FAQ - frequently asked questions
What is World Outreach’s
Q. Declaration of faith
Q. Mission statement
Q. Vision statement
Q. Core values
Q. Ministry focus
Q. How did WO begin
How do I apply to become a WO missionary?
Q. Application
Q. Selection process
Q. Acceptance
Q. Relationship between WO & the sending Church
What leadership does WO provide?
Q. Incorporation
Q. International Board
Q. Missions Council
Q. National Board
Q. Ministry base
Q. Field base
DECLARATION OF FAITH
- Our faith rests on the absolute authority of the God - breathed scriptures.
- All three persons of the Godhead are active in God’s redeeming mission.
- Our Missiology centres on the over-arching biblical themes of:
God’s creation of the world.
The Fathers redeeming love for all humanity as revealed in the incarnation.
Ultimately a new Heaven and a new Earth will be established for all eternity.
- The Holy Spirit, promised by our Lord, is our comforter, teacher and source of power. It is the Spirit who calls us into holiness and integrity, and leads the Church into all truth. The spirit is the agent of mission, convicting of sin, righteousness, and judgment. We are Christ’s servants, empowered and lead by the Spirit, whose goal is to glorify God.
We confess the following themes as truths of special importance in this present age:
1. Jesus Christ is Lord of the Church and Lord of the universe. Ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. The gospel of the kingdom is to be proclaimed to the whole world.
2. The Lord Jesus Christ is one person existing in two natures, fully God and fully Man. Salvation is found in Christ alone.
3. The good news of the salvation made possible by the work of Jesus Christ must be expressed in all the languages and cultures of the world. We are commanded to be heralds of the gospel to every person so that they can have the opportunity to confess faith in Christ
4. The Gospel is good news and addresses all human needs. We emphasise the holistic nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament demonstrate God is concerned with the whole person - body, soul, and spirit, and their functioning in their community.
5. Opposition to the spread of the gospel is foremost a spiritual conflict involving human sin and principalities and powers opposed to the living God. Jesus Christ has power over all powers and is able to free all who turn to Him in faith. We affirm that in the Cross God has won the victory, and we overcome by the blood of the lamb, our confession and holy life style.
6. Jesus Christ is building the Church from people out of every nation, tribe, people and language. We seek to do all that we can to encourage, strengthen, and equip the church of Jesus Christ in all parts of the world.
7. Suffering, persecution and martyrdom are present realities for many Christians. We acknowledge that our obedience in mission involves suffering and recognise that the church is experiencing this.
8. Economic and political systems deeply affect the spread of God’s kingdom. Human government is allowed by God, but all human institutions act out of humanistic self will. Appropriate Christian response to political and economic systems requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
MISSION STATEMENT
World Outreach exists to impact least reached people groups with the Gospel of Jesus Christ through.
VISION STATEMENT
1. Relevant
· We see a relevant, Biblical, international mission organisation committed to recruiting and releasing disciples.
2. Supportive
· We see a supportive network providing guidance, direction, accountability, and care.
3. Visionary
· We see a visionary organisation continually generating resources and inspiring passion for the mandate.
4. Effective
· We see a unified, reputable, effective organisation that is experiencing growth and renewal.
5. Renewing
· We see a renewing organisation where successive generations are released into strategically vital ministries.
CORE VALUES
1. Personal Walk
· We believe it is crucial that every believer maintains a vibrant personal walk with Jesus Christ. Because of our commitment to this truth we value the importance of prayer & fasting, reading & studying the Word of God and living an exemplary life style.
2. Integrity
· We believe that Jesus has called us to serve Him with honesty and sincerity always seeking to bring honour and glory to His Name. Because of our commitment to this truth we value righteous living and every effort to maintain integrity in word and deed.
3. Relationships
· We believe that God has called us to serve Him in relationship with others. Because of our commitment to this truth we value every effort to work together harmoniously and to maintain the unity of the Holy Spirit in our Mission.
4. Vision and Initiative
We believe that God has called us to serve Him responsibly with vision and initiative. Because of our commitment to this truth we value the specific callings that He has given to each of our missionaries and national co- workers.
5. Leadership
We believe that God has made Jesus Christ the Head of all. He has also placed leaders in this Mission to model His lifestyle and to give oversight and supervision to the work. Because of our commitment to this truth we value and respect those whom God has called to leadership in our Mission.
6. Non-denominational
We believe Jesus prayed for unity among those who follow Him. Because of our commitment to this truth we value non-denominational ministry. We would seek to work harmoniously with all in the Body of Christ who follow Jesus Christ in truth.
7. Commitment
We believe in the importance of being committed to the vision, values, philosophy and direction of World Outreach. Because of our commitment to this truth we value the importance of individuals being committed to their specific ministry calling as worked out through the Mission's vision, values, philosophy and agreed procedures as outlined in this document.
