Here are a few ideas for networking and facilitating a support team.
People need to know what your needs are, who your working for (Alternative Missions) and with (field location), what your area of ministry is and what your projects are. They also need to know specifically what to pray for and how to participate in order to meet the need. Be clear and consistent in your communication. Educating and keeping your support team informed is an ongoing process. You need to say many of the same things over and over and from different perspectives. Your support team is a group of people that you need to invest in, pray for, mentor and keep informed. They are a group of people that you can influence and disciple into the ways and purposes of God. Make sure and give clear instructions on how and where to send support funds.
Here are some ways you can keep your support team informed.
1. VineAge website (they are free)
2. Email Updates: These should be done twice a month. Include stories and notes about life on the field.
3. Night of Missions: When in the states have “Nights of Missions” that are informative. A desert gathering in a home where you invite those you have contact with is a great time to share in a personal way and mobilize team members to important needs.
4. Personal Appointments: Make a list of people to sit down with alone and share your hopes, reports and needs. Ask people to be a member of your “Support Team”. It takes a big team to keep a missionary on the field for a prolonged period.
5. Have them visit you on the field: This is the most effective thing I have seen. When people see what you do and have an opportunity to do it with you they gain insight to the need and they are much more motivated to be a part of helping.
0 responses so far