Roles: Partnership in the Great Commission

How Local Churches, Cross-Cultural Workers
and Christar Work Together

Affirm workers’ character and fitness for cross-cultural service
Check for alignment of cross-cultural workers’ vision and projected ministry plan with that of the sending church
Assist in workers’ application to Christar by filling out a pastor’s reference form

Conduct a commissioning service, ideally within 30 days before workers’ initial departure for the field

Contribute toward workers’ financial support (While Christar does not require sending churches to provide a specific amount, we suggest they give 20% or more of a worker’s support figure when possible.)
Pray regularly, privately and corporately, for workers’ ministry and well-being and for the people groups among which they serve

Connect regularly with workers (Consider assigning an individual or group to serve as the primary liaison between the church and the workers.)
Protect the security of workers serving in creative access areas by using appropriate terminology in communication with and about them
Ensure workers know who to contact in the church regarding financial matters, spiritual/sensitive issues, focused prayer, etc.
Share workers’ needs with church members (as security allows) while they are on the field
Provide time for workers to share about their ministries while on home assignment
Engage workers in church activities and ministries during home assignment
Provide adequate time for workers on home assignment to rest, further their education and share about their ministry in other churches
Keep workers up to date about church news (as security allows)

Strive to bring glory to God by establishing churches among least-reached people.
Participate in pre-field assessments and complete training according to a personal development plan
Build and regularly communicate with a team of prayer and financial supporters
Cultivate a connection with God and seek His guidance and provision through daily prayer, regular team prayer and frequent communication with prayer partners
Pursue personal holiness through regular study of God’s word
Work in harmony with team members, in partnership with like-minded groups and in submission to the leadership of the sending church and Christar
Be accountable to the sending church and under the authority that the church delegates to Christar
Confer with both church leadership and Christar leadership in making major ministry decisions
Pursue fruitfulness in ministry through creative efforts consistent with the purposes of Christar and the sending church

Connect those who want to go with ways to use their unique gifts and skills in least-reached communities that align with their churches’ approaches to fulfilling the Great Commission
Assess individuals’ readiness for service, as well as areas of strength and places for growth
Provide workers preparing for the field with personal development plans that take into account their prior experience, skills and desired location of service
Offer Church Ministry Residencies, which provide a framework for equipping next-generation leaders with practical skills in the context of their local churches
Provide opportunities for workers to join teams with a shared vision and strategy

Provide support in language learning
Train workers in a church-planting framework that equips them to form strategies fitting for their ministry contexts
Offer support and resources that help workers serve well and thrive in difficult places
Provide debriefing for workers on home assignment

Process donations, as well as oversee insurance and tax reporting
Provide payroll services and administer benefits, including retirement plans, health insurance and life insurance, for workers

Help local churches send and care for their own who follow God’s call to serve in least-reached communities
Assist church leaders in involving their congregations in the Great Commission
Offer to facilitate strategic ministry planning retreats

Equip believers to pray specifically and intentionally for the needs of cross-cultural workers and the least-reached
Partner with God’s people seeking opportunities to invest their resources for eternal impact
Invite volunteers to use their professional skills to help cross-cultural teams minister more effectively
Communicate the needs of the least-reached and ways God is working around the world, connecting believers to opportunities to be involved and rejoice in what the Lord is doing