Equipping for Cross-Cultural Ministry
A multi-faceted program of discipleship, mentorship, fellowship and service equips field workers for ministry wherever God leads.
Our desire is to send well prepared missionaries to the field by focusing on four key areas of growth.
This extensive program is required of everyone sent by College Church and can take up to two years to complete.
Four program components enable growth and readiness for ministry:
Character
Growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
The objective is to continue growing in Christ-like character (Eph. 4:13). God is holy and each Christ follower should seek to grow in holiness (Lev. 19:2), which at least involves an eager willingness to grow in grace (2 Pet. 3:18), while putting sin to death (Rom. 8:13). These, combined with a thoughtful examination of personality strengths, weaknesses, and spiritual gifting (Rom. 12:3-8), should lead to, with more regularity, display the fruit of the spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
Calling
Grow increasingly aware of God’s calling as reflected by the surrounding community.
Internal: Develop a biblically based passion. With the reading of the Word, God will stir and fill the heart with biblically based, grace-filled desires.
External: Others in the church, especially church leaders and those members of the congregation who are older and wiser, affirm the calling.
Community
Grow increasingly connected to others at College Church.
Prioritize a relationship with the local church, so connection to the local church will be made when overseas, if one exists in that location. Increasingly know others and be known. Grow together with College Church, and take the initiative to humbly serve, willingly fellowship and faithfully participate in the life of the church (Acts 2:42-47).
Competency
Global Impact Training: developing your gifts in ministry skill.
Grow in the love for God’s Word and the ability to handle it (2 Tim. 2:15).
Grow in the love for people and the ability to relate to them (1 Tim. 3:7). Combining love and ability is key because ability without love fails to promote true life transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am just beginning to explore missions. I don’t know where God is calling me or what he is calling me to do. Do I have to commit to life-time service from the start?
A: Not at all. You are on a journey, and discerning God’s call is a process. Our Missionary Preparation Program is set-up to help you confirm your internal calling while receiving external confirmation from those around you. Overtime, this will become clear. Some finish the program and continue onto short-term, mid-term or career missionary service, while some do not.
Q: I want to learn more about missions, but don’t feel called to go. Is this program for me?
A: We welcome learners! And this will definitely give you a foundation in understanding and engaging in missions. There is a lot of information available to you throughout the course of this program. A good first step would be to attend Wednesday prayer meetings at noon, where you can hear from a College Church mission partner and then spend time in prayer for the local and global church. Reach out to the missions office for more details or to schedule a meeting with a member of the missions team.
Q: What are you looking for in a missionary?
A: We are looking for humble, godly and teachable individuals who want to make a gospel impact in God’s world. These individuals will eagerly become part of the College Church community. They will gladly serve in ministries within our church, and overtime, they will grow in skill and compassion for other people. Along the way, they become convinced of God’s calling and that calling is affirmed by godly counsel. Lastly, they become people who love God and his Word. Their character is proven to be godly, reliable and trustworthy. Simply put, we are looking for Christ-like disciple-makers.
Q: I feel like the Lord might be calling me to missions, but I’ve never been overseas. If I want to begin by serving with a short-term team, do I have to complete the MPP?
A: We are thankful for your openness to God’s call! Participation with one of our short-term teams does require some preparation, but you are not required to complete the entire MPP. To learn more about short-term opportunities check out the trips page of our website or reach out to Marilyn Papierski, our short-term coordinator.
Q: I’m a current missionary, but I don’t attend College Church. Would you consider supporting me?
A: Thanks for asking. We require anyone being sent by us to be a member of College Church, to invest in service for several years in our church community and to complete the MPP. If that describes you, please reach out!
Q: My family and I are considering a job overseas. The role is paid, so we don’t need financial support, but we would love to be supported in prayer and possibly even join a missions team in our city. Do you have any category like that?
A: Yes. We call those individuals ‘Missions Associates,’ and we would be glad to connect with you about this option.
