Westgate
Church
100
Winter Street
Weston,
MA 02493-2613
(781)
237-2633
MISSIONS POLICY
Table
of Contents.......
1. General.....
1.1. Our Purpose....
1.2. Our Vision.......
1.3. Definition of Missions....
1.4. Purpose for a Written Missions Policy........
1.5. The Scriptural Basis for Missions and the Westgate Church
Ministry.....
1.6. The Responsibility of the Missions Board.......
1.7. The Responsibility of Missionaries Regarding this Policy..
1.8. Exceptions to this Policy.................
2. Missions Strategy........
2.1. Overview..
2.2. Our Prayer Emphasis...
2.3. Our Mobilization and Involvement Emphasis.
2.4. Our People Vs. Projects Emphasis.
2.5. Our Cultural Emphasis.
2.6. Our Urban Vs. Rural Emphasis.
2.7. Our Non-Financial Support Emphasis.
3. Support of Projects in Missions......
3.1. Consideration.............
3.2. Evaluation
3.3. Duration...............
4. Career Missionary Opportunities...................
4.1. Purpose...............
4.2. Support Criteria....
4.3. Support Priority....
4.4. Support Target Levels.....
4.5. Support During Home Assignment...............
4.6. The Interview Process...
4.7. Doctrinal Statement
4.8. Acceptance by a Missions Board.....
4.9. Conditions of Financial Support...
4.10. Westgate Church Commitment to the Prospective Westgate
Missionary...............
4.11. Support of National Christian Leaders...
4.12. Support Contract..
4.13. Missionary Review Procedures...............
4.14. Other Career Support Guidelines
4.15. Personal Solicitation of Support...............
4.16.
Retiring Missionaries …………………………………………………………………………19
4.17. Shortage of Funds
5. Short-Term Missionary Opportunities...................
5.1. Purpose...............
5.2. General Guidelines
6. Responsibilities and Administration of the Missions Board.........
6.1. General Requirements.............
6.2. The Missions Budget....
6.3. Missions Board Records..
7. Provision For Policy Revision......
7.1. Procedure
7.2. Required Five Year Review....
Appendix 1: Sample Missionary Support Agreement..
Appendix 2: Statement of Faith...........
Appendix 3: Application For Short-Term Missions Project........
Westgate Church is a fellowship of believers who seek to glorify God through: worship, evangelizing our community and world, and making faithful disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It is the vision and goal of Westgate Church to aggressively carry out the command of Christ’s Great Commission. Therefore, we view missions as an essential ministry of our church and our individual members. We are committed to the mobilization of our own resources (prayer, monetary, and human) for the objective of reaching all peoples of the world for Christ.
For the purposes of this Missions Policy, “missions” shall be defined as any ministry carried on outside the local congregation at Westgate Church and not directly under the jurisdiction of Westgate Church, the purpose of which is to fulfill the Great Commission by proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through evangelism, discipling, church planting, and church development. We recognize the importance of meeting other human needs while carrying on any of these ministries, in accordance with Christ’s great commandment.
Westgate Church considers the primary need for missions to be that of reaching the lost who exist in a cultural setting different from our own, and who generally do not have easy access to the Gospel (see Section 2.5). Therefore, the priority for missionary support by the Westgate Church Missions Program should be in the area of cross-cultural outreach outside of the U.S., or in a subculture within the U.S. Westgate Church considers “same-culture” outreach within the vicinity of the local church to be the primary responsibility of the local church—including Westgate Church. However, "same-culture" outreach carried on outside the vicinity of Westgate Church (for instance, campus, prison, or crisis pregnancy ministries) may fall within the auspices of the Missions Program at Westgate.
This policy, as approved by the Board of Elders of Westgate Church and by congregational vote of Westgate Church members, has been developed carefully, through prayer, in order to improve the effectiveness of the Westgate Church missions program by:
1. Guiding the administration of the Missions Program.
2. Assisting in achieving a clear sense of direction.
3. Guiding in making objective decisions.
4. Assisting in our church-wide promotion of missions.
5. Informing missionaries and prospective missionaries regarding involvement with Westgate Church.
6. Making information available to new Missions Board members and others active and interested in missions.
Through the process of carrying out our Missions Program, our goal is that the Lord’s resources will be used most effectively and the congregation of Westgate Church will willingly and continually increase their missions commitment out of a deepening love for the Lord Jesus, and a desire to see all peoples come to worship Him as Savior and Lord.
We believe that the word of God as contained in the Holy Scriptures is the foundation of our missions ministry. The following represents some of the passages, which address the mandate for missions.
The following Scriptures show us clearly why we should have an active missions ministry:
a. God Desires It
1 Timothy 2:1-5 “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men....”
As God’s work force on earth, Christians should be dedicated to implementing His desires under His guidance through the Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. Our goals should be aligned with God’s to bring all men—from every people group—to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
b. Jesus Commanded It
Matthew 28:18‑20 “Then Jesus came unto them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you, and surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.”
