missions
Missions Policy
Evangelical Free Church of Los Banos, California
When it comes to missions, we at the Evangelical Free Church of Los Banos do things a bit differently than most churches. We have no separate group within the church operating as the “missions committee” and there is no line item in our budget for missions. We’re actually proud to say that we don’t have any money earmarked for missions in our budget. Instead, the entire church is the missions committee and their hearts are the budget. Let me explain.
We’ve adopted what we call the “SOGY” approach to missions. The term “SOGY” stands for; Support Others or Go Yourself. We think there are two options to missions; partner with others involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission outside our immediate area (Support Others) or get involved on a personal basis (Go Yourself). With that in mind here is how things work.
Once a quarter we have what we call “SOGY” Sunday. During “SOGY” Sunday, an approved person(s) is given five minutes during the service to present his/her ministry. The presentation can include personal testimony, video (DVD) presentation, etc. We strongly encourage people to share their vision for their ministry and stories about changed lives. This seems to have the greatest impact. The closer your comments relate to the principles of vision and changed lives the better.
While a brief overview of your ministry can be of help, anything that describes how you make disciples is highly valued. Even one story about one changed life can impact the congregation in a great manner. Impact for Christ and influence for the gospel speaks volumes to people.
In addition to the five minutes during the service, we also allow ministry information to be placed in the bulletins as well as encourage a display of the ministry on a table in our foyer.
People in the congregation are encouraged to partner with the missionary on an individual and direct basis. We have found that people in the congregation appreciate the opportunity to be linked personally with those that are making disciples in cross cultural settings. Sign up occurs during the service via our “Welcome Cards” (These are cards placed in each bulletin each week that serve as a vehicle for transferring the names of interested people to the missionary), and a “sign-up” list on your table after the service in the foyer. Both the Welcome Cards and the sign up list on the table in the foyer serve well to harvest interested people. You will be responsible for staying linked with those interested in partnering with you from that point on.
There is no offering taken at this time. Partnerships are established between the interested people from the congregation and yourself after the service via mail, email, phone contact, etc. I encourage an initial mail-out asking if people wish to be a prayer partner, informational or financial partner. I would also encourage regular information updates with those that sign on to be a part of your partnership team.
We also place a “SOGY” insert in the bulletin each quarter for one year with the contact information of everyone who has appeared on a “SOGY” Sunday. This gives people in the congregation repeated opportunities to partner with you.
To qualify to appear on a “SOGY” Sunday a person must meet the following criteria:
• You must be associated with a non-profit agency or ministry that has 501(c) (3) standing with the Internal Revenue Service.
• You must operate under the authority of a Board of Directors.
• You must show a relationship between your current (or future) activity and fulfilling the Great Commission. A disciple making component is vital.
• You must be approved by Pastor Bob via phone or personal conversation.
If you’re interested in appearing before our congregation, please give me a call. I’d love to chat with you. We’ve had people from all over the world appear before our congregation with many partnerships established as a result. Our people are eager to partner with those who are effectively carrying out the Great Commission. We can also discuss your special needs; a place to stay on Saturday night, audio visual needs, etc.
God Bless You,
Bob Niemond
Pastor Bob Niemond
Evangelical Free Church of Los Banos
(209) 826-7575