Purpose

To Establish and define the Outreach and Evangelism Fund. (Replaces the Outreach fund)

Scope

This policy applies to the Missions Committee and the Vestry and all users of the fund.

Policy Statement

For the purpose of understanding the Outreach and Evangelism Fund from other funds, the following distinctions are made. Money in this fund;

1. Is for short term outreaches and ongoing evangelistic efforts sponsored and conducted by St. James the Less Church, either at the church or away from it.   The Rector will provide a note to the Missions and Outreach department regarding Church-sponsored outreaches and evangelistic efforts and or 

2. is for members of St. James the Less Church.

3. is intended to assist members in doing short-term outreaches.

4. is intended to assist members in receiving training for outreach purposes.

5. is intended to assist members in networking with the larger Body of Christ for outreach purposes.

* All of the above criteria are subject to the overall direction of the rector and leadership of St. James the Less. Organizations and events that members are considering to participate with must be recognized and approved of by church leadership.

What is an outreach?

For the purpose of the Outreach and Evangelism Fund, we will define outreach as short-term missions. It can be local, regional, national or international. Outreach can be one day, one week or even a month. However, it is not long-term or career missions. Outreach could be one member doing a special mission, but it will most likely consist of a team going out together or working together at the Church.  Evangelistic Efforts are any programs or events whose goal is to bring people to faith in Christ.  These may be short term or ongoing programs of the Church.

What an outreach consists of can be very broad in its expression. The heart of it is taking the Good News of Jesus to the world around us. Therefore, it is a tool of evangelism.

When an outreach is being planned from the Church and funds are needed, a requisition must be submitted. In the submission, a detailed outline must be included showing;

how God has directed,

who is leading the team and who are the primary support staff,

where and when the outreach will be,

what kind of ministry tool (expression) is planned,

an itemized budget.

No commitments should be made, inside the Church or outside the Church, until the submission has received approval. Church-sponsored outreaches require only budget information on the application.    See Also Policy on New Ministries

What is meant by training?

For the purpose of the Outreach Fund, training is defined as a conference, seminar or workshop that is designed with the intent of equipping the participant for doing outreach and missions.

What is meant by networking?

For the purpose of the Outreach Fund, networking is defined as meeting and relating to people and organizations beyond the sphere of St. James the Less Church, which will enhance our collective world view and concepts of outreach and missions.

* Your expectation should not be that the Outreach Fund will pay the entire amount, if your submission is approved, but rather a percentage or agreed amount.

Requisition forms are available in the Church office.

See also: Missions and Outreach Department Policy