After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to His 11 disciples in the mountains near Galilee, and instructed them with these verses of Scripture known throughout the Christian Church as the “Great Commission.” We today are, by His grace, His disciples; the Great Commission is our commission, and His power and authority is just as relevant now as it was in the early church. His promise to be with His disciples always is still true for us today. He promises to be with His disciples to the end of the age as they reach others with the Gospel. Who is to be reached? Jesus says here that disciples must be made from “all nations” (or more precisely all “people groups,” regardless of political or geographical boundaries that typically define “nations”).
c. Jesus Empowered it
Acts 1:8 “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
While this Scripture had its immediate fulfillment at the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, we believe that all members of the body of Christ have received the Holy Spirit. It is this power that guarantees our ultimate success in carrying the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
As believers in Christ who have received the same Spirit of God today, we are to reach our own “Jerusalem and Judea” (e.g., the local cities and towns in which we live); our own “Samaria” (those geographically near us, as well as those who may be “different” from us, and perhaps not liked by our society); and “the ends of the earth” (those who are separated from us by distance, custom, culture, or language).
d. God has Provided the Opportunity
John 4:35b “...I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”
More than two and a half billion people around the world have never heard the Gospel message! Yes, the fields are ripe just as when Jesus showed His disciples the harvest fields in Samaria, expecting them to reap where they had not sown;, even among those whom they disliked (the Samaritans).
e. Jesus Tied Missions to the Second Coming
Matthew 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
This Scripture tells us, the church of Christ, to do our assigned task before we can rest in the joy of His coming again.
The Westgate Church missions ministry emphasizes five key activities: prayer, financial and other support, sending/going, training, and accountability. The scriptural basis for each is outlined briefly below.
a. Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1 “I urge then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone...”
This Scripture, in fuller text, was quoted above under “God Desires It”. It clearly sets the priority of prayer in reaching the world for Christ.
Luke 10:2 “Then he told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the Harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.’”
Jesus charged His disciples to “pray” to the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers. This prayer should often be upon our lips remembering that God is able to bring in an abundant Spiritual harvest.
Colossians 4:2-4 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”
Paul, the great missionary, gives us explicit direction to pray for the success of our missionaries. God, in answer to our prayers, opens the doors of human hearts as nothing else can.
b. Support
Matthew 16:24-25 “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?’”
“He must deny himself.” This statement, which is in such sharp contrast to today’s “SELF FIRST” attitude, is a distinct instruction to deny many of the pleasures the world has to offer us in order to support the ministries of Jesus’ church. We deny ourselves as we use our time, talents, and wealth to spread the Gospel rather than for our own personal desires. The result is that we gain JOY from doing Christ’s bidding. As we have already seen, missions is at the core of these ministries. Therefore, we are challenged (1) to use our time to pray for missions, to encourage missionaries, and to actively participate in missions; (2) to use our talents and spiritual gifts to serve Christ in His work; and (3) to give back to Him of our financial blessings to foster the purpose of His church.
Jesus’ cross was for our propitiation; our cross is for his propagation.
1 Corinthians 9:7-12 “Who serves as a soldier at his own expense?...If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?...But we do not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.”
1 Timothy 5:18 “‘Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain’ and ‘the worker deserves his wages.’”
Paul in these Scriptures clearly establishes the right and need for financially supporting those devoted to preaching and teaching the Gospel. He also sets the example of not hindering the acceptance of the message by demanding support from the new converts, although he says it is his right. The fledgling converts and churches are not yet prepared to take on such support. Therefore, the sending churches need to suitably support their missionaries.
Philippians 4:14-16 “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of our acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.”
The Philippian church is obviously the model for Westgate Church to emulate. They did not just send money, they even sent Epaphroditus “to take care of my [Paul’s] needs” while Paul was in prison (Ph. 2:25). We are to share in meeting all the needs of each member of our missions family.
1 Thessalonians 2:9 “Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.”
Paul, a tentmaker by trade, was the primary provider of his own missionary support. Therefore, we do not consider it inappropriate for a missionary to supply at least part of his support when it will not adversely impact his ministry. On the contrary it is very appropriate in many cases: for example, early retirees on pension or very short-term missionaries. In some cases, taking on secular employment (“tentmaking”) is the only way to gain entry into otherwise closed countries.
c. Sending/Going
Luke 10:3 “Go! I am sending you like lambs among wolves.”
After his instruction to pray to the Lord of the Harvest, Jesus gave the 72 this personal charge to go, which should serve as a challenge to every Christian. As he sent them, he also instructed them to preach and to heal the sick, reminding us that whenever the love of God is declared in the preaching of the Gospel, it should also be demonstrated in loving acts.
Romans 10:14‑15 “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.’”
Once again, Paul sets forth in clear logic why we must send missionaries just as he was sent by the church at Antioch. Those who are lost cannot come to Christ unless someone goes to them to preach the message of salvation.
Ephesians 4:11-13 It was he [Christ] who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
We are to exercise our gifts from God. The word apostle means “the sent one.” Therefore, if we have been given gifts to instruct in the knowledge of God we are to go as called. We, as the church, are to send those whom God calls.
