posted on January 1, 2025
Envision: Site Staff in Manchester, England
Envision Manchester is seeking a couple or individual to join our new site to help us bridge cultures and ministries amongst the city as well as host, disciple, and develop Envision participants and local believers.
Position Type
- International worker (IW)–aXcess–Vocational Track or Clergy Track
- Discipleship, community development (urban), ESL/TESOL, evangelism, leadership development, refugee or immigrant ministry
- Partially funded
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Partner with local ministries (local Alliance churches, Alliance international workers, and other key ministries)
- Participate in development and implementation of a discipleship and development program for Envision participants and local believers
- Build and maintain partnerships with U.S. churches desiring involvement in overseas missions
- Host teams and interns, taking care of logistics for trips and ministry experiences
- Participate in a ministry within the community/church by applying personal gifts and experience
Required Qualifications:
Clergy Track
- 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 ordination/consecration
- Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience
Vocational Track
- Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent
Both Clergy and Vocational Tracks
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 0
Preferred Qualifications:
- ESL certificate/degree
- Coffee/business certificates or experience
Biblical Characteristics Desired:
- Kingdom-minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit-dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer/fall 2027. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language acquisition program and pre-field course/experience prior to deploying.
General Information:
Manchester is the second largest metropolitan in the UK, with over 200+ languages spoken. It is diverse and one of Europes fastest growing cities. For this reason, we are looking for individuals who already have some understanding of cross-cultural ministry and conflict management. Education, health care, and accommodations are typical of a first-world country, and the government has welcomed many immigrants in recent years. Since 2022, Christianity has dipped below 50 percent of the population of the UK. Only 36 percent of Mancunians consider themselves religious. While faiths of all types are tolerated, most are considered “out of touch” or old-fashioned. The exception is found within the immigrant population. At times this tension can be seen around the city center, where the city is most diverse.
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 common language amongst all people in Manchester is English. However, the Envision staff is expected to go through some intensive language learning (if not already experienced) in order to better relate, communicate, and even empathize with our immigrant community.
Health Considerations:
European urban living requires significantly more daily walking than many Americans are used to. The successful applicant(s) must have good mobility. The UK offers affordable and accessible medical care and good access to medications.
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.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
Schooling options for children include state (public) schools and privately funded (private) schools.
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.
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].