Support framework for missionaries at
St Peter's Church Farnborough, Hampshire
Church of England, Diocese of Guildford

1. Explain and demonstrate their Christian faith. They will be clear about how they came to faith, what they believe and why?
   
   
2. Will have a current and systematic devotional life and be able to demonstrate current ministry in the life of the Church and community.
   
   
3. Provide confirmation of suitability for mission service through the views and references provided by Christian leaders and other appropriate members of St Peter’s Church and other Christian groups with which the individual has been or is involved.
   
   
4. Provide evidence that they have properly researched mission and potential mission activities and considered appropriate support structures.
   
   
5. Provide evidence that they already have an interest in mission and are actively supporting mission through prayer, contact with missionaries or mission organisations etc.

1. An understanding of the financial implications of mission service and demonstrate personal involvement in seeking sources of funding.
   
   
2. Proper consideration to issues such as pensions, national insurance contributions, tax, the letting or sale of property (if a home owner) so that responsible citizenship within the Great Britain can be maintained.
   
   
3. Identified individual strengths and weaknesses, interpersonal skills, professional or technical skills and Biblical gifts in considering the type of missionary work that might be undertaken.
   
   
4. Be able to demonstrate self-awareness and personal maturity.
   
   
5. Proper consideration of potential health problems, which could pose a difficulty or unacceptable risk in particular jobs or areas of the world.
   
   
6. Consideration and evaluation of the necessary language skills needed for the place of potential work, or the need to engage in appropriate language study.
   
   
7. Consideration and evaluation of the appropriateness for the individual to undertake Missionary or Bible College training as part of their preparation.
   
   
8. The individual will provide evidence that they have properly considered the implications of the call to mission work on their immediate family and dependants.
   
   
9. The individual will demonstrate that they are prepared to take sufficient time to address the above points – and to review his/her calling in the light of the outcomes.  

It is not practical, neither is it advisable for this responsibility to rest with St Peter’s Church. St Peter’s has to ensure that the relationship with missionary is one of support and partnership but not employment.

St Peter’s (through the Mission Committee and Clergy) needs to be sure that in undertaking mission work, the individual is properly associated with a missionary organisation, national church group or organisation, or has set up a trust or ministry group for the purposes of accountability and to ensure appropriate arrangements for handling financial support.

In exercising it’s pastoral responsibilities, St Peter’s working with the prospective missionary should be sure of the following:

1. The partner organisation has a sound Christian basis of faith.
   
   
2. That there are right and appropriate relationships with the national Church and local organisations.
   
   
3. That the mission partner is clear about it’s relationship with the sending Church.
   
   
4. The mission partner has appropriate organisational structures in place to ensure:
   
   a. Spiritual well-being and accountability
   b. Financial accountability
   c. Personal accountability
   d. Guidance and direction
   
   
5. The mission partner (as appropriate) has given due regard to the assessment of risk. It has, as far as possible addressed the issue of the health, safety, welfare and evacuation of mission partners.
   
   
6. The mission partner has identified with the missionary an appropriate system for mentoring and spiritual support.
   
   
7. The individual and mission partner provides St Peter’s Church with information to maintain Church interest and prayer support.
   
   
8. If the situation on the mission field changes significantly, the individual is prepared to discuss these changes openly and honestly with the Clergy, Mission Committee and relevant Church Leaders.
   
   
9. If an individual, for whatever reason, leaves a “mission organisation”, or ceases to operate through a trust or support group, they recognise that it is essential that support from St Peter’s Church is fully reviewed.
   

1. Promote ownership amongst the congregation of St Peter’s for the missionary and the relationship with the mission partner.
   
   
2. Provide appropriate financial support through an agreed mechanism (probably the mission partner organisation).
   
   
3. Pray regularly for the missionary and the work they do.
   
   
4. Provide practical support and encouragement throughout the period of missionary service.
   
   
5. Circulate information and encourage support and interest from Church members.
   
   
6. Provide hospitality and sharing/speaking opportunities for missionaries during visits back to St Peter’s.
   
   
7. Properly review the support arrangements if there is major change in the circumstances of the missionary or with the organisation with which they have had partnership.
   
   
8. Support individuals for up to one year on the cessation of long-term mission activity and provide appropriate support, counselling and guidance during the period of repatriation