Einsätze

Contribution to Strategy: India has the world’s second largest M*m population, despite Is*m's being a minority religion in India. That’s 120 million M*m who are currently under-engaged with the Gospel. That’s why SIM India lists Outreach and Church Planting among M*ms as one of its strategic ministry focuses.

Ministry: CP- Church Planting

Responsibilities: In this multi-religious nation, the door is open for reaching out to the many under-engaged M*m groups. Preparation for fulfilling this position begins with a two year period of intense language and culture learning) as a foundation to all future ministry. As you move from being primarily a learner to the role of a church planter, your responsibilities will include more friendship evangelism, discipling, praying with Muslims about their felt needs, and Bible teaching. You will also be encouraged to network with the local Indian missions movement and to play a role in church mobilization and training initiatives. After investigating the possibilities, it’s our hope you would be able to join an established team or begin a new team to work towards the goal of planting churches among India’s Muslims.

Other Ministry Possibilities: The avenues for service in India are as broad and varied as its many cultures. In addition to the main church planting responsibilities listed above, possibilities exist for partnership in community development, AIDS work, medicine, and business. SIM India also requires that you be available to allocate up to 20% of your ministry or work time to assist with SIM India field needs (to be negotiated with the Personnel Coordinator).

Future Plans: The long-term vision of SIM India is a church planting movement among M*ms, owned and primarily led by local Indian believers. That’s why we intentionally network with Indian mission movements and transfer the leadership of NGO-based ministries to Indians. Our ultimate hope is that you would “work yourself out of a job” as training and the maturing of local believers make it possible to hand the work over to local leadership.

Required training: Bible college cross-cultural training. Completion of the “Investigate India” PRF as a language and culture learner.

Recommended Experience: For Muslim focus: Immerge (http://immerge.org/jmla01/) training program in USA or similar. Interaction and ministry involvement with M*s before arrival is recommended. Previous experience in evangelism/discipling or church planting work or teaching ministry.

Personality Issues/ Cultural Considerations:: We’re looking for someone who is a team player and open to the possibility of working under the leadership of a national partner. A servant heart, flexibility and humility are important. You must be aware that your disciples and national partners will be watching your life and conduct closely. It is essential that you be a disciple yourself, walking closely with Christ. It’s helpful if you have a pioneering and self-starter spirit. Singles need to be aware that they may often be asked many questions about marriage.