Acts 13:2 “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”
Not only is the missionary to be called, but the church is called to send and support. Not all who express the desire to go are equipped to go. Therefore, potential supporting churches must seek the will of God before rendering a judgment. Often, the answer may be to further prepare the individual before sending or to orient his or her desire to be involved in full-time ministry in a different direction.
d. Training
Matthew 10:5 “These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions....”
1 Timothy 1:18-19 “Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophesies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.”
Jesus instructed his disciples before he sent them out for a field training exercise. Paul trains young Timothy. Likewise, we have an obligation to see that those we send out are equipped to meet the obstacles they will face—spiritually, physically, culturally, and emotionally. In Ephesians 4:12 (cited above under Sending/Going) we are told, “...some [are given] to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up…” God has given the means and we need to assess and provide to the best of our ability the training needs of our sent ones both before and after sending. Continued growth is critical to all Christians.
e. Accountability
Acts 14:26-27 “From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.”
Just as Paul reported on his work to his sending church, we expect our missionaries to keep us informed of their efforts. We are accountable to be sure that the Word is being taught, the needs of our missionaries are being met, and the Lord’s resources are being effectively used.
The Missions Board is responsible for the administration of Westgate Church’s Missions Program, under the authority of the Board of Elders. The Missions Board shall administer the Missions Program in accordance with this written Missions Policy. See Section 6 of this policy for details. The Board shall keep the Elders informed of major decisions and actions, and seek their approval for any decisions, which are outside the scope of this Missions Policy.
Each Westgate supported missionary will be provided with a copy of the policy and is expected to abide by the provisions of the policy in all matters concerning Westgate Church. The missionary is responsible to clarify any questions with the Missions Board in order to assure complete understanding of the policy. In a worst-case scenario, failure to abide by the policy could lead to a loss of support.
Any prospective missionary, whether long or short term, being considered for support by the Missions Board shall be given a copy of the policy when applying for support and must agree to its provisions.
Exceptions to this policy require the concurrence of the Board of Elders. Revisions may be made following the procedures set forth in Section 7.
The Westgate Church missions strategy is to implement our Scriptural mandate (Section 1.5) and our church’s Statement of Purpose (Section 1.1) by raising up faithful disciples to Jesus Christ. We want to train and mobilize people to:
· Pray
· Give
· Go
To that end we seek to effectively mobilize all of the resources under our influence (e.g., prayer, personnel, and finances) as part of our effort to reach the world for Christ. This strategy requires gaining active involvement from Westgate members, encouraging, and ultimately sending out many missionaries who have been raised up and trained within our church.
Certain strategic emphases have been established to guide the Missions Board’s decisions in reaching our desired objectives. Our support is to be directed to a sufficiently small number of efforts that the Missions Board and congregation can:
· Effectively monitor each agency and individual and the supported work.
· Be involved in the work through prayer, correspondence, furlough support, etc.
· Provide a significant level of support that reduces the missionary’s time in establishing and maintaining support.
· Maintain a balanced, worldwide perspective.
These guidelines do not fully represent the Westgate Church program at the time of adoption of this policy, but rather the program to which we desire to evolve. Therefore, the Board shall use appropriate judgment and discretion in moving toward this goal.
Our areas of emphasis, discussed in the following sections, are as follows:
· Prayer
· Mobilization and Involvement
· People vs. Projects
· Cultural
· Urban vs. Rural
· Non-Financial Support
Westgate Church intends to associate with a sufficiently diverse selection of missionaries and mission boards to develop and maintain a broadly based missions effort. However, the number of missionaries and mission boards will be controlled in order to achieve a high level of involvement and support with those with whom we minister.
Prayer is essential for any undertaking we are involved in for our God. It is our communications channel to request and receive all the guidance and power that we need. As shown in “The Scriptural Basis for Missions” section, we are directed to give missions special prayer emphasis. Therefore, we will devote special effort towards stimulating a balanced prayer life in Westgate Church and its members on behalf of missions.
Prayer will be encouraged by individuals and the corporate body; in small and large groups; in regular and in special prayer services; through personal prayer lists and through published guides; for individuals by name, for peoples, ministries, and agencies. It will be our objective to establish continuing, routine prayer support for each accepted missionary and his or her work.
Westgate’s missions impact will reflect the effectiveness with which we mobilize our own members to provide their time, talents, and money; that is, to become personally involved. The ultimate personal involvement is when someone from our congregation is called by the Lord to go. We will strive to identify, encourage, and nurture potential candidates. We will also seek to help them discover their gifts, strengths, and limitations so that they can serve the Lord most effectively.
A significant part of fulfilling the Great Commission at Westgate Church is the discipling and sending of missionaries to reach the world for Christ. Westgate Church places a high priority on the financial support of people over projects or organizations, because we believe that we must financially support our own members we send out as missionaries. The following recommended allocation of financial resources represents the monies given to specific individuals versus the amount given to missions-related projects or missions-related organizations:
Guideline:
People 85%
Organizations 10%
Projects 5%
While individual missionaries will dominate our program, special projects represent a key way (1) to reach the closed and recently opened areas of the world, (2) to meet the special needs of our supported missionaries, and (3) to maintain the flexibility in our funding to meet changing needs.