8. Stewardship
We are deeply conscious that all we have and are has been given to us by God and that one day we will give an account to Him of the way that we have managed this trust. Because of our commitment to this truth we value the gifts and resources that He has entrusted to us.
MINISTRY FOCUS
1. To Evangelise and Plant Churches
· Our aim is to evangelise and disciple unreached people so that they become true followers of Jesus Christ and share their lives in local churches.
2. To Equip Non-Western Church Leaders
· Our aim is to equip Non-Western church leaders and Christians to become more effective servants of Christ in those ministries that He has called them to.
3. To Participate in the Development of Non-Western Missionaries
· Our aim is to participate in the development of the Non-Western missionaries because we believe this movement is going to be a significant force for world evangelisation.
4. To Show Practical Care
· Our aim is to combine social concern and witness in a ministry based on the pattern established by Jesus Christ. We believe that evangelism involves the declaration of truth and the demonstration of love because evangelism and social action are distinct yet linked.
5. To Reach out to Children
· Our aim is to evangelise, disciple, and show practical concern for the children of the developing world. (Up to 50% of some nations are under the age of 15.)
HOW DID WO BEGIN
Origin and name
World Outreach was founded by Len Jones in 1932. He was deeply committed to evangelism and this inspired him to commence a ministry known originally as the “Russian and East European Mission.” This Mission Agency, which eventually became World Outreach, now has missionaries and ministries in five continents.
Len Jones’ tenacious personal faith was a tremendous force in World Outreach during those early days of ministry. As time has passed, other significant values have emerged. These are not rules but shared emphases that bind our Mission together.
APPLICATION
1.1 Application forms are available from the International Office of World Outreach or from the nearest National Office.
1.1.2 Once completed the forms can be sent to the nearest National Director along with supporting documentation.
1.1.3 Basic qualifications sought in those desiring to serve with
World Outreach are:
· A personal experience of salvation through faith in Christ and a wholehearted dedication to His service.
· A well-rounded Christian character and a definite call to Christian work.
· Appropriate qualifications and experience.
· A willingness to contribute towards the pastoral budget of World Outreach and a commitment to the ‘Shared Vision’, ‘Shared Values’, and ‘Agreed Procedures’ of World Outreach.
· Humility and Christian love that leave no room for racial prejudice or denominational narrowness, but allow an appreciation of other people and cultures.
· Common sense and the ability to work in harmony with a team and to yield graciously to the better judgement of others when necessary.
· Good physical and emotional adjustment.
· Perseverance and patience.
SELECTION PROCESS
1.2.1 The acceptance of an applicant will be determined by his/her response to the following questions:
1.2.2 Is the applicant called by God to serve in the location or ministry that he/she is proposing?
The applicant will be required complete an Application Form and also arrange an interview with appropriate leaders of the Mission. We recommend that people wishing to make a long term commitment to a particular place, visit the mission field so that they can meet the Team Leader and the missionaries in that location.
1.2.3 Is the applicant qualified for the task?
Do the skills of the person match the task that he/she has in mind? Has the person received adequate training at Bible school, or in a specialised training facility? Has the person had the kind of experience that the task requires?
1.2.4 Is the applicant a credible person?
Confidential references will be sought from the “sending” church pastor or elders, a long time friend, and the previous employer of the applicant.
1.2.5 Is the applicant a suitable candidate to serve with World Outreach?
The applicant will be required to complete medical checks. The personality profile of the applicant will be considered.
1.2.6 Does the “sending” church endorse the application?
The endorsement of the leaders of the sending church and if possible the home denomination will be sought.
1.2.7 Is the applicant willing to commit him/herself to a relationship with World Outreach?
The applicant will be asked to affirm the “Statement of Faith”, the “Shared Vision, the Mission Statement, “Shared Values”, and the “Agreed Procedures” of the Mission. The applicant will also be asked to make an annual contribution towards the pastoral budget of the Mission.
1.2.8 Will the applicant serve harmoniously with other Field Workers in the proposed country of service?
The senior missionaries working in the proposed country of service will be informed of the application and their response sought.
ACCEPTANCE
1.3.1 The application must include a 3-year ministry plan clearly identifying the applicants vision, strategies and goals for their first term on the field. This ministry plan must meet with Mission Council approval.
1.3.2 The application will be considered by the Mission Council.
1.3.3 The response will be communicated to the applicant by the International Director who will also inform the Board, National Offices and other World Outreach missionaries of the appointment.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WO & SENDING CHURCH
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 Ongoing missionary ministry is the result of an effective partnership between a Field Worker, World Outreach (the mission agency), and the "sending" church. The denominational mission agency may have a role to play also.
4.1.2 We believe that a missionary serving in a cross cultural situation is an extension of the ministry of a “sending” church. We want to do all that we can to encourage and affirm the relationship between the Field Worker and his/her "home base."
