Erieside Church extends its ministry by supporting missionaries who are witnesses for Jesus Christ
ERIESIDE CHURCH MISSIONS POLICY
GLOBAL OUTREACH THROUGH MISSIONS
Preface: The ministry of global outreach is in response to the command of Christ to communicate the gospel of God to the ends of the earth (Romans 1:1-4, 17; 10:9-10; Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus is leading Erieside Church to be an active part of His work in the world. As His representatives we desire to celebrate, communicate, cultivate and care for the nations of the earth. It is a ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-19), with the goal of turning unbelievers into followers of Christ. The gospel is holistic- salvation for our spiritual, emotional and physical well being. We join God to be a force for good in the world. We are to demonstrate a passion for those things that characterize the kingdom of God; truth, love, justice, mercy and hope.
Purpose: Global Outreach exists to facilitate Erieside’s involvement in the brokenness of our world. It is global because of Jesus’ vision (Matthew 6:10- to bring heaven to earth) is for all creation. As His followers, we are to be His hand and feet, moving beyond ourselves toward those lost in sin, sorrow and suffering.
Structure: The administration of Global Outreach at Erieside Church shall be directed by the Missions Committee as described in the church constitution. (See Article 4., Section VII)
A.) The purpose of the missions committee is to accomplish the following:
1. To achieve and maintain a clear sense of direction in global outreach for Erieside Church.
2. To maintain consistency in the missions program.
3. To inform the Erieside Church community of the ministry of Global Outreach and encourage the congregation to be actively involved.
Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate the purpose and goals of Global Outreach at Erieside Church.
2. Review and recommend for approval or denial all requests for expenditures of church funds designated for Global Outreach.
3. Prepare the annual mission’s budget.
4. Interview, evaluate and consider for funding all requests for support for individual missionaries, mission agencies and Christian institutions and determine the level of support.
5. Counsel prospective missionary candidate(s).
6. Reevaluate annually the support level of all missionaries.
7. Implement specific activities to keep in regular contact with those supported by Erieside Church.
Priorities:
1. Ministry: All ministries demonstrate a link to Global Outreach.
2. Missionaries:
a. Individuals who are members or attendees of Erieside Church.
b. Individuals who are related to members or attendees of Erieside Church.
c. Individuals from Northeast Ohio and have major support from area Churches. d. Last level of priority shall be given to those who have no connection to Erieside Church but desire to have a partnership with Erieside Church.
Acceptance for support consideration: Candidates from all priority levels must meet the initial requirement set forth by the missions committee:
1. Upon the initial request, the candidate must completely fill out a Support Profile and information application and return it to Erieside Church (missions committee).
2. Candidates must examine Erieside’s Faith and Doctrinal Statement, and indicate in writing, agreement and acceptance of same.
3. Upon request, candidates must meet with the missions committee to share their personal testimony and answer questions from the mission’s committee members.
4. Upon request, candidates must be willing to share their testimony and call to the mission field before Erieside Church at a mutually acceptable date.
5. After reviewing submitted documents and hearing the candidate’s testimony, the missions committee will either approve or deny the support request and inform the candidates, in writing, of the decision.
Mapping: To encompass a broad international ministry, we shall seek a well rounded support of missionaries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North, South and Central America.
Support Level: The missions committee’s goal shall be to raise and/or maintain financial contributions of career missionaries to a level of at least 10% (ten percent) of their total monthly needed support. Special consideration will be given to missionaries who are members of Erieside Church and where Erieside Church is the Sending Church. In these cases the committee’s goal shall be to raise and/or maintain financial contributions to a level of at least 20% (twenty percent) of their monthly needed support. In all instances however, support may be less due to budget constraints.
Change in Level of Support: Support may be changed or terminated if:
1. The missionary changes the sponsoring mission agency.
2. Changes field of service.
3. Retires.
4. Leaves the mission field of service.
5. Or, if his or her personal conduct becomes a hindrance to the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Short term mission trip: If financial assistance is requested for a short term mission assignment, the request will be submitted to the missions committee in writing. (A scholarship request application will be provided by the missions committee). Support consideration will be based on the need evidenced and scope of the project. All requests will be decided on a case by case basis. (See Dawson Scholarship guidelines and application form).
Funding Global Outreach: Funds for Global Outreach will come from the general church fund as approved by the General Board. A budget will be submitted by the missions committee for each fiscal year. Church members and attendees are encouraged to support missions through general fund giving as an approved part of the annual budget.
Designated giving: Gifts designed to missions is deposited in the Random Acts of Kindness fund. At times the missions committee will promote special projects that can also be funded through designated giving.
Reminder: The missions committee will not accept fund designated to individual missionary or missions agency or Institutions. We will provide names and addresses to any individual wanting to send a special gift to their favorite cause.
Donor Information: Upon request, a list of missionaries and organizations supported by Erieside Church will be made available.
Values: By God’s grace we strive for:
1. Intentionality- working to advance the mission of Erieside Church.
2. Scripture- working within the framework of God’s word.
3. Community- ministry happens best in the context of relationships.
4. Multiplication- seek to invest in leaders that can multiply the work of God.
5. Compassion- that the whole person being cared for.
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