Chapter 4: Setting up a Missions Board

The Missions Board - Whom should it involve?

Setting up a Missions Board will help to involve the members of the church in missions. Remember - the mission programme must work all the way to the grassroots level of the church. It is important to choose people with a keen interest in missions, who have the respect of the local church members.

What is the Function of the Missions Board?

• Study the evaluations made by the leadership in Annexures A-E.
• Then put these basic decisions into operation.
• Ensure that the plan is carried out and developed.
• Set up a mission prayer network in the church to pray for:
  • the local church's mission endeavour;
  • the missionaries supported by the church;
  • the organisations supported by the church.
• Establish encouragement committees that will:
  • write letters to missionaries;
  • send cookies and goodies;
  • keep in personal touch with them.
• Take up financial responsibility: - establish a budget, once the conference has been held; - present the budget for approval to the church leadership; - administer the budget on a monthly basis; - organise an accountability structure; - obtain records from those supported; - report progress to the leadership on a monthly basis; - provide feedback to the congregation as to how the Faith Promise funds are being utilized; - discover ways to keep the mission vision before the congregation.
• Present a suggested budget to the leadership for their consideration for the following year.
• Assist spontaneously in projects, as and when the Lord directs. (A certain part of the budget must be set aside for this.)
• Organise the annual missions conference. (This process is described in the next chapter.)