Ministry to State. Associate Director, Washington, D.C. Recruitment Packet

Transcription

1 Ministry to State Associate Director, Washington, D.C. Recruitment Packet

2 Ministry to State (MTS) exists as a means to serve people in government in Washington, D.C., domestic and international capitals with the Gospel. It is a ministry of Mission to North America, Presbyterian Church in America. With the intention of further developing this emerging ministry, a significant grant has been committed for the purpose of building the MTS team. We are presently in the process of filling five new positions that will better serve the mission and goals of the ministry. The following information will help you better understand the nature and work of MTS and provide a detailed description of the position of Associate Director of ministries based in Washington, D.C.

3 Emerging Perspective The Presbyterian Church in America s (PCA) vision for seeing the gospel proclaimed and lives transformed throughout our nation and the world is best carried out through church planting. Through these worshiping bodies and their leaders there are many opportunities to reach the greater community with specialized ministries. This has been demonstrated variously through mercy ministries, children and teen outreach programs, teaching English as a second language, and Reformed University Ministry. These specialized ministries take the gospel to a larger number within the community than those who participate only in the regular life of the local church. The worshipping church has a responsibility to actively reach into the different arenas of its culture. Those who work in the government of a province, state or nation have an enormous amount of influence on the lives of those who reside within its borders and beyond. The past 100 years have demonstrated the great potential for evil by government leaders throughout the world. This is an area of significant need and opportunity. The Scriptures and history provide numerous accounts of God's people, equipped with the gospel, engaging with those in positions of power. There has been some limited ministry pursuit of those in government from within the PCA. Yet to many, this is an unfamiliar theater for ministry. The existing PCA network of ministries can be effective in reaching those who govern. Mission to North America s Ministry to State (MTS) is that emerging means of ministry. Mission The Ministry to State exists as a means to develop ministry to government domestically and internationally with five fundamental objectives. 1. Engage those in the government community with the transforming truths of the gospel through healthy relationships. 2. Provide encouragement and support in the development of a Biblical world and life view for those in government who make a profession of faith. 3. Strive to be instrumental in establishing and maintaining a Biblical conscience throughout the government community who both create and implement policy. 4. Provide a healthy means to connect the church in a non-partisan manner with those in government. 5. Promote and facilitate specific and intelligent prayer by the body of Christ for those serving in government. Strategy Utilizing Washington, D.C. as the international base, MTS would develop in three major theaters. State Capitols There exist today many PCA churches or church plants located within a reasonable distance of state capitols within the United States. MTS is dedicated to assisting interested pastors and their congregations in the development and implementation of ministry to their state government center. An example of the Ministry to State exists at the Oklahoma State capitol as weekly lunch meetings are held throughout the year, known as the Capitol Bible Study. The meeting consists of men

4 and women from a wide cross-section of government agencies and offices. Washington, D.C. The opportunities for ministry are unending in the world s government center, Washington, D.C. Presently the work focuses upon building relationships through lunch and dinner meetings with those who work on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies, the Pentagon, think tanks, the diplomatic community, and the UN s World Bank. These relationships over time provide a forum for entering into dialogue that centers upon spiritual concerns. There are a number of Bible studies presently meeting in Washington that utilize the recent published book Work Excellence and other study material. Writing and publishing is a needed focus in bringing the truths of the Scripture to this world community. In addition, MTS has assisted senior congressional staff members in developing annual state prayer breakfasts held in Washington. There are many members of PCA churches represented in the various groups identified above. Their presence and the congregations in which they represent typically provide a passive means of ministry to this government community. Assisting the PCA congregations in developing a vision for how they can intentionally impact their place of work with the gospel is a major concern of MTS. International Capitals Through the Mission to the World (MTW) network interested leaders are encouraged to consider ways in which they can serve their region s government communities. When implementing the objectives stated above, relationships with those who serve in government begin to emerge. The MTW leader will find that connecting the relationship with the work in Washington will be of significant value. This was seen with MTW regional leader Craig Sheppard who had been developing ministry to those in the government of Sofia, Bulgaria. These friendships can be critical in opening doors of opportunities for ministry to those who impact millions of lives. Humility Domestic or international, MTS exists within the government community by invitation of those in the various government agencies and offices. Those who engage in the work view themselves as servant guests. Care is taken to keep a humble profile and avoid an appearance of partisanship or of driving a specific political agenda. Pointing people in government to Christ is the specific agenda. Success depends upon the development of healthy relationships that the Lord provides. The present format in Washington or Oklahoma City may not be possible in other government communities. A relationship-oriented ministry, however, can develop in any number of ways. In some government centers only encouragement in the Word and in prayer through limited relationships may be possible. In other places there may be an annual prayer breakfast or small prayer groups that regularly meet during legislative sessions, but not during the rest of the year. William Wilberforce's work described in the Garth Lean s book God's Politician provides some important help in developing this focus of ministry. The success of ministry to government is in the Lord s hands. Unless He builds the work it will never succeed in fulfilling its mission or goals. It is our hope that the Ministry to State will be used for the building of God s Kingdom and for His glory.

