Basic Design For Woman s Missionary Union In an Association Effective September 1, 2013 Program Design Document Woman s Missionary Union P. O. Box 830010 Birmingham, Alabama 35283-0010 This document reflects the changes in the Basic Design for Woman s Missionary Union in a Church that the WMU, SBC, approved by the Executive Board in January 2012.
Woman s Missionary Union, SBC P. O. Box 830010 Birmingham, AL 35283-0010 2013 by Woman s Missionary Union, SBC All rights reserved. Woman s Missionary Union, WMU, Mission Friends, Girls in Action, GA, Royal Ambassadors, RA, Challengers, Acteens, Women on Mission, Families on Mission, Christian Women s Job Corps, and CWJC are all trademarks of WMU. Children in Action SM, CA SM, Youth on Mission SM, Adults on Mission SM, mymission SM. Volunteer Connection SM, MissionsFEST SM, FamilyFEST SM, Christian Men s Job Corps SM, CMJC SM, and ProjectHELP SM are service marks of WMU. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise noted, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of Woman s Missionary Union, SBC. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Basic Design for Woman s Missionary Union in an Association INTRODUCTION This document is an internal resource for national Woman's Missionary Union (WMU ) to use in providing approaches and resources for WMU in associations to use in implementing WMU in an association. The purpose of Woman s Missionary Union in an association is to engage churches and the association itself to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. Four objectives guide WMU in an association in fulfilling its purpose: Nurture a missions environment in the churches and association. Provide and participate in associational missions activities and projects. Equip churches to provide missions awareness and involvement. Develop and strengthen WMU in all congregations. As it relates to churches and the association, WMU in an association recognizes the responsibility of local churches as well as the association to be on mission locally and globally and seeks to be a catalyst for missions discipleship and involvement. WMU partners with the association to achieve the association s missions purpose and also helps WMU in the churches to fulfill the six primary objectives of WMU. Pray for missions. Engage in mission action and witnessing. Learn about missions. Support missions. Develop spiritually toward a missions lifestyle. Participate in the work of the church and the denomination. The Basic Design of Woman's Missionary Union in a Church provides important understandings which do not need repeating in the Basic Design of Woman's Missionary Union in an Association. These understandings include, but are not limited to, a definition of missions, biblical basis, primary objectives of WMU, relationships, etc. Because the purpose of WMU in an association is to help churches and the association itself to be on mission, the Basic Design of Woman's Missionary Union in a Church should be considered a foundational document for WMU in an association. 1
WMU in an association supports and promotes WMU in churches. WMU in a church provides awareness and participation opportunities to help a church involve all of its members and regular attendees preschoolers through adults in the mission of God. WMU in a church includes ongoing and age-appropriate missions organizations for gender-specific and/or coed audiences: Mission Friends, Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Children in Action SM, Acteens, Challengers, Youth on Mission SM, mymission SM, Women on Mission, and Adults on Mission SM. Also, WMU in a church provides missions awareness and participation opportunities for families through Families on Mission. For more information on WMU in a church, see the Basic Design for Woman s Missionary Union in a Church. Associations may be organized geographically (within a city or region) or philosophically (cowboy churches). Since all associations are not alike and all churches within an association are not alike, WMU in an association recognizes that missions awareness and involvement will not be the same in all associations or in all churches within an association. The four objectives (see Section 2: Associational WMU Objectives) are basic for the work of WMU in each association. However, WMU in each association must find the appropriate approaches for implementing the objectives in its association. While identifying approaches and guidelines for WMU work in an association, this document provides flexibility for WMU in each association to design its own approach for meeting the needs of churches within its association and for helping the general association accomplish its missions strategy. Missions is defined as the work of God through His people the Church by which the gospel of Jesus Christ is extended in word and deed to all the people in the world. WMU in an association, therefore, has a responsibility to challenge and assist the association itself and the congregations which comprise the association to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. Section 1: Biblical Understandings about Cooperative Missions This section identifies biblical understandings about churches on mission together. Section 2: Associational WMU Objectives This section explains each associational WMU objective and its importance. Section 3: Associational WMU Relationships This section identifies important relationships for associational WMU. Section 4: Associational WMU Structure and Leadership This section stresses the importance of the structure of associational WMU as related to the general association and also provides an overview of suggested associational WMU leadership positions and options. 2
Section 5: Developing and Enlisting Leaders This section addresses identification of potential leaders, development of potential leaders, enlistment of leaders, and training of leaders. Section 6: Associational Leadership Team at Work Planning, Records, Reports This section explains the work of the leadership team and includes processes for achieving the purpose of WMU in an association. 3
