Missions
Purpose
Section titled “Purpose”CrossRoads Church believes missions is part of the Great Commission and a shared responsibility of all believers. Our missions efforts focus on three spheres: the campus, the community, and the world. In each, we support work that proclaims the gospel, makes disciples, and strengthens or plants churches as appropriate to that context, consistent with Scripture and the church’s constitution and by-laws.
This policy defines the church’s missions philosophy and sets the rules for supporting, sending, caring for, and evaluating missions partners, so that missions decisions are consistent, well-stewarded, and transparent.
Definition of Missions
Section titled “Definition of Missions”CrossRoads Church defines missions as fulfilling the Great Commission by proclaiming the gospel of Christ, making disciples, and equipping them to be reproducing Christ followers. This includes both local outreach to the campus and community and global outreach, through church planting and other ministry efforts that aligns with the church’s purpose.
Missions Committee
Section titled “Missions Committee”The Missions Committee educates, encourages, and engages the congregation about missions. It recommends missionary partners, reviews support requests, coordinates missionary care, and advises the Elders on missions activities.
The committee consists of a Missions Chairperson appointed by the Elder Board and at least two other members appointed by the Chairperson. The Missions Chairperson submits a written update on missionaries and missions activities to the Elder Board quarterly.
Support Categories
Section titled “Support Categories”The church may support:
- Career missionaries.
- Church planters.
- Short-term mission initiatives.
- Local outreach and campus ministries.
- Compassion or benevolence projects, if approved separately.
- Strategic partnerships recommended by the committee.
The Elder Board approves all missions support.
Missions Partner Qualifications
Section titled “Missions Partner Qualifications”A missions partner must:
- Affirm the church’s statement of faith.
- Demonstrate a clear, gospel-centered ministry.
- Agree to the church’s communication and accountability expectations (below).
- Be recommended by the Missions Committee and approved by the Elder Board.
Financial Support
Section titled “Financial Support”Financial support decisions are based on the missions budget, ministry priorities, and partner qualifications. Support may be monthly, annual, one-time, or project-based. Continued support depends on the communication, accountability, and review expectations below.
Communication and Accountability
Section titled “Communication and Accountability”Supported missionaries and ministries are expected to provide:
- Regular ministry updates and prayer requests.
- Financial reports, where applicable.
- Travel or relocation notices when relevant.
- Prompt notice of any significant change in ministry status or doctrinal alignment.
Missionary Care
Section titled “Missionary Care”The church commits to prayer, communication, encouragement, and practical care for supported missionaries, which may include:
- Prayer support in services and small groups.
- Care packages or gifts.
- Personal communication from members.
- Hosting missionaries when they visit.
- Emergency assistance when appropriate.
Short-Term Missions Trips
Section titled “Short-Term Missions Trips”Short-term mission trips must be approved in advance by the Missions Committee and Elder Board. Each trip must have a clear purpose and spiritual objective, a budget, a leader, and a training plan. Participants may be required to complete training, background checks, fundraising, and a post-trip debriefing.
Trip leaders must:
- Be approved by church leadership.
- Demonstrate spiritual maturity and organizational ability.
- Follow church safety and conduct guidelines.
- Coordinate logistics, finances, and communication.
- Submit a post-trip report.
Missionary Partner Selection and Review
Section titled “Missionary Partner Selection and Review”A prospective missions partner submits a request or ministry profile to the committee. The committee may interview the applicant, request references, and review doctrinal alignment and ministry strategy before recommending the partner to the Elder Board.
The committee reviews each existing partner at least once a year, renewing or discontinuing support based on this policy, the partner’s accountability, and the church’s priorities.
Budget and Stewardship
Section titled “Budget and Stewardship”The church stewards missions funds responsibly and transparently. Missions support is part of the church’s annual operating budget, which the Elder Board and membership approve. The Elders seek to balance support among the campus, community, and world according to the church’s vision.
Congregants are encouraged to support missionaries directly through the missionaries’ sending agencies. Gifts given to an individual missionary through the church are applied to the church’s committed support for that missionary; any amount received beyond that commitment is forwarded to the appropriate missions agency quarterly.
Changes to This Policy
Section titled “Changes to This Policy”The Elders may revise this policy as needed. All revisions are documented, dated, and communicated to relevant leaders and partners.