FAQS? - Frequently Asked Questions About Missions At Calvary Church
Who Helps Plan and Prepare The REACH: Global Missions Ministry Program?
The Reach Global Missions Ministry Team, (hereafter known as MMT), is responsible for the oversight of the Reach Global Missions program of Calvary Church. Reach Global Missions is Crossing the cultural and/or geographical boundaries outside the influence of the local church and sharing Christ with people not like you. The Missions Director and Missions Elder form a team made up of six to eight men and women, with passion for seeing people come to Christ - from every nation, tongue, and tribe. These MMT members are approved by the Elder Board, after being selected from our church membership based on previous missions experience, spiritual giftedness, and a willingness to be part of a working team. The members commit to serving a minimum of one year in their role overseeing a committee or function of the Reach Global Missions program. When needed, sub-committees are formed to help broaden and strengthen new decisions made regarding policies, programs, or finances. In conclusion, the MMT seeks God’s will in all things - through prayer, reliance on the Scriptures, and additional wise counsel as they seek ways to challenge our congregation to become more personally involved in the Great Commission and to pray, give, and go.
2011 - 2012 Missions Ministry Team Members and Office Staff
Liz Gold, Missions Director
Craig Bryson, Elder & Chairman
Karen Ottoson, Vice Chair, Secretary, Missionary Care/Prayer
Mark Zwirner, Personnel
Erick Christensen, Member at Large
Harold Stephens, Short Term
Anker Christensen, Ministries
Missions Ministry office staff
Jill Lynch, Administrative Assistant
Lynn Ahern, Special Events & Programs
What Are Some Ways I Might See Reach Global At Calvary?
The Annual REACH Global Week in March & Fall Emphasis
Each year expert speakers challenge and encourage you with what is happening in missions around the world and ways for you to get involved. This is also the time to meet some of our Calvary missionaries who join us during these times. Information on these events is available a by checking the REACH publication and Calvary’s website at www.calvarylife.org - Reach/Global.
Second Sundays Missions Focus
On most second Sundays of the month, there is a special time of focus on missions in both the Celebration and Elevation services. Through media, missionary interviews, and other means we hope to bring an awareness of what is happening in missions around the world and generate a passion for the lost.
Sunday Morning LifeGroups
Mission Representatives in Sunday Morning LifeGroups encourage members in active participation of God’s work around the world through missions education (missionary speakers, videos, books), missionary care, and missions participation. Each Sunday Morning LifeGroup is assigned their own Calvary missionaries and are encouraged to be actively involved in their ministries through prayer and correspondence.
Interviews and Prayer
When possible, after arriving home or returning from the field missionaries are interviewed and prayed for in the Sunday morning worship services and/or during the monthly Missions Ministry Team meetings. In addition, missionaries share in other venues including speaking in LifeGroups, WWAM, and Men’s and Women’s Bible studies. Calvary Christian School also has Calvary missionaries share in their chapels and classrooms throughout the year.
Short Term Mission Team Reports
Following our Summer Short Term Missions Teams and individual’s mission trips, we have special times for reporting back what God did through those individuals who went on mission trips. Watch the web page and the Calvary Current for specific dates and times.
Commissioning
New Long Term (career) Calvary missionaries are commissioned and prayed for by the Elders prior to their departure. A time of prayer for our Short Term Missions Teams takes place when possible in the morning worship services or as they meet together just prior to the team’s departure.
Children’s Ministry Classes
Children’s Sunday school classes connect with their missionaries by praying for and having pictures of our MKs (Missionary Kids) that are in their same age group. When missionaries come home for home assignment the MKs are already known by their classmates. In addition, a missionary family is selected each year for Calvary’s Vacation Bible School program. The children hear from this family throughout the week and save pennies that will be used to purchase something for their ministry.
Mandarin and Spanish Speakers’ Services
Ministerio Hispano, for Spanish speakers, and Logos Bible Church, for Mandarin speakers, both offer Sunday morning worship services and adult study classes, as well as mid-week events and studies. Ministerio Hispano is a ministry of Calvary Church, with Pastor Armando Reyes on Calvary’s pastoral staff. An elder from the ministry also sits on the Calvary Elder Board. The Logos Bible Church is independent from Calvary Church and their, Pastor Andy Chao, leads Chinese focused services each
How Can I Stay Up to Date With Missionaries?
FYI (For Your Information)
FYI is a weekly published summary of all missionary emails and letters that are received through the Missions office that week. Also noted are missionary upcoming birthdays and anniversaries. Pick up a new copy of the FYI each Sunday morning.
Monthly Prayer Calendar
Praying for Calvary missionaries and the missions program is made easy with this handy calendar format. By praying through this daily you would pray for all of the Calvary missionaries over a three month period of time! Available on the last Sunday of the month for the new monthly calendar.
Missionary Address List
The Calvary missionary address list is updated monthly. These lists are available the last Sunday of the month prior to the new month. Pick one up and email or write to a Calvary missionary today!
