The successful applicants will serve on a team partnering with the national church, engaging in evangelism and discipleship with the goal of planting churches among a diverse, highly educated population in a multi-linguistic Middle Eastern capital city. The team seeks creative ways to serve the community and build relationships through which the gospel can be demonstrated and explained. In addition, team members help mentor student ministry interns attending a regional Bible institute and may teach an occasional course at this school.
Responsibilities
- Prioritize investing time and effort in language and culture acquisition, developing relationships, and engaging in prayer (these responsibilities are expected to continue beyond the first two years of official language study)
- In partnership with the national church, serve in evangelism and discipleship
- Serve the surrounding community through practical outreaches (such as teaching English, acts of service, tutoring, ministries to families, or other creative community-oriented ministries)
- Mentor Bible institute students involved in practical ministry settings
- Teach an occasional course in Bible, theology, ministry, or the English language at the regional Bible institute (a secondary responsibility)
Required Qualifications
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of intercultural studies
- Note: The spouse must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree, have strong ministry experience, and have completed the C&MA Polity course and at least 18 hours of Bible/theology and 15 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of 6 hours in cross-cultural or missions studies).
- A minimum of two years of successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience
- Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration (one partner per couple)
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 80
- A recognized master’s degree in Bible, theology, or ministry
- Experience or training in at least one area of specialized community-oriented ministry, such as teaching English, counseling, health and fitness, or relief and development
Preferred Qualifications
- MDiv or ThM degree
- Experience leading people to Christ and leading small group Bible studies
- Experience in one-on-one (and/or couple-to-couple) relational ministry
Biblical Characteristics Desired
- Kingdom minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
Timeline for Deployment
Summer/Fall 2022. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and Pre-Field Orientation prior to deploying.
General Information
This country’s multi-religious setting is both a source of national pride and frustration. Politics and society are deeply influenced by the history and interaction of the different faith groups in the country; no one group has decisive control. There are multiple expressions of Christianity (followed by a minority of the population) and multiple forms of the region’s majority religion. While there are tensions between the groups, there is also a large degree of religious freedom. The evangelical church is small—less than 1 percent of the population—but the religious freedoms allow for active ministry. This country is a regional center for Christian media, publishing, and theological education. More than 1.5 million people live in the capital city, and an influx of refugees has stretched thin the available resources and public services. The general population faces regular electricity, water, public education, and affordable housing shortages. Demonstrations occur regularly, and roads can become impassable at short notice. Most necessities are easily available in numerous shops, groceries, and large supermarkets.
Language Expectations
Language is an essential part of ministry. IWs receive two years of intensive language and cultural study. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.
Health Considerations
In general, the climate is moderate but hot and humid in the summer and cool and damp during the winter rainy season. Pollution, dust, and mold can be problematic for people with pulmonary issues. Many people buy bottled water to drink; people generally do not drink the tap water unless it is boiled. There are several excellent hospitals in the capital city. Pharmacies in most neighborhoods provide easy access to common medications.
Expectations for Spouse
Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities, as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children’s needs, etc. In this cultural setting, it is important for couples to be comfortable with visiting in people’s homes and welcoming people into their own home for visits and meals.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options
Several quality private schools and international schools are available locally. Families also have the option to send their older children to school in Europe where the children of other Alliance international workers attend.
