Spreydon Missions priorities
We are committed to using the resources that God provides where the needs are greatest, and so have set the following priorities. Although it is not intended that any one person would work in all these priority areas, it is expected that he / she would work in a number of them.
South East Asia :
The needs are great, the proximity reduces travel costs and having most of our workers in one region increases the possibility of pastoral visitation. Also NZ has growing links with Asia, and increasingly Asian languages are being taught in NZ schools, Polytechnics, and Universities.
Unoccupied Countries / Unreached People Groups :
Consideration should be given to the extent to which a country or people group is already ‘occupied’ ie the ratio of overseas workers to the size of population.
David Barrett, statistician consultant for the International Bulletin of Missionary Research suggests a country can be considered ‘occupied’ when it has over 100 missionaries per million people. With only a relatively small number of foreign missionaries to go round, countries with fewer than 100 per 1 million people deserve special consideration.
Cities :
We are in the midst of perhaps the largest mass migration in history. People moving from the rural areas to the cities in the pursuit of work are seen to be some of the most needy and responsive.
The Poor :
As a church we have an established priority for mission amongst the poor at home as well as overseas. However we also recognise the strategic value of reaching those in positions of influence. Tentmakers can have an important role here.
Work Amongst Muslims :
The church sees work amongst Muslims as a priority area. Only 2% of the world’s mission force are working amongst Muslims and yet Muslims comprise approximately 25% of the world’s population.
Resourcing Nationals :
One of our priorities is to send overseas those who will equip and resource the national church to evangelise, disciple and plant churches. Pioneer work will always be a top priority, but the ultimate goal once a work has been established is to ensure the national church is equipped to move out in mission amongst its own people and beyond.
Long Term Ministry :
We prioritise the support of long term ministry and career overseas workers.
However the church recognises the importance and validity of short term mission where a person has a specific skill which is required for a shorter period of time and therefore we would consider some financial support where it seems appropriate.
We also encourage self supporting short term exploratory mission trips as they can be instrumental in stimulating a desire for long term overseas service.
The church recognises long term service, established in one place as a priority. This is in contrast to the ‘whistle stop tour’ type of mission which has questionable long term value.
Contact
- Helen Lewthwaite
- 338 4163 x 245
- hlewthwaite@spreydon.org.nz
Volunteer information
Contact the coordinator if you would like to help.
