Short Term Missions

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:19-20

FAITH IN ACTION

There are many good reasons for individuals and churches to participate in short-term missions.  For individuals, the experience can result in a life-changing transformation.  In fact those that participate are often the ones whom the Holy Spirit draws into full-time ministry.

Churches also reap benefits as congregations unite around the biblical mandates to serve others and to "go and make disciples."  Short-term missions help local assemblies gain a global view of God's work and enable churches to expand their ministry beyond the walls of their buildings and the borders of their communities.

QUALIFICATIONS

The Lord does not call everyone to serve in the same way or at the same time.  Therefore, it is not the goal of RMBC to send every member of our congregation on a short-term misions trip.  Rather, it is our goal to encourage (and support financially if possible) those who demonstrate:  1) a clear calling from God; 2) a passion for evangelism and/or personal ministry; 3) a self-sacrificing, submissive, servant's heart, and; 4) a realistic understanding of the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual demands required for any missionary outreach.

CONSIDERATIONS

God has graciously given RMBC resources to employ in His service.  His provision requires responsible stewardship on our part.  And, while we recognize that there are a multitude of biblically sound, missions organizations around the world, we cannot support them all.  In general, we work with missionaries and mission organizations with whom we find doctrinal and philosophical compatibility.  Doing so enables the congregation to unite behind shared vision and values.

This general philosophy extends to short-term mission ministries.  Therefore, short-term projects are further evaluated in light of our overall mission strategy, the health of our mission fund, and the impact a project may have on individuals and the church as a whole.

With these considerations in mind, short-term projects developed and sponsored by the church are a much higher priority for us than are the short-term mission opportunities.

The Lord's provision for RMBC includes a membership that strongly supports missions in prayer, word, and deed.  Practically speaking, the congregation gives generously to the mission fund and delegates the "screening process" to the missions committee.  They then expect the missions committee to handle day-to-day responsibilities and make project recommendations in accord with policy and practice.  Likewise, since offerings are designated to the RMBC mission fund, the congregation anticipates that the money spent on short-term mission projects will be spent primarily for RMBC endeavors.

EXPECTATIONS

One goal of short-term missions is to have participants grow in faith by experiencing the sacrificial life.

All participants should have the goal of financial self-support.  Their funding may come from savings, earnings, or gifts from family and close friends outside of RMBC.

When money is available in the mission fund, the committee may recommend that the church help support team leaders and other participants with their financial need.  Support received from the mission fund represents support from the entire church.  It creates a tangible bond between the indiviual and the rest of the body.  Since personal investment and church involvement are both important, funding of short-term missions does not exceed 50% for most participants.

The missions committee (subject to the approval of the elders and membership) may recommend full support for pastors and sponsors leading in the work.  Even so, leaders are also encouraged to personally provide for their own expenses.

No one contemplating a short-term mission project should expect funding from the mission fund.  Rather, any support from the church should be seen as God working through the local church in order to meet needs and bless his people.