1–7; Titus 1:6–9).
  • Helpers must meet deacon-like qualifications (Acts 6:1–6; 1 Tim 3:8–13).
  • Candidates must be known and examined in conduct, doctrine, and teaching ability (2 Tim 2:2).
  • Doctrinal alignment and character references are required, including the sending church’s pastor.
ii. Faithful Partnership
  • Support few deeply, rather than many shallowly.
  • Partnership requires doctrinal unity, consistent updates, and mutual respect (Amos 3:3).
  • Communication must flow both ways, including awareness of field challenges and prayer needs.
iii. Shared Philosophy
  • Each candidate receives this document and may respond with comments.
  • A questionnaire may assist in assessing alignment.
  • The congregation is informed before voting on support.

3. Priorities

  • Missionaries are prioritized above helpers.
  • Priority Order:
    1. Church Members.
    2. Workers in fields of strategic importance.
    3. Graduates of like-minded seminaries.
    4. Those sent from like-minded churches.
  • Limited support considered for members visiting planted churches.

Appendix A – Characteristics of an Established Church

A planted church, ready for missionary departure, ideally has the following in place:

  1. Statement of Faith
  2. Church Covenant
  3. Church Constitution
  4. Defined Roles for Leaders
  5. Ordained Leaders
  6. Contracts for Vocational Staff
  7. Pastoral Internship & Training
  8. Deacon Training
  9. Membership Classes
  10. Financial Procedures and First Budget
  11. Facility Planning
  12. Legal Compliance and Policies
  13. Position Papers (Worship, Missions, etc.)
  14. Business Meetings Held
  15. Established Support Network

Church Planting Phases

  1. Phase One – Gathering and Training
  2. Phase Two – Begin Internships and Membership Classes
  3. Phase Three – National Leaders Function Under Supervision
  4. Phase Four – Ordination, Constitution Adopted, Church-Planter Departs
  5. Phase Five – National Pastors Continue Church Development