Responsibilities:

• Invest much time and effort in language and cultural acquisition, in developing relationships, and in prayer (these responsibilities continue beyond the first two years of official language study)
• Serve in partnership with the national church in ministries of evangelism and discipleship
• Serve the surrounding community through practical outreach (such as teaching English, acts of service, tutoring, ministering to families, helping the poor, or other creative community-oriented ministries)
• Mentor Bible institute students in their involvement in practical ministry settings (a secondary responsibility)
• Occasionally teach a course in Bible, theology, ministry, or English at the regional Bible institute (a secondary responsibility)

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 80
• Recognized master’s degree in Bible, theology, or ministry (MDiv or ThM preferred)
• Experience or training in at least one area of specialized community-oriented ministry such as teaching English, counseling, health and fitness, relief and development, etc.
• Experience leading people to Christ and leading small group Bible studies
• Experience with one-on-one (and/or couple to couple) relational ministry

Biblical Characteristics Desired:

• Kingdom-minded
• Biblically grounded
• Spirit-dependent 
• Competently skilled
• Self-aware
• Self-disciplined

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:

The multi-religious setting in the country is both a source of national pride and frustration. Politics and society are deeply influenced by the history and interaction of the different faith groups present, and no one group is decisively in control. There are multiple forms of Christianity (all together, still a minority of the population), and there are multiple forms of the majority religion of the region. While there are tensions between the groups, there is also significant religious freedom. The evangelical church is small—less than 1 percent—but the religious freedoms allow for active ministry, and the country is a regional center for Christian media, publishing, and theological education.

Over 1.5 million people live in and around the capital city, and an influx of refugees has further stretched the available resources and public services. Economic and financial crises have caused deterioration in living conditions in recent years—over 80 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. There are regular shortages of electricity, water, public education, and affordable housing. Demonstrations occur regularly, and roads can be blocked at short notice. Most necessities are usually available in shops, groceries, and supermarkets, but hyperinflation has pushed many products and services beyond the reach of much of the population.

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.

Good language schools are available in the capital city, and programs usually offer a year of courses to study the spoken dialect and then a second year for the formal, written form of the language. Classes are supplemented with private tutors or language helpers.

Health Considerations:

The climate is moderate, with the summers hot and humid, and the winter rainy season cool and damp. Pollution, dust, and mold can be problematic for people with breathing difficulties. Many people buy bottled water to drink, and they generally do not drink the tap water unless it is boiled. There are several excellent hospitals in the capital city. Pharmacies in most neighborhoods provide access to common medications, but sometimes certain medications need to be brought from outside.

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.

Both husband and wife should expect to be engaged in relational ministry, communicating the gospel in word and deed, and helping new believers grow in their faith. In this cultural setting, it is important for couples to be comfortable making visits in people’s homes as well as to welcome people into their own home for meals and visits.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Several quality private and international schools are available locally. Families also have the option to send older children to school in Europe with children of other Alliance international workers.