This team is looking for applicants who have a heart for church planting in a place that has been resistant to the gospel since the time of Christ. This position will require gifting in relational ministry and a willingness to put extensive efforts into seeking ways to connect with the Israeli people.

Responsibilities

• Work in a healthy way with a diverse team of internationals to initiate or develop new church plants
• Spend significant time in relational ministries, including hospitality and intentionality to find different groups/activities to join in order to build relationships
• Seek to develop deep, trust-based relationships with current Messianic leaders
• Be intentional in sharing the gospel in ways that specifically help Jewish people understand that Jesus is the Messiah

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 six 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)
• Evangelism and discipleship experience
• Thick-skinned, but tender hearted
• Flexible/adaptable
• Teachable spirit
• Clear calling to work in Israel
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 60

Preferred Qualifications

• Conflict Resolution/Peacemaker training would be very helpful
• Russian- or Spanish-language background can open additional doors
• Experience working on teams with internationals
• Background in serving Jewish people or studying how to work with them

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

The successful applicants likely will begin language study in Jerusalem, considered by many to be the world’s religious epicenter. Most Israeli communities are modern and comfortable. Life here is an eclectic mix of European and Middle Eastern influences. Commonly, the Israeli people are compared to the cactus pear—hard and prickly on the outside, but soft and sweet on the inside. All three major religions here have population segments that are quite legalistic. Christians have legal status, but an evangelical witness is not welcome (there is an illegal anti-missionary agency that can create visa challenges for believers). Jewish believers are frequently perceived as traitors to the Jewish people, and various levels of persecution are commonplace for them. An authentic Gentile Christian witness is vital first for many Israelis to hear the gospel; they then can be discipled in partnership with local believers.

Language Expectations

Language is an essential part of ministry. IWs receive two years of full-time language and cultural study, followed by part-time study for another two years. The goal is to speak, read, and write at a fluent level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Health Considerations

Healthcare in Israel is considered quite good, and doctors are generally well-trained. Emergency services are readily available. Because Jerusalem is built on a mountain, the successful applicants should be physically able to navigate many steps and hills when walking in the city.

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. Since so much of the ministry requires relationship building, the spouse will be involved in as many aspects as possible in this process (opening the home, visiting families, participating in social activities, etc.).

Children’s Educational Plan and Options

Children can attend a secular public school or a private Christian school.