Why Should You Use a Missions Agency?
Occasionally people ask why missionaries should go to the mission field through an agency rather than directly from the local church. This section addresses some of the issues associated with that question and discusses the services Globe International provides.
What Kind of Mission Agency is Globe?
There are many kinds of mission agencies, and no two are alike. Mission agencies differ in terms of what their primary vision is, where they focus their missionary efforts, whether they serve the whole body of Christ in general, or a single denomination, and what kind of organizational structure they have.
Some agencies do only one kind of ministry. For example, some agencies do only literature production and distribution. Others may do only Bible translation, radio outreach, or ministry to youth, etc. Some agencies concentrate on one geographical region or people group, like a mission to China or Chinese people. Other agencies serve only one denomination — to be deployed with them, you must belong to that denomination. Some agencies are highly structured, with high standards to join; others are very informal in their design.
Globe is an independent, charismatic agency that serves the whole body of Christ. For more than 25 years local churches across the United States have sent and supported their own missionaries with Globe's assistance. Globe's motto "Facilitating those who have a God-given vision, to implement that vision" summarizes Globe's purpose to help missionaries fulfill their own call, rather than a corporate agenda. Most Globe missionaries have traditionally been involved in evangelism, church planting and leadership development. In the 1980s, with the emergence of Living Water Ministries' Adopt-A-Child program, social aid ministry was added. But even this program remains strongly committed to Globe's historical roots. Currently Globe missionaries serve in 26 countries on every major continent.
Globe exists to serve the entire body of Christ, regardless of denominational affiliation. Organizationally, Globe operates with as little structure as possible, trying to balance the need for support and accountability of our missionaries with the purpose to release them to do God's work in an unencumbered manner. Some Globe missionaries work independently; others work pointer-in-pointer with U.S. based churches and other mission agencies.
Why are mission agencies needed?
From New Testament times when Paul's "apostolic band" left on its first missionary journey, the church has created structures to serve the needs of people who are called by God into ministry. These organizations — whose members are not only committed Christians, but are also involved in full time service — exist solely to serve ministers and missionaries. Just as a local church serves the needs of its members, these organizations serve missionaries and ministers.
Globe provides many services that can be difficult for an individual local church to consistently give, such as a standardized candidate approval process, financial, legal and tax consultant services, promotion of missionary projects to an international audience, informational resources to missionaries about new trends, services, and other things related to missions, assistance in printing and mailing monthly newsletters, maintenance of mailing lists, travel scheduling, communication with supporters, and of course, the monthly receiving and distribution of financial support from thousands of individuals, churches, businesses, and other organizations nationwide,etc.
Relationally, Globe gives missionaries a sense of belonging to a "family" of international missionary colleagues. Affiliation with an agency like Globe also gives the missionary credibility with national churches and other agencies on the field. Globe's reputation, as a non-parochial agency that cooperates with other evangelical churches and agencies, helps open doors for missionaries. Finally, missionaries feel secure in the knowledge that Globe staff members are working daily to care for their personal affairs.
What is Globe's relationship with the local chuch?
Globe is primarily a facilitator in mission. Our slogan: "The Church Fulfilling the Great Commission" represents Globe's vision to partner with local churches in their missionary outreach. Globe joins pointers with local churches to jointly send out missionaries. Globe expects church leaders to maintain strong pastoral ties with their missionaries. Pastors are encouraged to give regular input into the missionaries they support.
Without the involvement of local churches, Globe would not exist. Several pastors serve on Globe's Board of Directors. Globe regularly consults with church leaders about the needs of particular missionaries and mission projects. Local churches provide the support base for Globe missionaries. Every new Globe missionary applicant must be a member-in-good-standing of a local church.
In terms of oversight and authority, Globe oversees many of the business aspects of missions while the local church assists in giving pastoral care to missionaries. Missionaries often request input from both pastors and Globe Directors. Major decisions are usually made in consultation with the missionary and church leadership. As a rule, Globe does not make decisions without consulting with appropriate church leaders.
Relationally, churches are encouraged to maintain strong ties with the missionaries they support. Through letters, phone calls, and e-mail messages, relationships can be nurtured across the miles. Pastoral counsel, ministry to the family, support for special events, assistance with furloughs, visits to the field, involvement with projects on the field, and dialogue with Globe Directors about special needs are all encouraged.
How is the Globe office supported?
Globe receives an "administrative tithe" from offerings for Globe missionaries. Just as the church tithe supports the local church, Globe's administrative tithe supports Globe's daily operations. Globe's General Fund is also supported directly by a number of churches and contributors. Globe is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).