Purpose

The purpose of the Missions Department Policy is to ensure St. James the Less Church is fulfilling its role in the Great Commission, to bring others into the kingdom of God, 

• through effective stewardship of missions and outreach finances,

• through promotion and support of missions and outreach and evangelistic initiatives, and by

•  furthering members’ understanding of the fundamental importance of evangelizing and reaching out to the community at home and to the ends of the earth. 

Scope

This policy applies to The Vestry and the Ministry Leadership Team and all committees and Taskforces

and individuals.

Policy Statement

·        The Missions Department is guided by a Missions Committee.  This committee is comprised of a Department Head and a Management Team.

·        The Department Head will be appointed by The Rector for a two-year term.

·        The Department Head will choose the Management Team from the congregation subject to The Rectors approval annually.

·        Missions Department income: See policy on Missions, Outreach and Evangelism Funding

·        The Missions Department will use various tools, including guest speakers, workshops, conferences, and seminars, to equip participants for doing outreach or missions, and to strengthen missions concepts for all ages and members of St. James the Less Church.

Mission Projects*

·        The Missions Department will meet at least quarterly to disburse the Missions projects funds. 

·        Mission Projects will be chosen and funded according to the Missions Projects Policy

•   The Missions Department will build relationships with missions enterprises with which St. James the Less Church wishes to network and partner

Outreach Projects and Evangelistic Efforts*

·        The Missions Department will meet as needed to review and subsequently approve or reject, based on established criteria, requisitions from members to the Outreach Funds.   See also Outreach Projects Policy

·        The Missions Department will encourage, support, and organize fundraising events for outreach and evangelistic initiatives from members of St. James the Less Church.

* The main difference between Mission Projects and Outreach Projects is that missions projects are staffed by people that do not attend St. James the Less, while Outreach Projects are staffed by people from St. James the Less.  Outreach Project funding is restricted to people from St. James the Less who are current and regular members.

See also: Outreach and Evangelism Fund Policy