Employment

Thailand

December 18, 2013

Position Type:

• International Worker-Clergy Track
• Church planting
• Fully Funded
• Ordination required
• Couple/Single

Summary of Ministry Position:

A ministry opportunity to join a team which facilitates the planting of healthy Thai churches in Bangkok and northeast provinces through partnerships with Thai Christians in existing Thai churches. As a member of the Church Planting Partnerships Team, the individual or couple should be passionate for evangelism through a variety of methods, be committed to discipleship, be willing to coach and train leaders, and have a love for the local church.

Important Clarification: Applicants should be aware that serving in the international world typically requires a higher-than-normal degree of grace and flexibility. Overseas cross-cultural positions can be like a moving target. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position. This redefining can take place before, during, or even after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • A recognized bachelor’s degree
   • Completed a minimum of 30 hours of Bible/Theology/Ministry, 15 hours of Intercultural Studies (ICS).
   • The wife must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed a minimum of 18 hours of Bible/Theology, 15 hours of missions/ministry studies. Of the 15 hours of missions/ministry studies, at least 6 hours must be in cross-cultural or missions fields.
   • MLAT Score of 60 or higher
2. Ministry Qualifications
   • Two years of Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience (ALME)
   • Alliance ordination completed.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Has been involved in discipling others, evangelism, and/or outreach
2. Has had leadership training
3. Has had church planting training

Responsibilities:

1. Learn the local language to a proficient level and adjust to local culture.
2. Reach out to local people and share the Gospel through relationships
3. Develop relationships with Thai Christians that facilitate a cooperative outreach to the community.
4. Disciple new believers through mentoring relationships
5. Coach Christians who are emerging leaders
6. Assist the new church plant to establish a financial and administrative structure
7. Communicate effectively with supporting churches and individuals on a regular basis
8. Work together on a team under the leadership and direction of the team leader

Timeline for deployment:

Late summer 2015.

General Information:

The World Factbook has helpful information.

Work and Living Environment:

The successful applicant would live in the Bangkok metropolitan area, which is the capital and principal city of Thailand. The Thai people are friendly and gracious, but they are still darkened by the appeasement of evil spirits, Buddhism and Islam. You will live in the local community of the new church plant where you will seek to introduce others to the light of Jesus, mentor them in Biblical faithfulness and partner with Thai churches to plant new communities of faith.

Status of Christian Witness:

Please see information about Thailand on the Joshua Project website.

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. Learn the Thai language to a sixth grade proficiency after one year and be functional in the language after two years. International workers (IW’s) receive two years of intensive Thai language and cultural study. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level, in order to share the good news of Jesus. IW’s will be expected to be disciplined and intentionally persevering in the first season of language learning.

Health Considerations:

Modern and affordable medical care is available in Thailand. Medications can easily be obtained through hospitals, clinics and pharmacies.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spousal roles vary based on the husband’s and wife’s giftings, training, and needs of the team.It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

There are many international schools in the Bangkok metropolitan area, especially in the area east of the Chao Praya River. Homeschooling is an option for all grades. Boarding school options are available at Grace Academy in Chiang Mai and Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia for middle and high school students.

Compensation Package:

This is designated a fully GCF-funded role. Please visit our Compensation page for details on how U.S. C&MA international workers are compensated. You will see there a comprehensive package that would be offered with this role covering all costs related to a monthly living allowance, housing, travel, children’s education and full benefits.  GCF-funded workers share corporate responsibility for raising of GCF dollars from among Alliance churches and other possible sources.

Questions?

Please write Amy Roedding at [email protected] or contact your Candidate Developer.

APPLY NOW