Introduction
Whilst it is essential for the Church to have a clear vision of Mission it is important that this be defined in written form. Decisions can be made on an ad hoc basis as problems arise but this has proven to be unsatisfactory since it allows for inconsistent and emotionally based arguments. This Policy provides a framework for the decision making process so that a degree of consistency may be achieved irrespective of changes in leadership and will assist in developing a level of accountability in the Church as a whole.

Purpose
The Church’s involvement in Missions is on the basis of Scriptural command to :

• Fulfil the Great Commission of Christ- (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24: 46-49; John 20: 21; Acts 1:8; 26:16-18)
• Share Christ’s heart for the world- (John 3:16; Matthew 9:36-38; 18:10-14)
• Minister to the totality of human need- (Matthew 10:42; 25: 31-46; Luke 16: 19-31)
• Bring men and women, boys and girls to a saving knowledge of God- (Romans 10:13-15; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; Jude 22-23)
• Obey Christ by confessing Him to the world- (Matthew 10:32-33; 25:41-46; 1 John 4:2-3)
• Be a blessing to all peoples and nations- (Genesis 12:1-3)

Definition
Missions will be taken to cover any endeavour outside our local church to fulfill the Purposes noted above. This applies to work both in Ireland and abroad but excludes initiatives for evangelisation in the church locality.

Interpretation
It is accepted that every possible eventuality cannot be identified and defined in this document but the principles established should be applied consistently. Exceptions and changes other than at times of review can only be made at a church business meeting on the recommendation of the church office bearers and any departure from the guidelines must be carefully documented to ensure irreversible precedents are not set which would undermine the overall agreed policy.

Review
The policy will be reviewed annually by the Missions Team and a complete revision carried out every FIVE years and approved by the Church.

Missions Team
The Church shall approve a small Missions Team nominated by the Office Bearers to manage and implement the policy. This shall consist of :

• An office bearer (normally an elder), the Church Treasurer (ex-0fficio) and up to FIVE church members broadly representing the spectrum of church life.
• The team shall appoint a chairman and secretary.
• ONE member will stand down on a rotational basis annually.
• Members will be eligible for re-election by the church.
• A quarterly report will be made to the office bearers.
• The team shall be accountable to the Church through the office bearers for :
  • Overseeing all missionary education and activities in the church.
  • Making recommendations regarding missionary budgets
  • Liasing with missionaries from the church and designated missionary groups.

  Scope
  The objectives of the missionary policy shall be to :

  • Develop an education strategy to improve the church’s participation in World Mission. This may take the form of short presentations at church activities using aids and individuals as appropriate.
  • Promote knowledge and support of all Baptist Missions activities.
  • Enhance the church’s knowledge of and commitment to church members working in any sphere relevant to the accepted definition of Missions.
  • Other activities as appropriate.

  Practical Development
  A number of strategies will be developed to promote Missions in the Church :

  • Prayer concern through regular news items and missionary contact.
  • Practical support for missionaries.
  • Plan and organise regular events.

  Mission Candidates
  The following will normally be the procedures for recognition, counselling, guidance and training of missionaries.

  • Normally candidates will have been active members of the church for at least 2 years and have had 2 years work experience.
  • Applicants must fully discuss any proposed application with the Office Bearers prior to formal application being submitted to a missionary society.
  • Applicants will submit to personal interview by the Office Bearers (normally the elders) to enquire into spiritual and other relevant issues including the compatibility of the missionary society’s doctrinal statement with that of the church constitution.
  • The Missions team will also meet with the applicant and meet or contact a representative of the Missionary Society to consider practical needs and explain the various aspects of the missions policy.
  • After recommendation by the team, acceptance of the candidate will be confirmed by the office bearers who will also confirm financial support.
  • Candidates will normally be expected to have undergone appropriate training.
  • Financial support will be allocated on the basis of a set monthly amount per missionary family as recommended by the Missions Team.
  • Normally support for missionaries approved by the church will commence on acceptance by the missionary society and end on resignation or retirement from the organisation or church.
  • In the case of a couple being accepted the support will apply only to that portion relating to individuals being approved by the church.

  Fixed Term Project Workers
  

  • Those wishing to participate in Missionary related activities of between 13 weeks and 2 years duration will be considered as Fixed Term Project workers.
  • The Office Bearers should be informed Prior to any formal application being made.
  • The Office Bearers will liase with the Missions Team.
  • Normally applicants will be active members of the Church.
  • The organisation with which they intend to work must have Doctrinal beliefs compatible with the church constitution.
  • Financial support may be approved by the Office Bearers on the advice of the Missions Team up to a level equivalent to that offered to long term missionaries dependant on the number of applicants and availability of funds. This will in the first instance be for a period of 12 months and subsequently subject to regular review.
  • Church members will be encouraged to give their individual prayer and financial support.

  Short Term Workers
  

  • The Team will provide appropriate information and literature with regard to opportunities for short term missionary related activities up to 13 weeks duration.
  • Those in the church wishing to participate in short term missionary related activities in Ireland or overseas must first seek the advice of the Office Bearers who should liase with the Missions Team. Those under 18 years of age must have parental approval
  • At the discretion of the team and with the agreement of the Office Bearers, a financial contribution may be granted to assist with necessary expenses incurred in the activity. This would normally be one third of costs up to a maximum grant of £500 dependant on the number of applications and availability of funds. The following conditions would apply:-
    • The doctrinal basis of the mission is consistent with the church’s constitution.
    • Normally a minimum of 4 weeks notice must be given to the missionary committee.
  • Church members will be encouraged to give their individual prayer and financial support.

  Responsibilities of Church to missionaries
  

  • Anyone working with children must be vetted in the normal way through the Church’s Child Care Policy.
  • The team shall have the responsibility to maintain regular and meaningful contact with the missionaries and ensure awareness of their needs.
  • The team will ensure that the church is kept informed to assist in prayer and practical support.
  • Where possible, with Office Bearers approval, pastoral visits to church missionaries will be encouraged. This will be fully funded through the Mission Fund and viewed as part of Pastoral duties.
  • While on furlough every effort will be made to welcome and care for the missionaries in the church fellowship. Opportunities to speak and report will be afforded.
  • The church’s responsibility to help ensure reasonable education, welfare and pastoral care of missionary families will be recognised by the team.

  Responsibilities of missionaries to Church
  The missionaries will ensure that the church is :

  • Kept informed of their situation both practical and spiritual and provide regular updates to allow informed prayer and support
  • Updated on any changes or anticipated changes in their circumstances or relationship with their missionary society. This will normally be done through the Missions Team.

  Financial arrangements
  The church has a clear Scriptural responsibility to give to missions (Phil 1v5) and church members are therefore expected to contribute systematically to ensure that missionary obligations are met:

  • A financial statement shall be presented to the annual church business meeting covering the income and outgoings of mission related finance in all departments of the church
  • Monies will be encouraged from the following sources
    • Gift Aid
    • Gifts from various church members and organisations
    • Missionary Boxes
    • Midweek meeting offerings
  • The allocation of all monies will be at the prayerful and informed discretion of the Mission Team with the approval of the Office Bearers.

  October 2002