People of the majority religion in our country have long been resistant to the gospel. In recent years, we have sensed an openness among the young adults here. In response, we opened a center seven years ago with the dream of planting house churches out of it. Now we have seen several members come to know the Lord, an eagerness to study God’s Word form in members’ hearts, and walls and strongholds of opposition broken down. We need partners to come alongside us, work with our team to minister at the center, and, ultimately, plant solid, Bible-based, culturally relevant house churches.

Responsibilities

• Minister and teach at the center for young adults
• Help to formulate a strategy for discipleship of new believers
• Collaborate with our team in forming house churches
• Help to develop leaders in the newly formed house churches
• Meet with members for discipleship and scripture reading

Required Qualifications

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of intercultural studies
  • Note: If a couple, one spouse must meet this requirement. It’s preferable that the other spouse holds a recognized bachelor’s degree, has strong ministry experience, and has completed the C&MA Polity course and at least 18 hours of Bible/theology and 12 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of six hours in cross-cultural or missions studies).
• Minimum of two years of successful Alliance licensed ministry experience
• Completion of Alliance ordination/consecraton (all singles or one member per couple)
• Attend a seminar about church-planting movements
• Have a call to cross-cultural ministry
• Be teachable and prepared to be a learner

Preferred Qualifications

• Have previous experience with a church plant
• Have experience working on a team
• Have some experience working with people of the majority religion

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 city in which we work is a sprawling, developing third-world city offering limited services, but extensive opportunities for growth. Applicants would live in a semi-urban area, with some high-rises, but primarily recently constructed homes in small courtyards. Homes are nice, but many do not have a continual supply of water and electricity. This can be remedied with a water tower and solar electric backup system or generator. Primary roads are in fair condition but are often congested. Local shopping options are limited, but essentials are available in the local market. Particular imported goods are available at certain shopping locations around town, including a few international grocery stores.

Language Expectations

Language is an essential part of ministry. The successful applicant(s) will receive one year of intense language study, followed by ongoing language and cultural acquisition. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.

Individuals will receive up to one year of intensive French language study in France before arriving at their ministry site. Time will be allotted for continued French study during the first year of living on site. It is recommended, though not required, that you also study a tribal language upon arrival.

Health Considerations

Malaria is a fact of life in this part of the world, so the use of prophylaxis is strongly recommended. We are continually monitoring the medical situation to ensure the safety of international workers. Basic health services and medications are available here, but the city lacks quality, comprehensive healthcare. Advanced medical diagnosis and treatment would need to be obtained outside the country. For this reason, medical conditions which require constant monitoring would be difficult to sustain here.

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, etc.

We would expect both spouses to fulfill language requirements and be an active part of the team, based on their gifting. Our programs at the center include both young men and women, so we need both spouses to be able to serve at the center while raising a family. We are a flexible team and can be creative, as there are many options for ministry at the center.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options

A school co-op offers kindergarten – eighth grade under the supervision of a trained teacher. There is also a French school that provides quality education and classes for both elementary and secondary levels. A boarding option is available in another city, about an hour-and-a-half flight away, beginning in eighth grade. Homeschooling is also an option, and there is a homeschool library and resource center available. Lastly, there is an American international school that offers K-12 grades.