posted on January 1, 2024
aXcess: Church Planting in Europe’s Most Eastern City
This ancient European city of artists, poets, and musicians is key for Kingdom advance in the region. As a geographic bridge between Eastern Europe and the Middle East, this city is a mix of resistant post-modern atheism, historic Orthodox Christianity, and Islam. We’re looking to build a robust interdependent church-planting team willing to proclaim the gospel and disciple new believers in the contexts of hospitality, visitation, Bible studies, local associations, and community center ministries. All ministry will be in pursuit of planting a network of multiplying churches across the city and county while developing local leaders to lead.
Position Type
- International worker (IW)–aXcess–Clergy Track
- Church planting, community center, discipleship, ESL/TESOL, theological education, evangelism, leadership development
- Partially funded
- Creative-access country (CAC)
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Be a valued, long-term member of a high-functioning, interdependent team
- Be a bold and effective gospel witness in the local language
- Be committed to intentional discipleship and leadership development
- Practice frequent hospitality in your well-kept home and be committed to visitation
- Plant churches
Required Qualifications:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of intercultural studies
- Spouse must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed at least 18 hours of Bible/theology, 12 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of 6 hours in cross-cultural or missions studies)
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration
- Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 60
- Complete formal training in an evangelism methodology
Preferred Qualifications:
- ESL certificate or experience
Biblical Characteristics Desired:
- Kingdom-minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit-dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer/fall 2025. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language acquisition program and pre-field course/experience prior to deploying.
General Information:
A part of the former Soviet Union, this country has an ancient history, founded in AD 458. Yet, since the collapse of the USSR, it has emerged onto the global stage as a modern nation, geopolitically strategic due to its geographical location. Although tension with Russia still continues in this country, its capital city, with 1.2 million residents, is cosmopolitan and eclectic and has a vibrant arts, food, and youth culture. It boasts top-notch universities that attract students from around the world. There are modern restaurants, grocery and department stores, great public transportation, and modern technology. Evangelism and conversion are legal, but due to an ongoing connection with Russia, the country remains CAC. Visiting this city could give the impression that it would be easy to live and serve there. However, it has proven otherwise due to a spiritual resistance to Kingdom advance.
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. Those who do not know the language will attend a language study program. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.
IWs study the local language for two years using a combination of a local language school and by studying with a local tutor. The expectation is to achieve a level B2 or intermediate advanced after two years of study.
Health Considerations:
Although there is modern health and dental care available in the city, more sophisticated care may be better sought in Europe or Istanbul.
Expectations for Spouse:
Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
There are a number of local and international education options for IW kids. Former IWs report mixed reviews on local schooling options. Homeschooling is also an option. In addition, Black Forest Academy in Kandern, Germany, remains the approved boarding school for students in grades 9 and above.
Compensation Package
The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.
Whole-Life Health
As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.
Importance Clarification
Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.
Questions?
Please email the IPO office at [email protected].