posted on January 1, 2023

aXcess: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in the Middle East

Workers will be based at the Alliance international church located in a historic Middle Eastern country and will partner with other local Alliance churches to plan and pioneer new outreach efforts in communities in and around the area. Past outreach efforts include English programs, youth and children’s events, and relief and development. Through these efforts, workers have successfully built meaningful connections with the broader community and established the international church as a uniquely welcoming place for people from all backgrounds. Ideal candidates will be creative and forward thinking with a passion to work with and empower local believers (especially the next generation) to advance the Kingdom.

Position Type

  • International worker (IW)–aXcess–Clergy Track
  • Church planting, community center, discipleship, theological education, evangelism, and leadership development
  • Creative-access country (CAC)
  • Single or couple

Responsibilities:

Required Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Biblical Characteristics Desired:

Timeline for Deployment:

Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language acquisition program, and pre-field orientation, prior to deploying.

General Information:

Living conditions are modern, with many conveniences and amenities, although the infrastructure is underdeveloped. The cities nearby are rich in history and culture and provide many recreational resources. People are warm, friendly, and hospitable. Many are of the majority religion, though there is a small influential Christian minority. Women in the society enjoy greater freedoms than many of their counterparts in other Middle Eastern nations, but they have more restrictions than typically enjoyed in the West. The area at times has tense security issues owing to long historical political situations, but there is relative peace and security. Periodic unrest, most often in the form of protests and the subsequent police or military reprisal, is not uncommon.

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 will receive two years of intensive full-time language study and cultural orientation followed by an additional two years of part-time study. Language learners typically study with tutors in group or individual settings and with language helpers privately. Some local courses and programs are available, but most learning is done individually or in small self-directed groups.

Health Considerations:

Health care in the major cities is very good; doctors are generally well-trained with emergency services readily available. In other areas, it is generally considered poor. Emergency services are available, but it is highly advised to be treated in the capital. Little provision is made for people with disabilities, especially in certain sectors. Most medications are readily available.

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.

For married couples, the spouse is expected to study language full-time for two years. Ministry assignments are determined prayerfully and in dialogue with the team, branch, and field leadership.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

New families have a choice between several good education options covering preschool years through high school in both English and Arabic with several bi-lingual schools available. Many of the best are private Christian schools. Education options in a major city are much the same, with many offering instruction in English, Arabic, and a European language. Black Forest Academy in Germany is another option that has been used by some as an alternative to a local high school education.

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.

Important 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].

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.

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