Section 1 Biblical Understandings about Cooperative Missions INTRODUCTION Woman s Missionary Union in an association follows biblical understandings about missions in its approach to assisting churches and the association itself to fulfill their mission God s mission. The Scriptures provide direction for understanding what God s mission is and how believers are to be involved in that mission. (See the Basic Design for Woman's Missionary Union in a Church for additional information on biblical understandings about missions.) Following the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Book of Acts described the work believers did individually and as a corporate body locally and beyond their own communities. They devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:42, 45 47 NIV). COOPERATION IN THE EARLY CHURCH The New Testament includes numerous examples of the spread of the gospel and of churches first consulting and then cooperating together for the cause of the gospel. We see this pattern emerge when Peter is given opportunity to evangelize Gentiles in Acts 10. When the church at Jerusalem heard that Gentiles had received the gospel in Antioch, Peter went to explain what had happened (Acts 11). As believers were scattered by persecution, they began to share the gospel with Greeks (Acts 11:19 21). The church sent Barnabas to investigate what was happening in Antioch and to encourage the new believers (Acts 11:22 27). Cooperation develops when a famine is foretold and the new disciples decide to provide help for the believers in Judea (Acts 11:27 30). Later, the church at Antioch looked to the Jerusalem church for assistance in answering doctrinal questions. False teachers had disrupted the Antioch church by insisting that Gentile believers be circumcised according to the Law of Moses in order to be saved. The church at Antioch sent messengers to consult with the Jerusalem church regarding this issue. After considerable discussion (Acts 15), the Jerusalem conference declared that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and that Gentile circumcision was not necessary for salvation. SENDING AND SUPPORTING MISSIONARIES Under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, the young church sent out the first missionaries to share the gospel in other places. While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have 4
called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off (Acts 13:2 3 NIV). As missionaries began to go out, the early church supported them in prayer and giving. Paul recognized the importance of prayer and giving in supporting missionary endeavors. In his letters to the churches, he acknowledged his personal need of their prayers. He asked the believers in Ephesus to pray for his efforts in sharing the gospel. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly (Eph. 6:19, 20b NIV). Paul s request of the believers at Thessalonica was that they pray for him and for those with him that the gospel would be shared quickly and accepted by others just as they accepted it. Paul commended the Corinthians for contributing to the work of believers in other places. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else (2 Cor. 9:13 NIV). To Timothy, Paul gave these instructions, Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share (1 Tim. 6:18 NIV). During Paul s ministry at Ephesus, the gospel spread to much of Asia (see Acts 19:10). Churches were also planted at Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae. A careful study of Scripture reveals a connection between these four churches (see Colossians 4:14, 16). Paul wrote to the church at Colossae, After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea (Col. 4:16). While the letter to the church at Laodicea has been lost, many students of the Bible believe that the letter to the Ephesians was actually a circular letter intended to be read by all the churches in the region, demonstrating a cooperative spirit among the churches in spreading the gospel. 5
Section 2 Associational WMU Objectives INTRODUCTION Four objectives guide Woman's Missionary Union in an association in its actions and practical expressions as it assists churches and the association itself to be committed to and involved in missions locally and globally. These objectives support and complement each other. Through implementing these objectives, WMU in an association contributes to the accomplishment of the association s mission or purpose. The objectives are as follows: Nurture a missions environment in the churches and association. Provide and participate in associational missions activities and projects. Equip churches to provide missions awareness and involvement. Develop and strengthen WMU in all congregations. The above objectives for WMU in an association support the objectives for WMU in a church. The objectives for WMU in a church are as follows: Pray for missions. Engage in mission action and witnessing. Learn about missions. Support missions. Develop spiritually toward a missions lifestyle. Participate in the work of the church and the denomination. The following material explains each objective and provides examples for implementation. While WMU in each association determines how it carries out these objectives, the four associational WMU objectives are basic to WMU work in all associations and complement the primary objectives of WMU through the church. NURTURE A MISSIONS ENVIRONMENT IN THE CHURCHES AND ASSOCIATION 6
Definitions To nurture a missions environment is to foster, encourage, or develop a setting or context in which one is made aware of the biblical mandate for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to all people, of the vast number of people without Jesus Christ, and of the responsibility believers have to be involved in sharing the gospel. Explanation WMU in an association nurtures a missions environment as it encourages churches and the association to be proactive in their response to the Great Commission. As it promotes missions and nurtures a missions environment in the churches and the association, WMU emphasizes the need for the following: an understanding of the biblical concepts of missions an awareness of the large number of people who are without Christ an acceptance of the responsibility that believers have for ministering to the needs of people and for sharing the gospel Nurturing a missions environment includes sensitizing believers to the vast number of people who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As