Proclaim! International has been called into being by its sovereign Lord. It is an extension of the ongoing redemptive work of Jesus Christ and an expression of his body, the church. Its members include the missionaries (appointees, missionaries and seconded missionaries) and their families, leaders, national board members and national staff.
With the word of God as our basis and guide and Jesus Christ as the supreme example of a servant-leader, we have recognized that we are a mission community under his authority. This means that we are to seek to reflect in our life, mission and leadership the biblical principles of the body of Christ. Like the church of the New Testament, our community is self-governing under the rule of God. Our authority regarding our life together and mission is complete, being derived from our head, the Lord Jesus Christ. The exercise of that authority is legitimate to the extent that our members are obedient and faithful to him and are living under the influence and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL
The principal instrument by which we govern ourselves is the International Council, a small group of members and leaders selected and empowered by the community to assist in discerning the will of God, exercising authority and maintaining accountability for mission leaders. The Council is comprised of the mission leaders, representatives of national boards and selected missionaries. The Council serves the missionary community through prayer and encouragement, through guarding its doctrinal integrity and spiritual health, through coordinating its work, and through overseeing its ministries and personnel.
INTERNATIONAL CO-DIRECTORS
Recognizing that there was a shared leadership in the churches of the New Testament, we have concluded that for the following reasons it is better to have a mission leadership team serving the missionary community rather than a single mission leader presiding over a hierarchical structure. First, there is a higher degree of accountability, a check against sinful impulses and a hedge against abusive behavior. Second, a team of leaders brings multiple gifting and varied experience and knowledge to the task. Third, there is usually greater wisdom and more sensitive discernment of the will of God when leaders meet together to pray, reflect, discuss, evaluate and plan together. Fourth, there is greater stability and continuity in leadership. Currently the team is comprised of three International Co-directors, equal in authority with differing areas of responsibility and function. They are accountable to the International Council and, through it, to the whole mission community.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
