Responsibilities: 

• Develop deepening and authentic relationships with local dialect speakers as a bridge to sharing the good news 
• Adapt the program as required to the needs of people coming from different backgrounds and learning styles, including potential partners from West African sending churches 
• Assist with coordinating or managing place(s) for language learning acquisition, which will be the avenue for gaining legal residency in the country 

Ministry Location Information: 

We are situated in an urban environment with many stores and shops available. Power and water are available through the public system. There are infrequent power cuts. Voltage regulators are recommended though as there can be fluctuations. Just about any appliance is available here. Currently, there is not much of a Kingdom presence with the majority population. This population has been difficult to reach for the gospel, and while it may exist, we do not know of any groups of believers in the majority population. The city is located along the coast in between desert and coastal climates. 

Characteristics of International Workers: 

• Spiritual maturity 
• Holistic health 
• Confirmation of call 
• Ministry experience 
• Education and work experience 
• Cross-cultural awareness 

Required Qualifications: 

Vocational Track  

• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent  
• Minimum of two years of ministry experience 
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience  

Clergy (Consecration & Ordination) Track  

• Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration   
• Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry 
• Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience  
• 15 hours of intercultural/missions studies  
• If married, one spouse must meet the clergy track requirements, and the other spouse must meet either the clergy OR vocational track requirements 

Both Vocational and Clergy Tracks 

• Completion of Alliance Polity course 
• A recognized bachelor’s degree   
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 65 
• Passion for and evidence of prior ability to foster healthy relationships and teams 
• Experience with successful administration of a program 
• Previously learned a language or currently learning a language while going through the candidating process (consideration can be given for provisional appointment, pending having learned the language) 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience with different language learning modalities (ex. Growing Participator Approach) and/or linguistics 

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. 

The international worker will be expected to complete a year of formal French training in a language school in France. After this, they will complete two years of intensive language and culture study in the local dialect.  

Health Considerations: 

There are some local health clinics and hospitals within the city. However, the quality of care is not on par with what one would expect in a developed country. For example, most international workers leave the country to deliver their babies safely elsewhere. Some medications are available at local pharmacies.  

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 Education: 

There are good international and French schools available in the city. Families have also enjoyed homeschooling and participating in homeschool co-ops. The team already includes several children, and they are more than willing to discuss educational options that would fit the candidate’s needs.