Westgate Church seeks to achieve a balance between efforts to reach our own culture for Christ and other cultures of the world (see Section 1.3). Over 90% of the unevangelized are outside of our culture and yet only approximately 10% of the American churches’ resources are allocated to reaching this group of unreached souls. Our objective is to direct our missions efforts toward the area of greatest need, that of cross-cultural ministry.
Guideline:
Our culture 25%
Cross-cultural 75%
Even though our primary emphasis is clearly toward the support of cross-cultural missions, this does not mean that all our cross-cultural financial support will be outside of America. In the Boston area alone, there are a multitude of cross-cultural ministries in operation. We anticipate that some of our cross-cultural missions support will occur here in the U.S., even though the majority of support will undoubtedly be used to fund work outside of the U.S., where the need is greatest.
With the world now swinging from a historically rural population to more than 50% urban today, Westgate Church must recognize this demographic trend and increasingly allocate resources to those unreached people groups within the city. Our goal is to support the spread of the Gospel to those unreached people groups throughout the world—in both rural and urban areas.
Besides our deep commitment to prayer and financial support for our selected missionaries and projects, we will emphasize the necessity of meeting other needs of our missionaries: correspondence, supplies, furlough assistance and care, and above all a generous supply of Christian love for their every need. Our desire is to develop suitable programs to address such special needs.
The church will consider projects if they are submitted in writing by representatives of approved agencies. Generally, agencies will be approved according to the criteria set forth in Section 4.8.2.
Projects will be researched and evaluated to consider:
1. The effectiveness of their administration.
2. Their appropriateness according to our targeted support goals for missions work.
Support approved for projects will be for a limited period of time but subject to renewal upon evaluation. However, recipients should never consider project support to be ongoing, without a clearly defined end point.
The purpose of Westgate’s support of full-time career missionaries[1] is to provide workers for the harvest to reach the world for Christ.
Unless otherwise noted, this section applies to all candidates, whether they are Westgate Church members or not. Both members and non-members may be considered for full-time assignment. As noted, Westgate members receive special consideration because of our responsibility as a church to support those we disciple and send.
A career candidate shall be considered for support based on the following:
1. Completion of a written application and an interview with the Missions Board.
2. Affirmation of his/her faith in Jesus Christ as his/her personal Lord and Savior.
3. Continuing spiritual growth.
4. Record of active participation in the ministries of his local church and other Christian service.
5. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with church leadership in openness and cooperation.
6. Thorough familiarity and agreement with the Westgate “Statement of Faith” (see Appendix 2).
7. Openness to guidance and counsel regarding preparation and plans.
8. Fulfillment of the Biblical standards for leadership (I Timothy 3 and Titus 1).
9. Acceptance by a mission agency or board acceptable to Westgate Church (see Section 4.8).
10. Recommendations from reputable sources including candidate’s local church.
11. At least one year of proven ministry experience.
12. An educational background which qualifies the candidate for the intellectual and spiritual rigors of the assigned field.
13. A background of cross‑cultural and language training (through the mission agency or elsewhere) which is adequate for the assigned field (or the commitment to receive such training).
14. Agreement to adhere to the missionary review procedures (see Section 4.13 below).
15. Adequate physical and mental health and suitability for service planned.
Westgate Church will consider the following categories of missionaries in order to determine the priority given to candidates when considering support requests[2]:
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Category 1: |
Missionaries already supported by Westgate who are members and who consider Westgate Church their “home church.” |
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Category 2: |
Long-term Westgate members actively involved in the ministry of the church, especially those who were discipled within the church.[3] |
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Category 3: |
Missionaries already supported by Westgate who are not members. |
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Category 4: |
Westgate members (who are not long-term members) who consider Westgate to be their “home” church and suitably qualified children of missionaries now supported. |
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Category 5: |
Individuals who have worshiped, fellowshipped and actively participated at Westgate for a significant period of time (usually at least three years) but are not members. |
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Category 6: |
Missionaries who have had no prior association with Westgate, with the following order of priority: |
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· Missionaries who are affiliated with our denomination, the Evangelical Free Church of America. |
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· Missionaries sponsored by any consortium in which Westgate voluntarily participates. |
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· Missionaries who are based in the New England area. |
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Category 7: |
Missionaries who are nationals working within their own culture.[4] |
Care and concern for Category 1 shall normally take precedence before giving consideration to adding new candidates of any other category. Additional consideration for adding new missionaries to our roster will be based on the decreasing priorities of Categories 2-7. Westgate Church feels a special responsibility to support in every way possible those missionaries and missionary candidates in Category 2. These are people who have been prepared by Westgate Church to serve Christ as missionaries. We believe that our church bears the primary responsibility of support of all missionaries we send. Our financial and prayer support represents the final important step in our long-term process of preparing them to serve Christ as missionaries.