4.1.3 World Outreach acknowledges that the “sending” church has a vital and significant role to play in the release, facilitating, and ongoing support of their Field Worker.
4.2 BEFORE DEPARTURE
4.2.1 We encourage the prospective Field Worker to discuss his/her plans with the local church leadership at an early stage. Valuable guidance and adjustment can be contributed by those who know the applicant best.
4.2.2 World Outreach welcomes the input of the leadership of the “sending” church into the process of determining how the missionary can be best placed for fruitful and ongoing ministry.
4.2.3 World Outreach relies on the leaders of the “sending’ church to give confirmation to the call and plans of the prospective missionary.
4.2.4 World Outreach generally will not approve an application unless the prospective missionary has received the confirmation of their ‘sending’ church leadership.
4.2.5 World Outreach believes that it is the responsibility of the ‘sending’ church Elders to "set apart" the missionary by commissioning him/her to the task to which he/she has been called by God. This endorsement before the ‘sending’ church is a significant moment when the missionary commits him/herself to the task and the home church affirms that it stands fully behind the plans and ministry of their missionary as he/she goes overseas.
4.3 SUPPORT
4.3.1 We encourage the ‘sending’ church to commit themselves to the financial support of their missionary. This should include a contribution towards the establishment of the missionary on the mission field and the raising of a consistent amount of financial support on a monthly basis. This enables the missionary to plan his/her finances in an ordered fashion.
4.3.2 Special offerings may also be contributed towards projects.
4.3.3 The ‘sending’ church is encouraged to pray consistently and continually for their missionary. World Outreach places a high priority on concerted prayer to release blessing and empowering to the missionary.
4.4 ONGOING CONTACT
4.4.1 World Outreach encourages the ‘sending’ church to maintain personal contact and interest in their missionary. This can be sustained by regular correspondence, gifts at birthday and Christmas time, and visits by leaders from the home church.
4.4.2 The ‘sending’ church and World Outreach should agree on the frequency of home furlough visits by the Field Worker.
4.4.3 World Outreach believes that the ‘partnership’ necessary to facilitate effective Field Worker ministry can only be sustained by good communication. World Outreach welcomes the input, advice, and suggestions of the leaders of the ‘sending’ church.
4.4.4 The Regional Director who to relates to the Field Worker will report to the ‘sending’ church after each ‘pastoral visit’ Also any urgent prayer items that come to the attention of the World Outreach leadership will be referred back to the ‘sending’ church leadership.
1.1 INCORPORATION
1.1.1 World Outreach International is a Society incorporated in New Zealand under the Incorporated Societies Act of 1908.
1.2 INTERNATIONAL BOARD
1.2.1 The Board of World Outreach International is responsible for the Mission and exercises overall administrative and policy making powers.
1.2.2 The Board approves the Strategic Plan and budget of WOI as presented by the International Director after consultation with the Mission Council.
1.2.3 The Board ensures that the ministry of World Outreach is effective and fruitful.
1.2.4 The Board holds in trust the integrity of the Mission, and reviews and acts upon policies recommended by the Mission Council.
1.2.5 The Board upholds the “Memorandum of Understanding” between the National Boards of World Outreach around the world.
1.2.6 The Board promotes vision and harmony throughout the Mission at all times.
1.2.7 The Board meets at least twice yearly and maintains communication at all times.
1.3 MISSION COUNCIL
1.3.1 The Mission Council is responsible for the day to day affairs of the Mission. This includes the oversight of all World Outreach Field Workers and ministries.
1.3.2 The Mission Council works with the International Director and assists him in carrying out his duties.
1.3.3 The Mission Council is accountable to the International Director and inturn to the Board of World Outreach International.
3.4 The Mission Council meets at least twice each year and maintains communication at all times.
1.4 NATIONAL BOARD
1.4.1 In those places where a National Office is established, a National Board is appointed to provide oversight for the National Director and the National Office.
1.4.2 Each National Board works with the International Director to develop annual objectives for the National Director and National Office.
1.4.3 Each National Board is responsible to ensure that the “Memorandum Of Understanding” is upheld between the local National Board, other National Boards, and World Outreach International.
1.4.4 Each National Board appoints a National Director in accordance with agreed procedures and supports him/her in carrying out designated duties.
4.5 The National Board is accountable to the Board of World Outreach International.
1.5 MINISTRY BASE
1.5.1 In those places where there is a team of missionaries working together a Ministry Base may be established to facilitate the work.
1.5.2 A Board may be appointed to provide legal covering for the activities of World Outreach Field Workers and ministry in that place.
1.6 FIELD BOARD
1.6.1 In those mission field locations where World Outreach is registered and/or legally incorporated, a Field Board is appointed to provide legal covering for the activities of World Outreach Field Workers and ministry in that place.