Missionary Prayer Guides
The Missionary Prayer Guides are updated each year with a
write-up on each of our Calvary missionaries. Included are pictures and trivia information. In addition, our monthly supported agency partners an the email addresses for all our Calvary missionaries
are posted.
All of the above resources are available in the Missions Ministry Office on week days or on Sundays from the Worship Center lobby or the Sunday Morning LifeGroups.
How Can I Stay Up to Date With Everything Else Missions?
REACH Publication
The REACH publication takes around the world and right here in your own neighbor with stories that will challenge you. Published about three times a year, this is one way we share information about our REACH Global Mission program and REACH Local outreach. Read about our new missionaries, Short Term trips, many upcoming opportunities for ministry service, and reports of how Calvary Church is helping to change the world by reaching the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ!
Books & Resources
Great books on missions are available at the Corner, Calvary’s bookstore, including several written by or about our Calvary missionaries. The church Library and Missions Ministry Office also have books and DVDs that are available for loan. An extensive list is available at our website: reach/global/personal involvement.
Missions Website
Go to www.calvarylife.org/reach/global for more information on our Calvary missionaries, agencies, Short Term trip updates, March REACH Global Missions Week, Guest Helpers, WWAM, and lots more. Check it out regularly for new information.
100 + You
We have come up with more than 100 ways that Calvary is involved in missions. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. YOU can join in. Check out our 100+ You page at www.calvarylife.org
Staying or Going? Where is God Calling You?
Missionary Resource Network
Could you provide our Calvary missionaries with free or discounted services: medical care, legal aid, accounting services, airline miles, auto repair, piano lessons, or car use? Contact the Missions office if you can help. All information is kept confidential.
Prayer Partners
Missionaries will tell you that they need prayer! People who commit to a missionary family and notify us, will be added to our Prayer Partner roll. Send us an email or leave a message on The Card to let us know and we will tell you more about your missionary.
WWAM (Women With A Mission)WWAM is a multi-generational group of women who gather on the third Thursday of the month at 9 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. (childcare available in the morning). Meeting with Calvary missionaries as they share their experiences, you’ll share in their joys, challenges, and sorrows, and learn to pray with a greater understanding.
Understanding World Religions ClassesSeminars, workshops and classes are offered throughout the year. You will discover how to share your faith, without offending, and yet getting the salvation Message to your neighbors and those you are in contact with daily who believe differently from you.
InterVarsity International Students Ministry
Graduate students at UCI are seeking friendship among Americans. Most have not had an opportunity to even eat a meal in the home of an American family. The goal is to introduce them to Christ, help them to become mature in their faith, and prepare them to minister on their return. New friendship partner sign ups are in the summer.
Guest Helpers – Vacation with a Purpose
People with handyman experience or at least a desire to learn, are encouraged to become a Guest Helper. This group accepts requests from our missionaries (both stateside and overseas) as well as other ministries, to come alongside to repair restore, or build projects related to the work as well as minister to the missionary by their visit.
Short Term Mission Teams: 2 - 3 weeks
Short Term Mission Teams consist of a minimum of four people who serve out of the country in a missions experience of two to three weeks, enabling them to participate in cross-cultural ministry. All short term trips must be approved by the Missions Team. Most trips work in conjunction with Calvary missionaries and/or ministry partners. Look for information in the REACH publication and web.
WHAT IF I AM CONSIDERING MISSIONARY SERVICE AS A FUTURE?
Future Missionary Focus
Individuals who are interested in missions and how to use their gifts to reach the world are invited to be a part of our Future Missionary Focus program. An initial meeting to go over the handbook, fill out an application, and ask questions allows each person a chance to begin the Calvary missionary process. Those individuals who decide to commit this process are placed with a mentor who will work with them for accountability on their progress and answer questions. For more information please contact Liz Gold, Missions Director.
Short Term Missionary: up to 3 months
This is often a good first step to being a full-time missionary. Individuals considering going on a 3 month trip may submit a request for financial support from the Missions Ministry Team. Contact the Missions office for more information and applications.
Calvary Extended Short Term and Long Term Missionary
Calvary missionaries are ambassdors of Calvary Church, and must go through the Connect Lab Class, be interviewed by a Calvary Church Elder and approved for membership, and be actively involved at Calvary Church for at least two years, before being considered for the application process. Active participation in the Future Missionary Focus program and other ministries of the church, as well as a working relationship with the Missions Ministry Team are necessary steps in the process. Members interested in becoming a Calvary Church missionary should contact Liz Gold, Missions Director and also become familiar with the Calvary Church Missions Policy.
Some of our Requirements for Missionary Service
We support missionaries who serve under agencies having a reputation for integrity and stability, whose doctrinal statements are true to the Word of God and in agreement with the Calvary Church Statement of Faith; who are sound and open in their financial policies and practices; who demonstrate good management; and whose missionaries are given thoughtful direction.