5 Questions? & Answers 1. What is Mission to North America s Ministry to State? The Ministry to State (MTS) is the Presbyterian Church in America s means to develop ministry to government domestically and internationally. As Reformed University Ministry or Inter-Varsity is to the university campus, Ministry to State is to the government centers. 2. Why should the PCA develop ministry to government? The trend observing Barna Group informs us that the number of people in the United States not worshiping is increasing. Since 1991, the number of adults who do not attend church has almost doubled, rising from 39 million to 75 million. The study showed that the percentage of adults that are non-churched has risen from 21% in 1991 to 34% today. Our culture is becoming less interested in what the church has to offer. If the people are to be reached with the truths of the Scripture we must go to them. Developing ministry to university students is critical to reaching that portion of our culture. The same is true with for those in government. 3. To whom in government is the focus of the ministry? The ministry is directed to those in state, federal, and international government. It includes those elected in all branches of government and their staff, agencies, and the diplomatic community. 4. What is the history of Ministry to State? In June of 1995 a local PCA pastor was invited by one of the assistant attorney general s of the State of Oklahoma to lead a Bible study that included six people in the Capitol of Oklahoma. The weekly, Wednesday, noon meetings that ensued were often held in one of the empty state senate meeting rooms or sometimes on the capitol steps. In the 18 months that followed, the small group continued to meet for study and prayer with increasing attendance. In the fall of 1996 the people of Heritage Presbyterian Church (PCA) began providing lunch for the group. The Lord used these efforts of hospitality as a way of attracting others from many areas of the capitol community, further increasing attendance at the weekly meetings. A wide range of relationships and ministry opportunities began to develop, and continue, including the Wednesday morning study with legislators and a monthly prayer breakfast. In the winter of 2005 Mission to North America, General Assembly received the ministry under its auspices as a part of its organization. 5. Is the Ministry to State the PCA s version of a Washington DC s lobbying office?

6 No, MTS is a ministry not a lobbying emphasis. Many approach those who establish policy with an agenda of needs and wants. The individual or organization s relationship to government is often based purely upon government providing some services, fund or policy change. There is nothing wrong with that relationship. Government exists to serve the needs of its people. We often refer to those in government as public servants. Ministry to government looks for ways of serving those in government with the hope that it will provide opportunities for spiritual discourse and a deeper understanding of the gospel. 6. How is it possible to minister to government without being confrontational towards those who oppose historic biblical values and policy? Individually, we have a responsibility to address all concerns of the state. However those in the public square who take an opposing position than that which is represented in Scripture are not our enemy per se. The gospel calls us to pursue with love and gentleness all people. Ministry to government does not ignore ones position on public issues. Yet, the presences of those who engage in ministry to government maintain a humble and non-partisan posture as a means of creating a winsome environment to communicate the transforming truths of the gospel. 7. How can my church be involved in ministry to government? Prayer: We believe that the Lord calls us to pray for those in government. Therefore it is important to pray as specifically as possible for those in public service. That includes their families, health, and their ability to maintain good governance. It would be a powerful statement for an official s office to receive a request from the church asking how they might best pray. Hospitality: Spending time with government with an agenda only to demonstrate care can go a long way for the sake of the Gospel. Heritage Presbyterian in OKC for years provided lunch weekly for some people at the state capitol. For those churches that minister in a center of government there are many people who would appreciate some form of hospitality. This might take place through members of your congregation who work in the capitol. It may take some creative, but tangible means of communicating to those in public service that you care and appreciate them. 8. How is the MTS distinct from other forms of ministry to government such as Washington based Fellowship, Christian Embassy, and the D. James Kennedy Center for Christian Statesmanship? The mentioned ministries have for years pursued those in government with the gospel. The distinctive difference is that the Ministry to State is a church based ministry to those in government with the purpose of utilizing the church s people resources to reach those in government.

7 Associate Director, Washington, D.C. Ministry to State Nature and Scope of Position There are hundreds of thousands of people who work in Washington, D.C. that are part of the United States government and its community. Some are elected and others support them in their work. They may be found on Capitol Hill or at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. There are think tanks whose purpose is to speak to and inform those who are responsible for shaping policies. There are hundreds of thousands of people who work in the various agencies that carry out the policies and directives which impact our entire nation and, at times, the world. Finally, there are 190 embassies, staffed by thousands more, whose foreign diplomats have been sent to represent their nation s concerns with the power brokers here in Washington. The primary objective of the MTS Associate Director is to develop and implement ministry and community among those working and living in this federal city. This segment of the ministry will expand as discipling relationships are built with those of diverse backgrounds. It is through these relationships that an understanding of the Gospel, as it applies to their lives and work, may be developed. The Associate Director will report to the MTS Director and work as a leading member of MTS s growing team. Responsibilities Evangelism and discipleship. Spend daily time with members and staff on Capitol Hill and in varying contexts of ministry focus within Washington D.C. These designated times would include meetings over a meal or coffee, dropping by offices, or the creation of other meeting opportunities as circumstances allow. Create regular forums that bring together small groups to consider Biblical truths with components of reading and discussion. Each of the forums will add to participants overall understanding of the Scriptures, its Gospel, and a biblical world and life view. Organize, write and develop study materials as needed Contribute ministry related content for use in MTS publications, as needed Interface and develop ministry among local churches Commit to weekly time designated to team worship and strategy building Develop and Oversee MTS internship/fellowship program Develop and maintain financial support, regularly communicate with donors Facilitate the coordination of annual conference for ministry constituents, and an annual retreat for MTS staff, fellows, and interns Requirements Ordained or have the credentials to receive ordination in the Presbyterian Church in America Complete ministry readiness assessment Able to raise and maintain support Works well with people from a diversity of backgrounds and political views Self-starter and works well independently Willing to live within the District of Columbia Support Significant grant funds have been committed for this position. These funds will subsidize the salary package for the first three years while the Coordinator raises the full support, based on an annual salary and ministry package from $95,000. MTS asks that the Coordinator have a willingness to commit five years to ministry in Washington D.C. How to Apply Submit your ministry résumé and/or ministerial data form to cgarriott@ministrytostate.org.