"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood..." John 1:14 The Message.

Jesus "moved into the neighborhood." Jesus took time to learn a language, learn a culture, and to get to know people so that He could love people and live out the Father's love in a way that they would understand.

 

CAREER MINISTRY - INTERNATIONAL WORKER

"Moving into the neighborhood"... it takes time to do this in order to love a particular group of people well. As a family of churches, the C&MA in Canada is committed to Jesus' model of moving into a culture and living among a people for a longer period of time. That's why our primary focus is to equip and send out "longer term" International Workers.

A person who responds to God’s calling to depart from Canada, leaves his/her comfort zones, and incarnationally lives among a people with the purpose of showing and sharing the love and message of Jesus Christ. 

With Global Ministry, International Workers usually serve for 4-year commitments at a time. Although some people conclude their international service at the end of their first 4 years, we find that God calls many to stay for much longer.

SHORTER-TERM CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Sometimes God may nudge a person towards shorter periods of cross-cultural involvement. Although not knowing the host countries' language is a challenge, there still are a number of great opportunities to serve God and get a taste of serving God globally.

Here are some possibilies:

• The Global Ministry Apprenticeship Program (GMAP)  with the C&MA is a two- year experience that provides an opportunity to fulfill the Pre-Appointment ministry experience in a cross-cultural environment before completing all the requirements for career missionary service. An Apprentice works alongside career International Workers, learning the language and ministering in appropriate ways. For more information, please contact the Administrative Assistant for CONVERGE, Frances Choi choif@cmacan.org

• Cross-Cultural Internship Programs - Ambrose University and Ambrose Seminary offer several options for cross-cultural training and ministry. The 1-year "Onsite" program is an excellent way of experiencing firsthand, hands-on serving in an international context. See their webpage for more details: Ambrose University/Seminary

• Short-term Mission Trips through your Local Church - Most C&MA churches are involved in serving some place in the world. Talk to your pastor about possible opportunities that may exist right at your own local church.