Mid-Term Missions Policy.pdf

Mid-Term Missions Policy at Bethlehem

Definitions

Mid-termers are people who go into a cross-cultural ministry for 6 to 24 months, and who consider this a vital step in preparing for a missionary career or life at home as a World Christian. Most often goals for short-termers include serving God in the ministry of missions, learning firsthand what missions really is all about and determining if God is calling them into full-time Christian service.

Requirements for Mid-Termers

• Active and obvious commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Willingness to serve as a career cross-cultural disciple-maker, if God so leads.
• Member of Bethlehem at least one year prior to date of departure.
• High school graduate. Those not yet college graduates are strongly urged to participate on a team (either Bethlehem or non-Bethlehem) or in a ministry with a current Bethlehem missionary.
• Proven ministry experience commensurate to the proposed mid-term assignment.
• Proven competence in specific area of assignment.

• Personal and spiritual maturity sufficient to the proposed assignment.

One-on-one consultation with Pastor Erik Hyatt to discuss preparation plans. This should take place at least 6–12 months prior to planned departure.
• Strong recommendations from church leaders in his/her area of service.

• Acceptance by a mission agency approved by Bethlehem.

• Pre-field orientation and preparation from the agency and/or church.

• Formation of Bethlehem-based Barnabas support team.

Completion of the Nurture Program for Missionary Candidates at least one year in advance.

Notes

(1) The Foreign Missions Committee (FMC) is convinced that missionaries are more effective in ministry and more adequately cared for when working under an established sending agency; therefore, it is our policy not to support missionaries who are independent of such sponsorship and direction.

(2) From time to time God leads mid-termers to extend their terms beyond their original commitment. The FMC has learned over the years that the longer a missionary is on the field, the more and more effective they become. We are very supportive of the Lord's leading from a shortterm status to a career path. However, it is vital that individuals in this situation be in thorough communication with the FMC. If a mid-termer desires to extend his or her commitment beyond two years, the FMC expects that the mid-termers meet the requirements for career missionaries.

Application Process for Mid-Termers

Pick up and complete an Application for Support (Short-Term/Mid-Term) from the Missions Department. Submit your completed mid-term application at least 8–12 weeks in advance of your departure. The People Sub-Committee of the Foreign Missions Committee will review the application and contact the applicant to schedule a personal interview, if applicable. The candidate's application and the recommendation from the Sub-Committee will then be sent to the Finance & Policy meeting of the Foreign Missions Committee for consideration, after which time he/she will be notified as to the outcome.

Support

When the Committee determines that the missionary and ministry should be supported, the standard support level, based on the missionary's total need as determined by the sending agency, will be (assuming sufficient funds are available in the foreign missions budget): 20% (maximum).

Support-raising by all missionaries (short-term, mid-term, and career) is restricted to the Foreign Missions Committee, individual's family and friends within and outside of Bethlehem, and his or her own personal earnings. Solicitation for support may not be made to the general membership of Bethlehem apart from special permission and guidance by the Foreign Missions Committee.

Plan Ahead

Candidates are urged to plan ahead. As a general rule, candidates should plan at least 12 months in advance for mid-terms so he/she will have the necessary time for securing support, forming a Bethlehem-based Barnabas support team passport, shots, pre-term education, evaluation, etc.