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Ps Barry Silverback with Children in Sri Lanka

What, Me a Missionary?

"David Livingstone said “God had only one Son and He made that Son a missionary.” God is a missionary God. The Bible is a missionary book.The Gospel is a missionary message. The church is a missionary institution. And when the church ceases to be missionary minded, it has denied its faith and betrayed its trust." J.Herbert Kane
in "The Making of a Missionary"

Identifying, preparing, sending and supporting CRC missionaries is necessary for the church today! Missions is in the heart, character and action of God. The church’s purpose is to propagate the Gospel and expand God’s Kingdom. The Great Commission commands us to go, preach and make disciples of all nations.

Preparation of missionary candidates prior to them going to the field can take up to 3 years and depends on many factors. The local church must be involved in the process, and people considering missionary service should speak with their Pastor first. The CRC has “endorsed” and “associate” missionaries.

What is an “Endorsed” CRC Missionary ?

An Endorsed CRC missionary is one who:

  1. Has initiated the process in full consultation and cooperation with the respective State Executive, the Missions Office and International Executive (as appropriate).
  2. Has satisfactorily completed the processes and met all requirements of the CRC, including the endorsement of his/her local church, and the recommendation of the State Executive and Missions office.
  3. Serves on a field fully endorsed as a CRC field.
  4. Is accountable to Field Director or his/her designate/s (where there is one) whilst on the field.
  5. Is accountable to the International Executive and National Executive through the National Missions Office
  6. Qualifies for the Missionary Re-settlement Fund after a 3 year period of service.
  7. Has the support of, and meets responsibilities to his/her local church and supporters during his/her on-field service and furlough.
  8. Makes an initial commitment for 3 years.
  9. Completes a Memorandum of Understanding between him/herself and the CRC.

What is an “Associate” CRC Missionary?

An Associate CRC missionary is one who:

  1. Chooses to enter missionary service without working through the processes of an ‘Endorsed Missionary’ or is not engaged in a CRC endorsed field and therefore will not be eligible for the CRC Movement to take responsibility for his/her welfare, maintenance or support.
  2. Has not fulfilled the requirements, does not receive the benefits, nor necessarily the assistance given to an Endorsed Missionary.
  3. The CRC movement is not responsible for his/her support, however the CRC recognizes and acknowledges his/her missions heart and work, and understands that some will receive a “call” to serve in non-CRC endorsed fields, or in a way that cannot be fully embraced by the CRC with its limited resources.
  4. Demonstrates a willingness to work harmoniously and in consultation (sharing with the CRC family) with the CRC through the Missions Office, National Executive and the International Executive.
  5. Demonstrates financial accountability and maintaing regular contact with the CRC Missions Office
  6. Has the approval of the group or organization with which he/she is working on the field.

In recent years there has been a concentration on sending and supporting CRC missionaries from the developing world. This has been very successful, and must continue. However, we must not forgo our responsibility to send missionaries from Australia as well. This aspect of our involvement in missions must be re-ignited and pursued. There are many opportunities for missionary service, and an important role to be played, not only in short term missions but for career missionaries.