Missionary candidates who are Westgate Church members are expected to participate significantly in the ministries at Westgate for at least one year before receiving support, in order for the church to judge that the Biblical standards for leadership (I Timothy 3 and Titus 1) are met.
The following target levels of support will be used as a guide for candidates and for Westgate for budget generation:
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Categories 1 & 2: |
50% of support requirement as established by their mission board or agency. Maximum support may be 100%. |
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Category 4: |
20% of support requirement as established by their mission board or agency. Maximum support may be 100%. |
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Categories 3, 5, & 6: |
10% of support requirement as established by their mission board or agency. Maximum support will be 20%. |
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Category 7: |
Up to 100% funding may be provided. |
The above target levels are not mandatory. The actual level for each missionary will reflect other considerations, including support needs and the availability of budget funds at the time new candidates are considered. Westgate Church recommends that all missionary support be broader-based and that only in special circumstances should Westgate’s commitment go above the 50% level.
For the purposes of the Category descriptions above, we define “support” to include the following:
· Base salary allowance;
· Medical and dental insurance;
· Education for children;
· Retirement benefits (e.g., 403(b) or IRA plans - see Section 4.14.3);
· State and federal taxes paid by the employer (e.g., FICA and Medicare);
· Required travel to and from the ministry destination; and
· Missions board administrative overhead.
In addition to regular support as defined above, missionaries may also need to raise ministry funds, in which Westgate may choose to participate.
Westgate Church will continue to support all of its missionaries while they are on home assignment. Missionaries receiving support at a level of 50% or more normally will be required to spend the majority of their time at Westgate Church while on home assignment. While at home they will be expected to serve within the church alongside Westgate staff, using their gifts and skills to help build the church body. A ministry plan for the home assignment period will be developed and agreed to by the missionary, the Missions Board, and the pastors. The expectation of hours worked per week will be in proportion to the percent support Westgate supplies toward their total need: missionaries receiving 100% support from Westgate would generally be expected to work between 20 and 40 hours per week in church-related ministry. Special consideration will be given to individuals with specific skills that may not fit into the church setting (e.g., a missionary doctor).
Interviews of prospective candidates will be conducted covering items such as:
1. Background and salvation experience;
2. Acceptance by approved mission board;
3. Immediate plans prior to assignment;
4. Financial support;
5. The reasons for choosing missions, governing agency, and ministry;
6. Formal education;
7. Abilities, spiritual gifts, and interests;
8. Ministry experience;
9. Formal counseling and evaluation of suitability for the mission field;
10. Understanding and acceptance of the Westgate Church Missions Policy, etc.
Member missionaries and member missionary candidates seeking qualification for a support level of 50% or more should be interviewed by the Elders in addition to the Mission Board, as the missionaries will be expected to have significant involvement in Westgate ministries during furlough as stated in section 4.5.
The candidate shall have a clear understanding of his own doctrinal position and express knowledge of and agreement with Westgate’s “Statement of Faith” (see Appendix 2). Any possible differences must be expressed in writing for consideration by the Missions Board and Board of Elders. Once accepted, continued agreement with the doctrinal statement is a requirement for continued support.
a. Articles of faith shall be consistent with those of Westgate Church.
b. The board shall be a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) or provide other adequate demonstration of financial accountability.
c. Overhead charges shall be consistent with services rendered to supported missionaries.
d. Overhead on designated support shall not be used for other ministries.
e. Designated support shall be used only for the work of the designated missionary and shall not be diverted to other ministries, even if it exceeds the missionary’s needs, without the permission of the Westgate Church Missions Board.
f. The board shall agree to provide at least annually a summary for each Westgate-supported missionary showing:
1. Total financial needs for the year just ended.
2. Total designated gifts received for the year.
3. Total of funds, net of overhead, forwarded to the missionary during the year.
4. Total overhead charged to account during the year.
5. Accumulative arrears and plans for correction.
6. Disposition of any designated receipts in excess of the funds forwarded to the missionary.
7. Total financial need for the coming year specifying regular monthly need and other special needs.
National Christian leaders can be supported for a limited period of time after considering the following:
a. Their affiliation with an approved missions agency.
b. The proper administration of the funds to ensure that the monies get to them and their ministries.
c. Adequate and on-going accountability of the national leader through the agency, with regular written evaluations and visits (when possible) to Westgate Church.