churches and the association learn of the large numbers of lost people in other countries or in other parts of the nation, they must also confront the numerous lost people in their own communities. While direct responsibility for sharing the gospel may be local, the churches and the association are to be partners with other believers in making Jesus Christ known within the state, nation, and world. Involvement beyond the association often comes through information shared by appointed missions personnel and those who have served in volunteer mission service. Both mission stories and prayer requests can excite people about missions and motivate them to increase their awareness of and involvement in missions. Doing missions locally serves as a stimulus for greater awareness and involvement in missions beyond the association. Through its relationships and activities, WMU in an association has a unique opportunity and responsibility for promoting the cause of missions. In one-on-one situations, in committees or teams, and in conferences and training events, WMU leaders are to be proactive in their support of missions. WMU in an association is a partner in missions as it assists in nurturing a missions environment in the churches and the association. Examples Ways in which WMU in an association can nurture a missions environment in the churches and association include but are not limited to the following: Help people understand the biblical basis of missions. 7
Share missions information in newsletters and through displays, video, computer presentations, and other forms of projection at WMU and other associational meetings. Include missionary speakers in associational meetings, and arrange for them to speak in churches. Promote the use of the state convention, North American Mission Board, International Mission Board, and national WMU Web sites as sources of information about missions work, missions personnel, unreached people groups, missions prayer requests, and opportunities for career, short-term, or volunteer mission service. Encourage individuals, families, and churches to develop relationships with missions personnel through email, letters, social media, informal gatherings, missionary residence, and/or adopting a missionary family. Be missions models for other people, churches, and the association. Promote involvement in local and state missions as well as national and international missions. Encourage people to learn more about missions and to participate in missions by serving on volunteer missions teams. Include prayer for missionaries, missions work, unreached people groups, and Christian believers in other countries during WMU and other associational meetings. Assist the association with missions activities or associational missions emphasis. Help people understand biblical concepts of giving and how missions work and personnel are funded. Present the value of ongoing opportunities for missions awareness and involvement through WMU to churches. Help congregations identify missions needs that they can help to fulfill. PROVIDE AND PARTICIPATE IN ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONS ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS Definitions To provide and participate in associational missions activities means to prepare for or make available opportunities for churches to take part in missions through mission action, 8
witnessing, prayer, ministry to a missionary, volunteer mission service, giving, or learning experiences. Explanation Participation in missions strengthens missions awareness and commitment for the individual, a church, and the association. It contributes to the missions environment and involvement of the churches and association. It helps individuals use their gifts and skills. It helps a person develop a missions lifestyle. Most of all, it involves believers in sharing the gospel with unbelievers and in meeting the needs of hurting people locally, within the state, nationally, and internationally. While many missions activities and projects will be planned and conducted by a church, some activities and projects may require more resources than one church can provide. Participants and resources from more than one church may be needed for ongoing activities and projects such as literacy missions, multi-housing ministries, job-skills training, work with internationals, ministries that address poverty issues, restorative justice ministries, missionary residences, missions prayer networks, Bible distributions, disaster relief, and volunteer missions teams. All churches can benefit from participating in associational mission action and witness projects or from sharing in events such as an On Mission Celebration or a missions fair. Some churches may be motivated to learn how to conduct their own missions activities and projects through participation in those conducted by the association. Participation in associational projects may help churches in neighboring areas partner together to be more effective in their missions involvement. WMU in an association may plan and conduct missions activities and projects, as well as promote those planned by the association. WMU may also partner with other groups in the community to plan and conduct missions activities and projects. With its focus on missions, WMU in an association is uniquely suited for providing opportunities for people and churches to be involved in missions. Examples Ways in which WMU in an association can provide opportunities for churches and individuals to participate in associational missions activities and projects include but are not limited to the following: Provide activities for unchurched children. Develop or maintain a missions prayer network. Conduct Bible studies in unchurched areas. Conduct mission action projects to meet the needs of hurting people in the association. 9
