Guidance for Members Interested in Participating in Mission

It goes without saying that mission is all we, as God’s people, do for God in His world. This guidance paper is to help those who plan to participate in a specific short or longer-term project, at home or further afield. It is based on the principle that, as a family of God’s people, we exercise love and care for one another. That love and care is manifest in a desire to pray for and afford practical support. As leaders in the church, we also have a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of those from West who participate in specific mission projects.

If you are interested in participating in a project, you should discuss your intentions, as early as possible, with your elder, a member of the Mission and Outreach sub-group of the Kirk Session or any member of the pastoral team. The following areas are ones to which you should give some prayerful consideration, in advance of that discussion.

God prompts us to action in a variety of ways, but we are each linked to one another in the church family for mutual support and guidance. You should, therefore, discuss your reasons for getting involved, what you intend to do and how you intend to do it, with those who know you best, and seek their advice.

Practical Support

You should think through the practical requirements associated with your plans – the time required, the costs, travel arrangements, the resources you might need to bring, the skills you will need to exercise, the knowledge you may need to build up and what help you will need from others.

Prayer Support

It is our intention within West, to ensure that specific mission and outreach projects have the prayer support of our members. It is always best when individuals make themselves known to those who will be praying for them, to ensure that that prayer is as well-informed as possible.

The Organising Group

Although we would like our members, as far as possible, to link with one of the Presbyterian Church’s many mission and outreach activities, we are very happy to support others. What is important, however, is that the West Church Mission and Outreach group is satisfied that you are linked to a Christian organisation, which is in harmony with the beliefs of the Presbyterian Church, and has a known reputation for its work to advance God’s Kingdom, and for its concern for the health, welfare and safety of its members.

Health and Safety

As Christians, we live in the real world of uncertainties. God does not promise us immunity from disease and danger, but He does promise that He will not leave us to face such things on our own. He also expects us to act responsibly and take necessary precautions. You should, therefore, review your current physical and mental health, ascertain any potential health risks involved in what you intend to do and where you intend to go, and what precautions you need to take. Similarly, you should ascertain any potential difficulties that may arise through travelling abroad, what safeguards you need to put in place, and what you need to know about the place where you will be based. Health and travel insurance are essential. Experienced Christian organisations, such as those referred to above, are well aware of these matters, and that is why we strongly encourage that our members link with established groups.

Financial Support

As a church, it is our aim that we use the resources we have wisely and for God’s glory. We are keen to support the mission and outreach work in which our members are involved and we try to allocate our monies in a transparent way, according to an agreed policy. An application form exists for such purposes. If you envisage applying for financial support, it is important that you carefully calculate your total expenses in the light of your anticipated income. You should ensure that you can provide receipts where possible, for how you spend the funds given to you.

The Presbyterian Church has plans to re-run and expand its seminar of personal security for those going overseas. You can contact the organisers directly by emailing overseas@presbyterianireland.org

You might find the following publications and addresses helpful

Dept of Health, London (2004) Heath Advice for Travellers (see also Health Care for Travellers and CEEFAX [BBC2] pages 460-64)

Interhealth, 157 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8US

Tel 020 7902 9000

FAX 0207928 0927

Email advice@interhealth.org.uk

Web Interhealth