What is An INTERCultural team member?
A Baptist Mission Australia intercultural team member is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ who is committed to a life that is grounded in prayer and the Word of God whose call and gifts for this work are commended by their church and endorsed by Baptist Mission Australia, who lives and works as part of a team that is working together towards empowering a community of people with little or no understanding of the good news of Jesus, to receive God’s gift of a life-transforming relationship with Jesus and develop their own distinctive ways of following him.
What are the Qualities of a BAPTIST MISSION AUSTRALIA interCultural team member?
- A faithful follower of Jesus whose conduct of life and relationships give authentic witness to Jesus Christ and who invites others into the journey of discipleship.
- Lives a contextually appropriate and engaging lifestyle
- Is intentionally gaining cultural awareness and understanding, and proficiency in the local language
- Is innovative and creative in nurturing the emergence of a genuine expression of faith and discipleship
- Is honourable and trustworthy in relationships whether they be with team members or local people.
- Is a team player committed to the life, ministry and strategy of their team enjoying both the support of their team and accountability to the team.
- Is committed to a missiological approach that is not ultimately dependent solely on them or other outsiders to the community for its long-term sustainability.
- Possesses or is working toward possessing qualifications and experience appropriate for their ministry.
- Has completed theological training to an agreed standard
Why Long-Term?
Enabling a community movement to Jesus is a long-term service built on patient faithfulness and significant relationships between Baptist Mission Australia team members and the local community. The team builds relationships and undertakes activities and work in the community that invites and empowers the community to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Such transformation touches the whole of life and is generated by a movement of Jesus from within their own cultural setting.
It takes time to begin to understand how a community and its culture functions. Fluency in their local language is essential to truly communicate at a heartfelt level.
Such service requires a long-term commitment; therefore the ideal period of service for a long-term intercultural team member is upwards of seven years. The first term of three years has a primary focus on understanding culture and language learning. An intercultural team member will then typically have a six-month period of Home Assignment that includes an extended holiday, training, and developing their team of prayer and financial supporters. Having established a good foundation in culture and language, expanded their learning, and being refreshed and well supported, they then return to intercultural service in their adopted community.
How do you become an interCultural team member with BAPTIST MISSION AUSTRALIA?
Good preparation is critical for effective and sustainable intercultural ministry. Baptist Mission Australia is committed to providing relevant, practical and thoughtful learning and development opportunities throughout an intercultural team member's preparation, on-field ministry and home assignment.
Have a look at your pathway to intercultural service.