Conduct or assist with witnessing activities and projects for sharing the gospel with non-believers in the association. Help start new congregations. Sponsor volunteer missions teams. Participate in partnership missions projects sponsored by the state convention or association. Maintain a missionary residence, provide housing for a stateside international missionary, or provide vacation lodging for a North American missionary. Sponsor a missions fair or missions banquet. Arrange a missions tour of the association or state convention. Sponsor a Christian Women s Job Corps or Christian Men s Job Corps SM site. Conduct the Baptist Women s World Day of Prayer. Work with the Baptist campus minister(s) to minister to international students. Work with the Baptist campus minister(s) to involve collegiate women in missions through mymission SM. EQUIP CHURCHES TO PROVIDE MISSIONS AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT Definitions To equip churches to provide missions awareness and involvement means to prepare for and provide settings that lead people to understand biblical concepts of missions; to know about missions work, missions personnel, and people who are the recipients of missions efforts; and to comprehend that many people do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It also includes active participation in missions through mission action, witnessing, praying, giving, and ministering to missionaries. Explanation Equipping may involve consultations with churches. It may involve sharing print and non-print resources, offering how-to types of training, or pairing churches or missions leaders to learn from each other. Equipping may also include helping churches find potential missions leaders together and providing training for them. It can also involve helping churches identify the opportunities for missions awareness and involvement that already exist, as well as helping them find new opportunities. 10
Opportunities for missions awareness and involvement will vary from church to church. Some churches will offer ongoing opportunities for all age levels. Some will only offer intergenerational, family, or churchwide activities. Some will offer ongoing opportunities for one or more age levels and selected opportunities for all church members. Some churches will focus on missions involvement while others will focus on missions awareness. The challenge for WMU in an association is to know the churches well enough to know how to help them make opportunities for increased and more effective missions awareness and involvement available for all church members. Some churches may be effective in using technology to learn about and be involved in missions, while others may use less technical ways. Some churches may focus on local ministries, while others may send volunteer missions teams to other states and countries. Customization will be important as WMU in an association equips churches to provide missions awareness and involvement opportunities. A part of equipping churches may be to help them understand that missions can be local, within the state, national, and international. A church needs to relate to all areas. Examples Ways in which WMU in an association can equip churches to provide missions awareness and involvement opportunities include but are not limited to the following: Provide training for volunteer missions teams. Share Web site addresses for mission boards, national WMU, state WMU, etc., and help churches know how to use the Web sites. Help churches develop a missions prayer strategy and/or become a part of the association s missions prayer network. Maintain and distribute information about missions projects or mission action needs within the association. Interpret and provide information on Project HELP SM and the current critical issue being addressed by national WMU. Provide training for missions ministries being conducted in the association or that are needed. Plan ways for churches to help each other or to learn from each other. Connect churches with people involved in missions such as prison and hospital chaplains, church and community ministries directors, church planters, Baptist campus ministers, soup kitchen directors, literacy trainers, etc. 11
Acquaint churches with and/or provide quality missions resources available from national WMU, state WMU, the International Mission Board, and the North American Mission Board. DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN WMU IN ALL CONGREGATIONS Definitions To develop and strengthen WMU in all congregations means to plan for and promote growth of WMU in churches and church plants. It also means to build up existing congregations and to provide opportunities to nurture and train WMU leadership in the church. Explanation No congregation is too small, too large, too new, too old, or too unique to not have WMU-sponsored missions awareness and involvement. Each congregation or church plant has the responsibility for equipping its members to participate in missions awareness and involvement. WMU is a way to do this. The approach to WMU may be different for each congregation, but each will relate to the same missions concepts. WMU in an association needs to be well acquainted with each congregation. The following questions will help. What type of congregation is it? Who are its members? (demographics) What attracts people to the congregation? What programs/ministries does the congregation provide? What missions emphases or activities does it have? How does it relate to the association? If it has WMU, what age-level organizations does it have, what churchwide missions activities does it provide, how many WMU members does it have, and what is the potential for new WMU members or participants? A congregation that is beginning WMU may choose to focus on a churchwide missions approach or a family missions approach, begin one or more gender-specific organizations, or begin a coed organization. It may be interested in a specific area of missions such as prayer, mission action, or witnessing. A congregation with WMU may choose to begin another age-level organization or add another group within an existing organization, begin Families on Mission SM, or expand its churchwide missions approaches. It may prefer to enhance the quality of its existing work, increase the number of members and participants, or develop potential leaders. Establishing and maintaining a good relationship with the pastor or another key person will be essential to developing or strengthening WMU work in a congregation. Identifying what the congregation is already doing in missions and communicating the value of WMU to the congregation are important for building the relationship. 12