The commitments of both Westgate Church and the missionary will be summarized in a short contract similar to that shown in Appendix 1.
a) Increase our effectiveness in prayer and financial support.
b) Communicate the most recent goals of the missionary—both ministry and personal goals.
c) Evaluate the previous year’s accomplishments and short‑comings.
d) Update our financial records.
e) Inform us of upcoming furlough plans, educational pursuits, or ministry ventures.
a) The annual report information (above).
b) The field assignments of the missionary (in light of our guidelines for distribution of monies).
c) The demonstrated effectiveness of the missionary in accomplishing his assigned tasks.
a) Inflationary costs of the country of service.
b) Increased support needs.
c) An increased desire on the part of Westgate Church to participate in a particular ministry and/or geographical area.
a) The missionary changes field assignment and/or the basic nature of his work.
b) The missionary changes mission agencies.
c) The missionary fails to submit an annual report and quarterly prayer letters.
d) The missionary extends a normal furlough period in the United States beyond one year.
e) The missionary is assigned to home-office administration.
a) Except for cause or other unusual circumstances support will not be terminated during a term.
b) In normal situations, the missionary will be notified three months before support is changed or stopped.
c) In these situations, the missionary will be told why support is being altered and given an opportunity to respond accordingly.
d) In cases of ministry misconduct (abandonment of the mission, infidelity, unethical practices, etc.), the support will be stopped immediately upon investigation and verification of the situation.
a) Support for an approved missionary may begin as soon as the candidate achieves full‑time status with the mission agency.
b) Initial support may continue up to two years for the preliminary training, language school, and preparation for the missionary.
c) In cases where missionaries are not on the field to which the Missions Board approved them after two years, support shall be reviewed and, possibly, terminated.
Candidates who apply to the Missions Board will be notified by the Board of its action. If the Board approves support and/or approves direct solicitation of financial support from individual Westgate members, the Board will provide the candidate with either an appropriate statement or letter which can be incorporated with the request. The Missions Board shall also inform the congregation of decisions to (1) support a candidate or (2) endorse a candidate’s solicitation of Westgate members.
Neither the Missions Board nor Westgate Church can control direct solicitation of members; however, members are urged to use the Board as a resource. Westgate members should check solicitations they receive for a statement of the Missions Board’s endorsement. In the absence of such endorsement, Westgate members will be encouraged to either (1) check with the Board when considering support or (2) suggest to the solicitor that he first seek endorsement by the Board.
Westgate desires that every missionary, after years of faithful service to the Lord, be taken care of during their retirement years. Our objective is to see that adequate provision is made for every missionary’s retirement while they are laboring in the field. This should be provided by the mission agency; otherwise, the missionary will be expected to make other arrangements to raise funds for his own retirement plan (e.g., by funding an IRA). Some existing missionaries do not have suitable retirement provisions and continued support will be required.
4.17. Shortage of Funds
The Mission Board cannot write checks for funds it does not have. Westgate will do everything possible to maintain its commitment to the annual missions budget. If there is a shortage of funds, the following steps will be taken: (1) apply any amount in the mission contingency fund toward the shortage, (2) request that the pastoral staff make the need known and unite the congregation in prayer for the balance, (3) give priority to the support of missionaries vs. projects and mission agencies, (4) reduce commitments to missionaries proportionately.
To provide an opportunity to minister to others, to stimulate interest in missions and to help members assess their interests, gifts, and niche for missionary service, we will promote summer and other short-term missions projects.[5] Such projects may be sponsored by Westgate Church or by other organizations. The church will endeavor to make such opportunities known to all members and will provide counseling, prayer, and partial financial support, if necessary qualifications are met, upon acceptance.
a. Evidence of the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23);
b. Missions mindedness;
c. Faithfulness to a balanced Christian life which includes evangelism, prayer, church attendance, sacrificial love, and good deeds.
d. Ability to articulate the Gospel to the pastoral staff and in public.
The Missions Board carries out the administration of Westgate’s Missions Program. Responsibilities and administrative functions of the Board are delineated in this section. Additional details are provided in the church bylaws.
a. Qualifications for Missions Board membership:
· Be an active member of Westgate Church;
· Exhibit spiritual maturity;
· Possess a heart for missions and a willingness to work actively for the Lord;
· Desire to become knowledgeable about the church’s missionaries and to pray for the church missions program;
· Demonstrate a teachable attitude;
· Show evidence of a current or developing passion for missions;
· Be willing to make personal, sacrificial financial commitments to the missions program at Westgate;
· Be committed to attending monthly Missions Board meetings and special missions events.
b. The Missions Board shall consist of as many members (a minimum of five and a maximum of eleven, as required by the church bylaws) as is deemed necessary to oversee the functions of the Board.
c. The Board may use subcommittees, as needed, to carry out the functions of the Board and to involve more of the church congregation in missions. In most cases, only the subcommittee Chairman will be either a full or ex-officio member of the Board.
d. Besides the Missions Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Board may name other officers as needed, including a secretary and a treasurer.
a. The Missions Board shall establish and maintain a written policy concerning the Missions Program of the church. Any changes made to the policy shall be approved by the Board of Elders as provided in Section 7.
b. All Board members shall be responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of the Missions Policy. Newly elected Board members (first time and returning) will be required to read and understand the Policy when they join the Board.
c. The Missions Board, after Elder and Deacon Boards approval, shall provide to the church congregation a proposed missions budget for the coming year. The budget shall be prepared before the time of the church’s annual meeting and shall be approved by the congregation.
d. The Missions Board shall be responsible for the allocation of missions funds subject to the approval of the annual budget by the congregation. When a supported missionary or organization becomes ineligible for support during the approved budget year, the Missions Board within the guidelines of this policy manual may reallocate these funds.
