Mission associates

Mission associates are people who already have a cross-cultural placement set up and want to connect to CMS for friendship, support and prayer.

The Church today is a world-wide fellowship. Many Christians travel widely in the course of their leisure, business or professional work.

The mission associates programme exists to encourage British Christians who are working in countries where CMS relates in partnership to the national Church. It seeks to use the opportunities this offers for sensitive Christian presence and witness, and sharing with and learning from local Christians.

Who can join?

We are looking for people who

have a living, mature faith
are already part of a local, worshipping community
are committed to sensitive Christian witness
support the aims of CMS
have some understanding of the issues involved with world mission
plan to work in countries where CMS has a relationship with the local church or other Christian communities
are committed to worshipping with national Christians in that church
have an understanding of cross-cultural issues and can be a channel for communication between the Church internationally and the Church in Britain

How do I join?

The first step will be to complete an application pack and then we will invite you to meet with a CMS transcultural mission manager and a member of the CMS mission personnel team for an exploratory talk. We will also need a reference from your home church.

What does being a mission associate offer me?

Vocational advice

Our experienced staff can help you to explore how your experience and gifts might be used within another culture. CMS is unable to find posts for enquirers. We do, however, know of some openings and may be able to point you in the right direction.

Preparation

CMS can offer residential preparation for cross-cultural mission either before departure or while you are on leave. We ask for a £200 contribution to this event. We can recommend other options for residential and extension courses and reading material.

Introductions

CMS regional managers can introduce you to local Christians and national churches as well as other mission associates and locally-based CMS mission partners.

Information

Information on countries and churches is available as well as regular CMS publications such as Mission Update.

Reflection

There are opportunities for you to reflect on your experiences, with CMS staff and through conferences.

Retreats

CMS can advise about retreat centres to suit your needs and can make suggestions as you plan your home leave.

Link church

It may be possible to link you with a local church in Britain. This will provide a base of spiritual and prayer support for your work, and create opportunities for you to reflect on and interpret your overseas experience.

Prayer

You can contribute prayer requests directly online at PrayerSpace on the CMS We Are Saying Yes community website, and receive the prayer support of hundreds of committed praying supporters who receive our weekly PrayerSpace email.

What next?

Fill in the form on the right or call 01865 787415 or 01865 787416.