Examples Ways in which WMU in an association helps congregations to develop or strengthen WMU include but are not limited to the following: Develop WMU in congregations Initiate a meeting with the pastor, another church staff member, and/or a key person to learn what the congregation is doing in missions and to find out its missions vision. Show how WMU is customizable for the congregation to include each age level as well as Families on Mission. Facilitate ways to include people from congregations without WMU in planning or conducting associational missions activities, projects, or meetings. Explore the possibility of two or more churches having a joint organization if it is not feasible for each to have its own. This could include Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Children in Action, Acteens, Challengers, and/or Youth on Mission. Identify an individual(s) or a special interest that would be an entry point for beginning WMU. Focus on missions and the value of WMU in helping a church be on mission. Encourage people from the congregation to participate in associational and WMU missions activities or projects, such as an On Mission Celebration, a missions fair, a mission action project, or a missions prayer project. Enlist a WMU organization or group from one church to invite others from a congregation without WMU to attend one of its meetings or to participate in a missions project. Strengthen WMU in congregations Work with WMU leaders to identify areas for enhancement or expansion. Recognize church WMU accomplishments by including testimonies or reports in associational WMU activities and communications. Focus on ongoing missions involvement rather than the organization itself. Equip WMU leaders in congregations to be missions advocates in their congregations. Train church WMU leaders Help WMU leaders know how to identify and develop potential leaders. 13
Prepare more experienced WMU leaders to mentor new leaders. Train WMU leaders to use the Internet for information and ideas that will help them improve their WMU. Helpful Web sites include those for national WMU, state WMU, mission boards, and state conventions. Provide information and instructions for using print and non-print resources produced by national WMU, state WMU, and the mission boards. Provide basic and specialized training for church WMU leaders. Assist congregations to begin WMU Work with pastors or church planters to include missions discipleship as an essential part of the congregation. Encourage congregations to begin a new age-level organization or a new group within an existing organization. Encourage congregations to provide opportunities for families to be involved in missions. Encourage members to mentor non-members as a way to help them become involved in missions. 14
Section 3 Associational WMU Relationships INTRODUCTION Woman s Missionary Union in an association cooperates and interacts with the association and the leadership of the association in implementing WMU in an association. On some occasions, WMU in an association relates to other appropriate entities for information and resources. This includes agencies and institutions within the association through which WMU may learn of needs, receive training, or provide ministries to meet the needs of hurting people. RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE ASSOCIATION WMU in an association must establish and maintain good relationships to be effective in assisting churches and the association itself to be increasingly committed to being radically involved in the mission of God. Relationships with churches in the association The major role for WMU in an association is assisting the churches to be committed to and involved in missions. Therefore, the associational WMU needs to be familiar with the missions efforts in each church and the potential for strengthening missions awareness and involvement. The relationship of WMU in an association to pastors and other church staff members is key to assisting churches and involving church members in missions projects and events sponsored by the association. WMU in an association can network with WMU leaders and members in the churches to strengthen missions awareness and involvement in the churches and the association itself. WMU in an association relies upon church WMU leaders and members for its leadership and participants. In associations where the associational organization structure may not include a WMU representative, WMU should continue to operate and assist the churches. Associational WMU leaders can find ways to network with churches and keep them informed, train leaders, and encourage participation in association-wide missions events and activities. Relationships with the general association WMU in an association partners with the association to achieve the missions purpose of the association. WMU strives to be a valuable and effective partner by maintaining good relationships and communication with the professional and lay leaders of the association. As a partner, WMU will identify with the association s missions vision or purpose and its structure. WMU should always be proactive in establishing relationships that enhance missions and maintain WMU s partnership role. 15
Associational director of missions The structure of associations differs from association to association. Therefore, the nature of the relationship of WMU in an association to the director of missions is not always the same. WMU leadership in each association will work with the structure to maintain a supportive relationship with the director of missions. Communication is vital to the relationship and includes staying up-to-date on what the association is doing and also keeping the association informed about WMU work. Other professional staff members In associations with one or more professional staff members other than the director of missions, WMU leadership should be supportive of those staff members and work closely with them to coordinate WMU work with their assigned area of work. Examples include working with the associational church and community ministries director on mission action projects; the church development director to help churches strengthen and develop ongoing missions organizations; the Baptist campus minister to involve collegiate women in mymission SM or to minister to international students; and