EPC Missionary Committee

“Missionary Policy”

Note:

References to ‘Committee’ refer to the Missionary Committee unless otherwise stated.

 The Congregation at Ebrington is committed to worldwide mission in accordance with the command of our Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28 etc. We understand that to mean that the whole body of Christ should be engaged in worldwide mission to the glory of God. We reject the notion that worldwide mission is for a selected few.

This policy sets out guidance for the Congregation and for persons wishing to be involved in either short or long term mission outreach.

The Policy contains the following:

• The Reason for Mission.
• The Composition of the Committee.
• The Function of the Committee.
• Education for Mission.
• Volunteering for Mission – short or long term.
• Financing Mission.

The Reason for Mission:

        It is the express command of God that the Gospel of the Kingdom should be made known to every nation. That command is accompanied by a promise that he will enable all who go.

        We believe that Jesus Christ is the answer to the needs of people from whatever culture or ethnic group. It is therefore imperative that every member of the Congregation takes up this basic Christian challenge.

The Composition of the Committee

        The Committee is appointed by and is responsible to the Kirk Session.

        The Committee is composed of: The Minister, Assistant Minister, two representatives of the Kirk Session, the PWA President, a representative of the Youth Forum and whoever they invite up to a maximum of 10 persons. The Minister or Assistant Minister acts as Chairperson and from the membership of the Committee a Secretary and Treasurer will be appointed.

        The Committee has full responsibility for its finance and its day to day operation. Any issues that in the opinion of the Committee Chairperson – the Minister – should be referred to the Kirk Session or Congregational Committee will be referred.

        The Committee normally meets once every two months.

The Function of the Committee:

        The Committee will:

• Oversee ‘Education for Mission’.
• Determine financial matters.
• Liaise with volunteers and full time missionary personnel.
• Deal with any other matters within its remit.

Education for Mission:

        The Committee in conjunction with the Kirk Session will decide which Missionary Societies and Agencies the Congregation will officially support.

        These are at November 2007 and are subject to review:

• Presbyterian Church in Ireland Missions and its World Development Appeal.
• Overseas Missionary Fellowship.
• Africa Inland Mission International.
• Tear Fund with a Lunch each year normally.

       The Committee will undertake to plan and execute a programme of Missionary Education. The purpose of such a programme will be to heighten awareness of Missionary activity; to encourage prayer and to stimulate realistic stewardship towards missionary endeavour. To further this purpose the Committee will continue to review the effectiveness of the programme.

       The Committee will promote the use of the ‘Points for Prayer’ Booklet.

       The Committee trusts that as a result of this programme that members of the Congregation will respond to the missionary call of Christ.

Volunteering for Mission – short or long term:

        Definitions:

• Summer Outreach: This is normally understood as being for a period up to two months.
• Short Term: This is normally understood as being for a period up to 24 months.
• Long Term: This is normally understood as being for a period of over 24 months.

        Members actively involved and serving in the Congregation, considering either Summer Outreach, short or long term missionary work should contact the Committee Secretary who will provide them with the necessary Forms.

        Any Church member/s considering either short or long term missionary service should at the earliest opportunity contact the Committee through its Secretary. The Committee and the Kirk Session will undertake to pastor the person and to guide them in relation to their Call.

        The Committee in conjunction with the Kirk Session will actively pastor members on either short or long term missionary outreach.

Financing Mission:

        The Committee oversees the ‘Missionary Support Fund’ in conjunction with the Congregational Committee.

        The Committee will seek to support financially as the MSF allows those who have been approved by the Committee and Kirk Session.  

Summer Outreach persons should return the required Form to the Committee through its Secretary by the end of March each year for UK / Ireland Teams and by the end of January for Overseas Teams.

        The Committee will organize an Event each May to create awareness, stimulate prayer and raise funds for allocation to those who have been approved by the Committee.

        It is assumed that any members in receipt of financial support will provide a Financial Statement, write an article for the ‘Record’ and if required be willing to report to the Congregation at a Sunday Service.

        The Committee encourages the Congregation to take up the challenge to realistically support especially our short and long term missionary personnel.