But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Global Outreach FAQs
General
Do I have to be a member to be sent as a global partner?
Do you have recommended resources to prepare to be a global partner?
Can I be a member of and sent by two churches?
What mission agencies are approved by Bethlehem?
Why doesn’t Bethlehem cover 100% of the financial support for its Global Partners?
Nurture Program
What is the Nurture Program?
Do I need to complete the Nurture Program before departure?
If I complete the Nurture Program, is support guaranteed?
Do I need to complete the “Do” section of the Nurture Program if I have spent time in another country and already speak another language?
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Do I have to be a member to be sent as a global partner?
Yes. Bethlehem has been blessed with many who want to be sent to the nations. Therefore we can only afford to support church members. Under occasional circumstances we consider supporting non-member global partners, but as a general rule we can only support members. Read more.
Do you have recommended resources to prepare to be a global partner?
The Nurture Program is filled with information and recommended resources that will prepare you well for the mission field. Also, we recommend the following website for a wealth of information:
- Joshua Project
Unreached People group stats and links to agencies targeting them. - Operation World
Learn how to pray for the peoples of the world. - MisLinks
Links to agencies and resources for all missions-related issues. - Advancing Churches in Missions Commitment (ACMC)
ACMC helps churches develop a comprehensive missions strategy and structure. - World Christian Resouces Directory
This is an exhaustive list of missions resource links from A to Z. - Missions Finder
This is a great site to for checking out hundreds of short-term mission opportunities with different agencies, for all ages.
Can I be a member of and sent by two churches?
There are always exceptions, but generally no. It is good to be sent by one church and supported by many others. In situations of crisis or conflict your sending church has authority in your life; it becomes too complicated for the global partner, agency, and church to split authority if there are two sending churches.
What mission agencies are approved by Bethlehem?
Mission agencies must be approved by Cross Global Link (formerly IFMA), Mission Exchange (formerly EFMA), and/or the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The Global Outreach Department and Global Outreach (GO) Committee are happy to help you find an agency that fits you best.
Why doesn’t Bethlehem cover 100% of the financial support for its Global Partners?
- It serves and protects the Global Partner. Having multiple churches and individuals provide support will benefit Global Partners with prayer from a multitude of people rather than from one church, protects the Global Partner in the case of financial distress in one particular church, and prevents one church from having too much control over the Global Partner and their work without significant knowledge of the national and cultural contexts.
- It serves the local and universal church. The Global Partners can partner with many churches in order to encourage and inspire multiple congregations. We also believe that this policy allows individuals and other churches to joyfully participate in giving and partnering in ministry, as well as thanking God for provision.
- It is mutually beneficial for Global Partners and Bethlehem. We believe in the confirmation and involvement of the greater body of Christ in the ministry of our Global Partners. Also, this policy allows Bethlehem to send and support more Global Partners (at a lesser amount) rather than less (fully supported).
What is the Nurture Program?
The “NP” is Bethlehem’s 2-year global outreach preparation program.
Do I need to complete the Nurture Program before departure?
Yes. This is recommended. The program is not designed to create hoops to jump through, rather we want to equip you with tools to add to your toolbox so that you may be prepared for whatever is thrown at you once on the field.
If I complete the Nurture Program, is support guaranteed?
Unfortunately, we can’t make promises. We are able to give as the Lord provides. Decisions are made after meeting with the Global Outreach (GO)Committee. View our Career Global Outreach Policy document for more details.
Do I need to complete the “Do” section of the Nurture Program if I have spent time in another country and already speak another language?
Yes. The “Do” section is not so much about learning a language but developing a friendship with someone of another culture. Language learning provides an opportunity to assume a learner’s position while developing a friendship cross-culturally. It also allows the church to see you engaged in ministry with someone from a different culture.