the language missions director to assist multicultural congregations with missions awareness and involvement. Elected leadership Elected leadership includes the moderator, clerk, and treasurer, as well as directors of program ministries and leaders of committees, task forces, or teams. The relationship between elected leadership and WMU in an association is to be one of partnership and networking. In some associations, WMU will interact with directors of other program ministries. In associations with a structure that includes committees, task forces, or teams for accomplishing its objectives or purpose, WMU should take initiative in relating to the leaders of these groups. RELATIONSHIPS WITH DENOMINATIONAL AND RELATED ENTITIES Relationships with state Woman s Missionary Union The state WMU or state convention office responsible for WMU work assists WMU in the associations to customize WMU work for the association. It may provide training for associational WMU leadership and consultation services. It interprets national and state WMU emphases and also helps WMU in associations connect these emphases with associational emphases. A state WMU may sponsor missions projects or state partnership projects in which WMU in an association may participate. In some states, the associational WMU director represents the associational WMU on the state WMU council, planning group, or board. 16
Relationships with national Woman s Missionary Union National WMU assists WMU in associations by providing suggested plans and activities, resources, field services, and training. This assistance is often channeled through the state WMU or state convention office responsible for WMU work. Associations are encouraged to participate in ministries of national WMU. For example, Christian Women s Job Corps and Christian Men s Job Corps SM are ministries of national WMU in which WMU in an association may participate by sponsoring a CWJC or CMJC SM site or sites or assisting with a state WMU-sponsored CWJC or CMJC site. Relationships with Women s Department of the Baptist World Alliance The Women s Department of the Baptist World Alliance promotes fellowship, deeper sympathy, and fuller understanding and sharing among Baptist women of the world. It focuses on evangelization and leadership development of women. The Baptist Women s World Day of Prayer is a way for WMU in an association to receive information and pray for Baptist women throughout the world. The first Monday in November is suggested as a time for women s groups throughout the world to meet to pray. Program materials for this day of prayer are produced and distributed by the Women s Department. The offering the women give when they meet is used to support the work and ministries of the seven continental unions and the Women s Department. WMU in an association may connect with neighboring Baptist women through the North American Baptist Women s Union (NABWU). Relationships with WMU in other associations WMU in an association may work with WMU in another association to carry out missions projects, conduct missions events, and provide leadership or ministry training. The other association may be one with which the association has a partnership. RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL GROUPS, AGENCIES, AND INSTITUTIONS WMU in an association may work with local groups, agencies, or institutions outside of the association to provide ministries to hurting people. Relationships with other religious groups WMU in an association may relate to another religious group(s) when there is a common concern for a need that can be met more effectively through a joint effort. Such missions ministries may be short-term or ongoing. They may or may not involve an institution. Relationships with agencies and institutions Many agencies and institutions meet the needs of hurting people. Rather than duplicate ministries, there may be times when WMU in an association can be more effective in its missions ministry by working with an agency or institution. There may be times when it is sufficient for WMU to know the services available through an agency or institution so it does not duplicate services. Agencies and institutions may provide WMU with specific needs that WMU can meet, or their professional staff may be available to provide training for WMU leaders and participants. 17
Section 4 Associational WMU Structure and Leadership INTRODUCTION The organizational arrangement or structure for Woman s Missionary Union in an association provides a framework that associational WMU leaders can use to work with church WMU leaders and members to accomplish the purpose of WMU in an association. While WMU in each association will implement the objectives for WMU in an association, the way in which each associational WMU is structured will vary. Organizational arrangement or structure should be determined by what WMU in an association plans to accomplish rather than by a prescribed organizational pattern used by all associations. The leadership of the Holy Spirit is essential for accomplishing God s purpose in carrying out the Great Commission. The organizational arrangement that WMU in an association selects should reflect the following concepts and understandings. The organization must contribute to accomplishing the purpose of WMU in an association. The organization should be suited to the needs of the association and the situations of the churches within the association. Organizational structure should allow for flexibility and innovation so it can be workable in a variety of situations or adapted to meet developing needs. Responsibility for fulfilling the purpose and objectives of WMU in an association should be shared by a number of leaders. Assigning and coordinating responsibilities is essential for effectively doing the work of WMU in an association. RELATING TO THE ASSOCIATION Structure in associations is changing and varies from association to association as each association designs a structure to accomplish its purpose or objectives. The place of WMU in the overall structure of the association will differ among associations. WMU in each association must understand the structure of the association to effectively work with the structure while accomplishing its purpose and objectives. The following guidelines will help WMU in an association maintain its integrity within the association. WMU in an association understands the purpose, vision or mission statement, core values, and priorities or objectives of the association. The associational WMU director relates to the associational director of missions or associational missionary to be informed about and support the work of the association and to encourage and initiate missions involvement. 18