e. The Board should read each missionary’s prayer letters and pray for the missionaries. This should be done both as a group and individually.
f. The Board shall periodically re-evaluate the Missions Program of the church.
g. The Board shall strive to stimulate, within the congregation as a whole and with individual members, intercessory prayer for world evangelism and for our missionaries and missions-related causes.
h. The Board shall be responsible for the education and motivation of the congregation in the area of world missions through personal conversations, activities sponsored by the Board, and suggested activities for each major ministry in the church.
i. The Board shall encourage programs which maintain contact with individual missionaries and the missions-related institutions we support; and it shall keep the church advised of on‑the‑field activity and requests for prayer.
j. The Board shall minister appropriately to missionaries on furlough.
k. Board members shall abstain from voting on issues and budget portions involving themselves or their relatives.
l. Other major activities:
1. Missions conferences
2. Mission “moments” during the Sunday morning worship hour
3. Candidate reviews
4. Christian Education (CE) involvement
5. Field visitations
6. Internships and other training and development activities in missions
7. Shepherding of missionaries
8. Other activities and events to increase missions-mindedness.
a. The Missions budget will be in accordance with Westgate’s definition of missions (see Section 1.3), and this policy; it should include only those items relating directly to the support of individual missionaries, prospective missionaries, missions-related agencies or institutions, educational institutions training future missionaries, missions-related projects, and activities to stimulate the missions awareness and increased dedication of Westgate members. Other miscellaneous items should be limited to expenses supporting the administration of the overall missions programs.
b. Mission funds shall not be used for college and seminary tuition, except in the case of international students who are seeking additional training in preparation for ministry in their home country.
c. A Missions Special Needs Fund is to be included in the budget to provide a source of funds intended (1) to help individual missionaries and their needs in instances, which could not have been foreseen or budgeted, and (2) to take advantage of special opportunities, which may develop during the year. Disbursement of such funds requires Missions Board approval and shall be in accordance with this policy.
a. Annually, a Missions Budget subcommittee shall be formed consisting of the Chairman of the Missions Board and two Board members who may be appointed by the full Missions Board.
b. The budget subcommittee will communicate with missionaries and their boards to determine individual financial needs and prepare a preliminary budget.
c. The subcommittee will present its preliminary budget to the full Missions Board for discussion and revision.
d. The Chairman of the subcommittee or the Chairman of the Missions Board shall present the proposed missions budget to the church at the annual meeting for final approval by the congregation.
a. Funds disbursed in compliance with the approved Missions Budget shall be taken from the Missions Fund. Checks normally are prepared at the beginning of each quarter for the current quarter, but the Chairman may alter the schedule if the need arises.
b. Funds given to the church and designated to “missions” shall be deposited into the “Missions General” account, with disbursement at the discretion of the Missions Board, unless the check specifies the particular person, organization, or project intended to benefit from the gift.
c. Donations designated for individuals or organizations should normally be given directly to that individual or organization and not through Westgate Church. Such designated giving through Westgate will be discouraged. However, if such funds are received, the Board will respond as follows:
1. If the gift is for an individual, organization, or project that Westgate Church currently supports or can easily approve, the church will forward the funds providing there is a legitimate reason for the money to pass through the church. Such gifts will not be recorded as part of the regular Missions Funds, and will be in excess of the amount paid from the Missions Budget.
2. If the gift is for an individual, organization, or project not supported by Westgate, the funds shall be returned to the donor.
d. Gifts from Christian Education (CE) classes, special offerings, or other sources which are dedicated for purposes not approved within the Mission Budget should be forwarded without entry into the budget system. The Missions Board should be made aware of all such gifts and an off-budget record system established. These funds should not be recorded as part of the Westgate Missions Budget.
e. Any memorials designated to missions or wills involving missions will be handled in accordance with the above procedures.
f. In the event money is received for an unapproved purpose, the money will be returned to the giver along with the reason for non‑acceptance. If the person involved is not known, or the money cannot be returned for other reasons, the gift will be added to “Missions General” funds.
The Missions Board will maintain the following information:
1. Individual missionary information.
2. Missions, agency, and organization data.
3. Minutes of the Missions Board meetings.
4. Correspondence and other materials necessary to the Board’s operations.
5. Annual budgets.
6. All disbursement records for missions.
7. Goals, objectives, annual reports, organization and job descriptions.
The written Missions Policy may be revised at any time under the following procedure:
1. The Missions Board Chairman shall appoint a temporary revision subcommittee to prepare the proposed change(s) in draft form.
2. The draft will be presented to the full Missions Board for its review.
3. The subcommittee will present the recommendations to the Board of Elders for its approval. The Board of Elders will approve the policy statements but not the informational appendices or the administrative procedures adopted by the Mission Board to implement the policy.
4. The revised policy will be made available to the general membership of the church.
Every five years a policy revision subcommittee will be formed (in accordance with Section 7.1 above) to review this Missions Policy and to consider possible revisions. The subcommittee shall report its findings to the full Missions Board for review and approval before forwarding any changes to the Board of Elders. Because this Missions Policy was initially approved in the year 2000, all five-year reviews should occur during years which are evenly divisible by 5 (e.g., year 2005, 2010).
