Choosing a mission board can be a confusing process. In this article we hope to encourage those enlisted in this process with some guidance on what to look for and how to finally choose the appropriate mission board for them.

Choosing a mission board that reflects or accommodates your doctrinal position, outreach methods, goals, and preferences concerning financial policy, administration, and separation will alleviate many unnecessary tensions and frustrations before and after you arrive on the field. Friction on such issues saps the energy, robs the joy, and diverts the focus of a missionary away from the ministry.

UNITY OF BELIEF

A clear allegiance to the authority of Scripture in all doctrinal positions is paramount. Firm belief in the verbal plenary inspiration of the Word of God in its original languages settles the question of authority for doctrine and life. Too many have exchanged their interpretation of personal experience and rationalism for the truth of God’s Word. Doctrinal harmony will flow from this common faith among all your fellow missionaries. Pay attention to the doctrinal statement of a mission board and whether it abides by its teachings.

UNITY OF DISTINCTIVES

If you and your home church are Baptist, you will prefer to associate yourself with a mission board that adheres to Baptist distinctives. Ask questions and read carefully the printed literature of any mission board you investigate concerning their adherence to Baptist distinctives such as:

• Authority of the Scriptures
• Autonomy of the Local Church
• Priesthood of all Believers
• Ordinances of the Baptist Church: Baptism & The Lord’s Supper
• Offices of a Baptist Church: Pastor & Deacon
• Individual Soul Liberty
• Regenerate Church Membership
• Separation of governing powers between the Church and the State

UNITY OF INTENT

What do you consider to be the thrust of missions? What are your goals? Some mission boards place their emphasis upon evangelism, indigenous church planting, and training of national workers while others emphasize mercy missions, tentmaking efforts, and support ministries. Such ministries complement the work of missions, and are a necessary outgrowth of the work; however, a mission should emphasize evangelism, discipleship and indigenous church planting in fulfilling the Great Commission. Choose a mission board that reflects your intent: your purpose for serving on the mission field.

UNITY CONCERNING FINANCIAL POLICY

Various mission boards adhere to different financial policies. Most denominational boards provide the missionary’s salary, which largely alleviates the missionary from personal responsibility in raising support or in trusting God for personal needs. Interdenominational or Nondenominational boards pool their finances and share equally in receipts for the mission as a whole. Many Independent Baptist Missions practice Faith Missions. Faith missions require the missionary to present themselves and their chosen field of service to local churches in order to raise support. This method demands faith from the missionary and the local church. Both trust God with mutual responsibility in accomplishing the Great Commission. The mission board insures that all support designated for a missionary goes to that missionary. Adequate monthly support must be secured before departure for the field is approved. This pre-field ministry of deputation strengthens one's faith in God and His provision for the Great Commission. Baptist International Missions, Inc., adheres to the Faith Mission Financial Policy.

UNITY CONCERNING ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

Two factors are important in the administration of missions. There must be adequate authority to establish policies and standards, and to settle difficulties that could potentially disrupt the ministry of the mission. However, mission administration should allow missionaries the freedom to exercise choice within reasonable boundaries in accordance with the direction of the Holy Spirit. BIMI demonstrates this balance. An active policy-setting board works in conjunction with knowledgeable field directors in a complementary system of checks and balances to ensure that veteran and junior missionaries will have access to the services, council, and prayer support which will aid them in the challenges they face, and rejoice with them in their triumphs. Nothing can cause more heartache than for a missionary to entangle himself in an administrative system to which he finds it difficult to submit.

EVALUATE THE TRACK RECORD

Does the board you are considering have adequate experience and work in a number of countries? Does it have works in your desired field or is it willing to open such a field? Does it speak of strong theories, yet fail to produce strong churches in the countries in which it is working? Consider the track record and direction of the mission board you are considering. BIMI missionaries are producing indigenous Baptist churches. BIMI still stands ready to open new fields as God speaks to hearts and opens doors.

SEPARATION

Separation is discernment, distinctions, and doctrinal convictions in practice. BIMI encourages a biblical separation, and refuses to fellowship or work with those enmeshed in the Ecumenical Movement, Neo-Orthodoxy, Neo-Evangelicalism or the Charismatic Movement.

All of these criteria should be considered before you choose a mission board. Choosing a mission board is an important decision, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Pray, investigate, and choose a board that reflects your character, your intentions, and your commitment. BIMI has a track record that reflects consistent success and integrity in the missionary endeavor in EVANGELISM, INDIGENOUS CHURCH PLANTING, AND TRAINING OF NATIONAL WORKERS. If you are interested in a mission board that promotes these goals, then contact our enlistment department for more information. You may also read information about our enlistment process by reading our article on "Procedures and Qualifications for Appointment.

Sunday, July 12, 2015

John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Susanna Ciaramitaro -  INDONESIA
Christopher R & Erika A Cisler -  URUGUAY
Jim & Emi Civale -  SAMOAN ISLANDS