WMU in an association takes initiative to suggest WMU leaders and members to serve on appropriate associational committees or teams in the areas of, but not limited to, missions, ministry, prayer, or leadership development. WMU in an association identifies associational objectives it can relate to when planning for WMU work in the association. WMU in an association is careful to keep the associational director of missions or the associational missionary (or other appropriate associational leadership) informed about its plans. WMU in an association is careful not to duplicate or create scheduling conflicts with associational plans in planning its activities. WMU STRUCTURE IN AN ASSOCIATION WMU in each association decides how much structure it needs to accomplish its work. The amount or quality of work is not necessarily related to the number of leaders in each WMU in an association. Some associations may have more leaders so that each has fewer responsibilities. Leadership positions should be determined by what the associational WMU plans to accomplish and how it plans to carry out associational objectives and goals. The following guidelines are provided to help WMU in an association determine the leaders it needs. Some associations will need only a few leadership positions while others may need most of the suggested positions. Some associations may need leaders that are not listed. Others may combine responsibilities to create new leadership positions. WMU in some state conventions may suggest associational leadership positions for projects it sponsors. Selecting leadership positions that meet the needs of WMU in an association is key. WMU LEADERSHIP Every organization needs leaders who help the organization move toward fulfilling its purpose. The title of leader designates the person who leads. Leadership is the process of leading or the influence the leader exerts. Leaders are needed to direct WMU work in an association. WMU in each association will determine the leaders it needs to accomplish its objectives and goals. One leader the associational WMU director provides overall leadership. Other leaders may have administrative responsibilities, responsibilities for WMU age-level organizations, or responsibilities for specific areas of work. Because the association is a network of churches, WMU leaders in an association should be members of churches within the association. WMU leaders should possess experience in both associational and church WMU work. Where possible, they should be working in a related capacity in their churches. All associational WMU leaders should be knowledgeable about the work of WMU in churches. 19
Some associations may have specific requirements for people who serve in leadership positions. In these associations, WMU is encouraged to follow the guidelines of the association. LEADERSHIP ROLES An associational WMU director is essential. Additional leaders should be enlisted as needed in accordance to what the associational WMU plans to accomplish and how it plans to carry out associational objectives and goals. Organizational consultants have responsibilities related to the WMU age-level organizations. Other leaders may have responsibilities related to family missions, multicultural congregations, or missions growth. In addition, an association may need an additional leader or leaders to carry out responsibilities unique to its situation. Some associations may have leaders suggested by the state WMU that are unique to that state convention. WMU in an association can do quality and effective work without having leaders for every area of responsibility identified. These areas are suggested to help an association select the leaders that will contribute most to WMU work and missions growth within the association. When there is more than one associational WMU leader, the associational WMU director and the other leaders form the associational WMU leadership team. The associational director of missions or another associational staff member serves on this team. While associational WMU leaders will have various duties according to their leadership positions, all associational leaders may be called upon from time to time to consult with churches or provide resources. In addition, all associational leaders have a role in communication and building good relationships between the association and the churches and between the association and the community. General Associational WMU Leaders Associational WMU director The associational WMU director is responsible to WMU in an association and to the general association for planning, implementing, and assessing WMU work in the association. The associational WMU director takes the lead in the following: a. relating to pastors and church staff members and learning about the work of their churches b. promoting and encouraging church involvement in associational missions activities and projects c. promoting and encouraging pastors and church staff to develop or strengthen WMU work in their churches Specific responsibilities of the associational WMU director include the following: Relate to churches with and without WMU. 20
