Be part of a church-planting team in the heart of Guadalajara, Mexico, by engaging in relationships with a focus on making disciple-makers. This position involves evangelism and helping form communities of faith among those with the least access to the gospel.

We are looking for people who will courageously live out their faith to form Christlike servant leaders in a culture of corruption and violence. This role involves planning and implementing evangelistic and church-development strategies to form a strong, multiplying church in the Guadalajara Metro area.

 Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of intercultural studies
• The spouse must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed at least 18 hours of Bible/theology, 15 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of 6 hours in cross-cultural or missions studies).
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 35
• Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration
• Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience
• Willingness to live in a setting with a challenging culture that is resistant to evangelical Christianity
• Training in either evangelism, discipleship, or church-development strategies and methods
• Demonstrated teaching gift and mentoring abilities

 Biblical Characteristics Desired:

• Kingdom minded
• Biblically grounded
• Spirit dependent
• Competently skilled
• Self-aware
• Self-disciplined

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in and passion for evangelism and discipleship
• Direct experience in leading a ministry whose focus and fruitfulness has resulted in bringing lost people to faith and maturity in Christ
• The ability to initiate new ministry and/or grow an established ministry

 Responsibilities:

• Learn Spanish to a full professional proficiency
• Make new contacts and develop relationships on a regular basis
• Confidently share the gospel and initiate discipleship activities with new believers
• Use your home to host new contacts and team events
• Lead and/or participate in weekly small group meetings, Bible studies, or other gatherings and events designed as outreach in the church-planting effort
• Train and develop church leaders
• Develop strategies for multiplying communities of faith with the Alliance team and church leaders

Timeline for deployment: 

Late summer 2022. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language acquisition program and Pre-Field Orientation prior to deploying.

General Information:

CIA World Factbook—Mexico.

Guadalajara is in the state of Jalisco, where mariachi music, rodeos, and tequila originate. This city is the home of the “Virgin of Zapopan” and as many as 3 million people participate in a processional in her honor through the streets on October 12. Typical foods include tacos, pozole, and mole. Guadalajara is at an altitude of 5,000 feet and has a moderate climate with dry, mild winters and warm, wet summers. Although subject to electrical storms and occasional flooding, Guadalajara does not experience earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes.

Work and Living Environment:

Guadalajara is a modern city, one of the largest in Mexico, but has a small city feel. It is called the Silicon Valley of Mexico because of its many universities and service industries. The people are friendly and helpful. Although violence is prevalent, work and life continue normally with alertness and common sense. The worker will live in a rented house or apartment. Most appliances and electronic items are available. High-speed Internet and cable TV are helpful for work effectiveness and connectedness.

Status of Christian Witness:

The Joshua Project—Mexico.

Mexico is approximately 4.5 percent evangelical according to more complete studies. Most Mexicans will say they are Roman Catholic but do not necessarily practice the religion. Though there are evangelical churches in many parts of Guadalajara, the vast majority of the population has not had relevant, personal exposure to the gospel. Those who make decisions for Christ usually receive pressure from their family to renounce their faith because of long-held family beliefs and religious traditions. Discipleship is often challenging for new believers because they struggle against prejudice.

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. International workers will receive one year of intensive Spanish language study in Costa Rica, followed by on-the-field language and cultural acquisition studies. It is expected that while in Costa Rica, several hours per day will be dedicated to language acquisition. The goal of mastering the Spanish language is a life-long process, greatly enhancing ministry and the ability to reach people in Guadalajara for Christ.

Health Considerations:

Guadalajara has excellent health and dental care. International workers can often receive care from physicians who have studied in the United States and speak English.

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. The team expects the spouse to be able to teach at the Bible institute and engage in leadership development.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Lincoln School, which blends English and Spanish teaching, is not far from targeted areas for church planting. The school offers grades K–12 and has an excellent student-teacher ratio. Other neighborhood preschools are also an option.