We believe that missionaries are more effective when working under an established missions agency; therefore it is not our policy to support missionaries who are independent of such sponsorship and direction.
We attempt to be assured of the personal integrity of the candidates; that they are acting in the will of God; that their ministry will be fruitful; and that they are capable of handling the task to which they have been called.
It is expected that all missionaries will have personal evangelism and discipleship outreach. An effective ministry in people's lives in a local church context and successful experience in evangelism and discipleship should already be evident in the candidate's ministry while preparing for the field.
The Missions Ministry Team desires that all missionaries have the same standards as staff members of Calvary Church, whether assigned to home or foreign missionary service. We expect all of our missionary personnel to have the same witness, to work in the Spirit of God and to be men and women of conviction, as we do Calvary Church staff. Like members of Calvary Church staff, they will be dismissed for heresy, immorality, and/or disloyalty. Criticism of Calvary Church, its policies, pastors/directors or staff members is not a luxury granted to those who receive support from Calvary Church. Anytime there is a question or criticism, it should be directed to the individual involved. If this is not satisfactory, then it should be taken to the Missions Director, the Personnel Committee, or the Missions Ministry Team.
The Missions Ministry Team wants to be assured of the personal integrity of the candidates; that they are acting in the will of God; that their ministry will be fruitful; and that they are capable of handling the task to which they have been called. For this reason, we prefer some significant participation with Calvary Church before undertaking support. This allows us to observe the candidate in day-to-day life and ministry. An effective ministry in people's lives and successful experience in evangelism and discipleship should be evident.
Some of Our Requirements for Calvary Church Missionaries
In order to ensure accountability and good communication between our missionaries, our leadership and our church body, Calvary Church has the following requirements for our missionaries:
Support:
The Calvary Church supported missionary may not actively solicit additional support from individuals or groups in Calvary Church. With almost 100 missionaries, Calvary Church members would be bombarded with financial requests. Prayer letters may be sent to friends within Calvary Church as long as the letter does not include appeals for support. A stated need is not considered an appeal. Instead, supported missionaries should direct all additional needs to the attention of the Missions Director, Missions Elder Chairman, or Missions Ministry Team member.
Home Assignment (Furlough):
The support missionary is expected to visit Calvary Church at least once during a regular home assignment. The missionary will meet with the Missions Ministry Team for an oral interview of their ministry at least once every five years. This allows Calvary Church to stay involved in each missionary's ministry as well as give input into decisions, concerns, and future plans. The Missions Director will meet with the missionaries whenever there is an opportune time, be it a short visit by the missionary here to OC or a visit by the Missions Director to the missionary's ministry field location.
Correspondence:
All missionaries are required to correspond regularly with the Calvary Church body and the Missions Ministry Team to inform them of their activities and prayer needs. One form of written correspondence every two months is considered minimum to enable to Missions Ministry Team to adequately serve the missionaries and keep the congregation informed.
Annual Report and Financial Statement:
All missionaries are to fill out and return to the Missions Ministry Team the Annual Missionary Questionnaire on their ministry and yearly financial report in order to keep our records up to date.
Our Process for Missionary Service
Following are some general steps for becoming a missionary with Calvary Church. These steps primarily apply to missionaries who will be doing Extended Short or Long Term Missions. Please note that Calvary Church has some specific requirements for our missionaries as well, which can be found in the Missions Policy.
Step 1 - A pre-candidate questionnaire (through our Future Missionary Focus notebook) shall be filled out and returned to the Missions Director. A candidate training program or its equivalent as prescribed by the Missions Director may be introduced at this time to assist the candidate in pursuing his/her interest.
Step 2 - When a candidate is seriously considering missionary service as a career, and has completed Step 1, a full application for support may be completed and submitted to the Missions Office along with required references and Doctrinal Statement and/or a signed statement of his/her agreement with Calvary Church's Doctrinal Statement of Faith. They must also adhere to the doctrinal and ethical standards required of Calvary Church Elders and Pastors.
Step 3 - The qualifications of each candidate will be evaluated by the Personnel Committee of the Missions Ministry Team along with a copy of the candidate's questionnaire before the candidate is interviewed. This step describes the individual who is beginning to be formally prepared for missionary service by actively taking steps to the mission field. He/she is convinced of God's leading into a career in missions.
Step 4 - Upon approval by the Personnel Committee and the Missions Director and completion of Steps 1-3 above, an oral interview with the Missions Ministry Team will be scheduled, following an approval recommendation by the Personnel Committee.
Step 5 - Following the interview, the Missions Ministry Team will vote to approve or disapprove the candidate for support. If he/she is approved, the support for the missionary will begin up to three month prior to their departure for the field. The amount of the support will depend on the budget at the time of departure, the location and type of work the missionary will be doing, and what the need of finances are for the missionary, but will be no less than $100 a month support.