Relate to the director of missions, pastors, and other leaders. Lead associational WMU leaders to be open to new visions for accomplishing God s purposes. Plan, implement, and assess the work of WMU. a. Lead the associational WMU leadership team in the following areas: - setting goals and implementing action plans - coordinating WMU work within the association - developing, enlisting, and training associational WMU leaders - training church WMU leaders b. Assist other associational WMU leaders in fulfilling their responsibilities Coordinate the work of WMU with the general association as appropriate for the association. Relate and report to the state WMU according to state plans. If the associational WMU director is the only associational WMU leader, she may use teams, committees, or individual assignments to help her plan and conduct the work. Assistant Associational WMU director The assistant associational WMU director is responsible to the WMU director and the associational WMU in helping to plan, implement, and assess WMU work in the association. When WMU in an association anticipates the election of a new associational WMU director for the next year, the assistant WMU director may serve as the WMU directorelect. Specific responsibilities of the assistant associational WMU director may include the following: Serve on the associational WMU leadership team. a. Assist in planning, implementing, and assessing WMU work in the association. b. Assist in coordinating the work of all associational WMU leaders. Assist in developing and enlisting associational WMU leaders. If serving as associational WMU director-elect, the person should do the following: a. Learn how WMU in an association relates to and coordinates its work with the general association. b. Learn how WMU in an association relates to the state WMU. c. Work with the associational WMU director and other associational leaders to identify priorities and initiate planning for the next year. Assist in training church and associational leaders. Assist churches in planning for and conducting mission studies, observing weeks of prayer, and promoting missions offerings on the national, state, and associational levels If there is no associational WMU administrative assistant, keep records and make reports. 21
Associational WMU administrative assistant The associational WMU administrative assistant is responsible to the WMU director and the associational WMU for maintaining WMU records, reporting accomplishments, and ordering WMU materials and resources. Specific responsibilities of the associational WMU administrative assistant include the following: Serve on the associational WMU leadership team. Maintain the following records: a. information about WMU work in the churches b. information related to the work of the associational WMU leadership team - minutes of WMU leadership team meetings - plans for the year and accomplishments in achieving plans - budget information - calendar information - copies of reports to the general association and state WMU Order WMU curriculum materials and resources. Serve as the associational WMU historian. Publicize associational WMU events, activities, projects, etc., or work with assigned publicity/communications leader to ensure adequate communication with the churches and WMU leaders. Organizational Leaders Leaders with organizational responsibilities are responsible to the associational WMU director for planning, implementing, and assessing the work of their WMU organizations in the association. Mission Friends, Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, Children in Action SM, Acteens, Challengers, Youth on Mission SM, mymission sm, Women on Mission, Adults on Mission SM consultants need to do the following: Be knowledgeable about the organization. Develop action plans for the organization to meet the goals set by the associational WMU leadership team. Provide basic and specialized training for church leaders and members as appropriate for the organization. Consult with churches to strengthen the organization work within the church. Consult with churches without the organization to communicate the benefits of the organization and assist them in developing the organization. Serve on the associational WMU leadership team in the following ways: a. Participate in planning, conducting, and evaluating the work of WMU in an association. b. Coordinate the work of the organization with other areas of associational WMU work. c. Report accomplishments of the age-level organization. 22
Be responsible for planning, conducting, and evaluating associational WMU organization activities and projects. Leaders and members from the churches may be enlisted to help plan, conduct, and assess these activities and projects. Coordinate associational WMU organization work with other preschool, children, student/youth, young adult, or adult work in the general association. WMU leaders with specialized assignments WMU in some associations may benefit from having leaders with specialized assignments. These leaders are responsible for serving on the associational leadership team and promoting missions awareness and involvement as it relates to their assignment. Examples of leaders with specialized assignments include: WMU churchwide missions consultant WMU communications/publicity leader Collegiate mymission consultant Families on Mission consultant WMU multicultural consultant(s) for a general or specific multicultural group WMU missions growth consultant WMU missions project leader(s) Specialized leaders such as Christian Women s Job Corps or Christian Men s Job Corps site coordinators, Baptist Nursing Fellowship chapter president, etc. Regional or area leaders Leaders with specialized assignments are responsible to: Be knowledgeable about how WMU helps individuals, families, congregations, and the association fulfill the Great Commission. Be able to communicate the value of WMU in their area of specialized leadership. Develop action plans related to their area of specialized leadership to meet goals set by the associational WMU leadership team. Consult with congregations to strengthen or provide missions opportunities related to their area of specialized leadership. Serve on the associational WMU leadership team. ASSOCIATIONAL WMU LEADERSHIP TEAM The associational WMU leadership team is comprised of the WMU director and other leaders enlisted to accomplish WMU work in the association. The associational leadership team meets to plan and assess the work of WMU in an association, and to coordinate the work of the age-level leaders with specialized assignments. Planning meetings are held to develop plans for the year, to coordinate implementation of plans, and to evaluate effectiveness when plans are implemented. (See Section 6: Associational Leadership Team at Work Planning, Records, Reports.) MEETINGS, EVENTS, PROJECTS, AND OTHER MISSIONS EXPERIENCES Meetings, events, projects, and other missions experiences are important avenues for accomplishing associational WMU objectives. Associational WMU missions experiences 23