Appendix 1: Sample Missionary Support Agreement
{Date}
Westgate
Church
Missionary Support
Agreement
with Joe and Jane Smith
Westgate Church pledges support to the ministry of Joe and Jane Smith in accordance with the following conditions:
1. Westgate pledges financial support of $______ quarterly for the term of service January 1, 200__ to December 31, 200__ for their ministry in evangelism and church planting in Indonesian villages with All Grace Ministries.
2. Westgate pledges that the Missions Board will pray faithfully for Joe and Jane and will encourage others to do so.
3. Westgate pledges that the Missions Board will communicate on a regular basis with Joe and Jane (1) to offer support and encouragement in their ministry, and (2) to keep them informed of any changes in Westgate’s Missions Policy or other news that may impact their ministry. This will occur via informal updates, correspondence, newsletters and, as possible, an in-person session with the Board.
4. Westgate pledges to provide time during a Sunday service for Joe and Jane when on furlough to update the entire congregation.
5. Westgate pledges that the Missions Board will communicate with AllGrace Ministries at least once each year regarding Joe’s and Jane’s ministry.
Joe and Jane pledge support of the Missions Board of Westgate Church in its work and of the fellowship of this church in accordance with the following:
1. Joe and Jane pledge to notify the Missions Board in writing at least six months prior to any proposed change in the nature of their ministry as stated above. They understand that a change in the type of ministry or missions board will necessitate their participation in a review of their support status by the Missions Board.
2. Joe and Jane pledge to communicate with someone on the Missions Board at least quarterly regarding the progress of their ministry, their personal well‑being and specific prayer requests. At least annually they will provide their objectives for the coming year and a report of their accomplishments of their objectives for the past year.
3. Joe and Jane pledge to notify the Missions Board in writing of any reservations that they may have about their willingness and ability to comply with the Westgate Church Missions Policy as it is developed and communicated.
4. Joe and Jane pledge when on furlough to share with the congregation of Westgate Church during a Sunday service. Whenever possible, they will also become involved with Westgate’s missions-related activities. “Member” missionaries pledge significant involvement in Westgate ministries.
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Missions Board Chairman |
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Joe Smith |
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Jane Smith |
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Appendix 2: Statement of Faith
1. We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the Divine and final authority for Christian faith and life.
2. We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. We believe that Jesus Christ is true God and true man having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
4. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.
5. We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is, therefore, lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
6. We believe that the shed blood of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit and, thus, become children of God.
7. We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the Church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as means of salvation.
8. We believe that the true Church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the Body of Christ of which He is the Head.
9. We believe that only those who are, thus, members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership in he local church.
10. We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the Church and that every local church has the right under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.
11. We believe in the personal premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this “Blessed Hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer.
12. We believe in the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord; of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
Appendix 3: Application For Short-Term Missions Project
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Candidate |
Name: |
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Address: |
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City, State, Zip: |
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E-mail address: |
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Member Westgate Church Since: |
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Project |
Name: |
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Sponsor’s Name: |
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Address: |
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City, State, Zip: |
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Telephone #: |
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Information on Sponsor Attached: |
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Purpose: |
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Duration and Start Date: |
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My Role: |
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Your Qualifications: |
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Your Objectives and Expectations: |
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Status of Application to Sponsor? |
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Financing |
Total Cost of your Participation: |
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Do you plan any personal travel connected with the project? If so,
please explain: |
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How much of your personal travel costs is included in the total cost
above? |
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Amount of total cost you will personally pay: |
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Amount requested from Missions Committee Board: |
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Your plan for raising funds: |
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Proposed solicitation letter attached*? |
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Training |
Describe training that will be given before departure (e.g.,
evangelism, cultural): |
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Project Plans and Objectives: |
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Sponsor’s Expectations: |
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Your Role: |
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Health & Living Aspects: |
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Personal Conduct: |
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Other: |
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Hours Involved? |
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Who Will Provide? |
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Describe training that will be given after departure: |
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Prior training of experience that equips you for this project: |
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Prior
Missions Projects |
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References |
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For |
Action: |
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Missions |
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Board |
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Use
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[1] We view a “career” missionary as someone who intends to spend more than two years on the missions field.
[2] Financial support is not automatically extended to everyone who fits the criteria of a given category. The decision to support a missionary or missionary candidate, and the actual level at which to support him or her, will be determined by the Missions Board based on the suitability of the individual seeking support and other factors, as discussed elsewhere in this policy manual.
[3] Long-term members are considered to be those members who have attended during the previous five years. Also considered as long-term members are young adults who were raised in the church but who have been away because of schooling or ministry training.
[4] We believe support of national missionaries in most instances should be the responsibility of the national churches, but we are willing to consider short-term exceptions to this guideline.
[5] We define “short-term” to be up to 24 months in length.
* Fund-raising letter must be attached if you will solicit funds from Westgate Church members.