As a ministry of the C&MA, Envision identifies and develops missional leaders who innovate, establish and strengthen communities of faith in key urban environments. We do this through short-term trips, internships, leadership development, and ministry opportunities in the Alliance family.

The successful applicant(s) will make a strong contribution to local Alliance ministries through personal participation, hosting teams and interns, and connecting them in local ministries. They will also invest heavily in the growth and development of all short-term volunteers (teams, interns & residents).

Responsibilities:

• Partner with local ministries (local Alliance churches, other Alliance international workers, and other key ministries)
• Develop and implement a discipleship and development program for all short-term volunteers
• Cast vision for site and local ministry
• Maintain and build partnerships with U.S. churches desiring to be involved in local Guadalajara ministry
• Host teams and interns taking care of logistics for trips and ministry experiences
• Develop a personal ministry in the community/church using personal gifts and experience

Required Qualifications:

• Ample proficiency in a particular vocation
• Study within field of expertise
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of Certificate level) or equivalent
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40
• Experience and proficiency in an area of ministry

Preferred Qualifications:

• Group and event planning experience
• Leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit
• Experience in mentoring or coaching
• High level of interpersonal skills
• High level of cross-cultural skills
• Gifts in hospitality

Timeline for Deployment:

Dependent on meeting fundraising criteria. The goal for deployment is summer or fall 2020. 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
The Joshua Project—Mexico

Guadalajara is a modern city, the third-largest in Mexico, but has a small-town feel. It 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, it does not experience earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes. It is called the “Silicon Valley” of Mexico because of its many universities and service industries. The people are friendly and helpful. The successful applicant(s) will live in a rented house or apartment. Most appliances and electronics are available, along with high-speed Internet and cable TV. A great variety of restaurants are present, including many U.S. franchises. Walmart and Costco are both available. Although violence is prevalent, work and life continue normally with alertness and common sense.

Mexico is approximately 4.5 percent evangelical. Most Mexicans will say they are Roman Catholic but do not necessarily practice the religion. Guadalajara is known for holding traditional religious beliefs mixed with ancient superstitions. Although less than 2.1 percent have surrendered to Jesus in this city, most people do respond to a loving and personal presentation of the gospel over time. The Alliance began ministering in Guadalajara in 1994 and presently has four churches, a seminary, and a developing church plant.

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. Envision staff receive one year of intensive language and cultural study. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level.

Health Considerations:

Guadalajara has excellent health/dental care and medical facilities. International workers often use 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.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Lincoln School, which uses a blend of English and Spanish teaching, is not far from targeted areas for church planting. The school offers preschool through grade 12 and has an excellent student-teacher ratio. Other neighborhood preschools are also an option.