The Free Reformed Churches of Australia cooperating in the Lae Mission work have adopted the following Mission Policy:

 

Mission policy and evaluation document for the

Free Reformed Church of Armadale Mission Board 

 

Introduction:

Before His ascension into heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ gave His Church the following command:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).  From this and many other parts of Scripture we understand that God calls us to mission work, with the central objective being that we call all men to repentance and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Objectives:

The Church is mandated to respond appropriately to the Great Commission by sending out, overseeing and supporting missionary workers.  This is currently being done in Lae Papua New Guinea.

To complete this work to God’s glory, we have the following objectives:

 

That the gospel of God's sovereign salvation be proclaimed in all its fullness through both word and deed.

1. That the unbelieving be warned of eternal punishment and by God's grace understand the gospel, repent, believe, and live redeemed lives.
2. That indigenous Reformed churches be established which will provide fellowship and instruction, and make the gospel known in its own culture.
3. That we complete this work in close cooperation and harmony with the Reformed Church of Papua New Guinea and also the Canadian Reformed Churches mission organisation working in Papua New Guinea.
4. That above all the one true and living God shall be praised and worshipped.

 

These objectives are to be sought only by means that are in accordance with the Scriptures and Reformed confessions, and as described in article 19 of the Free Reformed Church Order.

 

 

Part 1

 

 

Goals and Strategies for the mission work conducted in

Papua New Guinea.

 

The Mission Board has the following primary goals for its work in and with the Reformed Churches of PNG:

 

1. That a healthy indigenous national federation of churches be established that is firmly and fully committed to the Reformed standards:
1. that is self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating,
2. with whom the FRC may have Ecclesiastical fellowship,
3. that is itself fulfilling the missionary mandate and
4. which no longer needs the services of Foreign  missionaries.

 

2. That the proclamation of the Word and loving deeds of mercy might work in tandem to the glory of God and the strengthening of His Church.

 

3. That the mission work in PNG will always proceed by mutual consultation between the Reformed Churches of PNG, the on-field mission, the Armadale FRC Mission Board and the Cooperating churches in Australia.

 

The Mission Board seeks to fulfil these goals through keeping the following in mind:

 

1. We must endeavour at all times to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of our calling so that people might be attracted to the Gospel by our walk of life.

 

2. In accordance with the specific task allotted to them, missionary personnel must acquire sufficient proficiency in the national language and a comprehensive understanding of the indigenous religion(s) and culture(s).

 

3. We seek to plant indigenous Reformed churches through the following activities:

 

1. The preaching of the Word.
2. The gathering of believers for worship.
3. Personal evangelism.
4. The formation of Bible studies to provide systematic instruction in the Reformed faith.
5. Catechetical instruction.
6. Teaching children through Religious Education, Sunday School etc.
7. The training of biblically qualified men for church office.
8. The writing, publication, or translation of appropriate biblical literature.
9. Other Scriptural means.

 

4. Because of the dangers of inhibiting the maturation of a church, we must exercise great caution when making cash grants or donations, purchasing buildings, employing indigenous pastors or evangelists in the mission, or using a FRC missionary to pastor a particular established congregation in the indigenous church for an extended period of time.

 

5. Special emphasis must be given to the training of Reformed pastors and leaders within the borders of PNG.

 

6. As the Reformed Churches of PNG mature, we will facilitate communication between the indigenous Reformed church federation and the Free Reformed churches and encourage the Reformed Churches of PNG to take their place in the world wide community of truly Reformed churches.

 

7. Humanitarian and other needs should be identified, and we must explore ways to fulfil these needs, giving precedence to those needs that actively hinder the promotion of the Gospel.

 

1. If the Mission Board is not able to meet a pressing humanitarian need, it could consider if there is another Reformed organization which may be in a position to help.
2. It should be remembered that ministries of mercy are subservient to the ministry of the Word.

 

8. By May 1 of each year, the on-field mission should submit its recommended specific goals for the field for the following year so that the Board is able to review them (and consult with the missionaries if necessary) for presentation to the Cooperating Churches.

 

9. A schedule should be in place for an in-depth review of the mission field, to be undertaken at least once every three years, at which time the following shall be considered:

 

1. The progress which has been made towards the goals.
2. The anticipated resources needed on the field for the next three years.
3. The desirability of establishing a date for the projected partial or complete withdrawal of FRC missionary resources from the current field.

 

The Reformed churches of PNG shall be involved in this process as much as possible.

 

 

1.1 Assessment of the mentioned goals and strategies

 

The following questions are designed to assist in reviewing the work we are doing in Lae, PNG.

 

1. Is the manner in which we live and conduct our work a living testimony of God’s grace that is at work within us?
2. Do we make the most of every opportunity God gives us to share the gospel?
3. Is there sufficient proficiency in the national languages, and adequate knowledge of the local culture(s) and religion(s)?
4. Are we labouring to supply the needs of the Reformed Churches of PNG?
5. Is the primary emphasis of our work the proclamation of the Word in all its fullness?
6. Are we training and/or encouraging biblically qualified indigenous pastors to preach the whole counsel of God?
7. Are the churches growing in their love for the LORD, understanding of the Reformed faith, in righteousness, in faithfulness, and in numbers?
8. Do our labours inhibit the church’s progress towards becoming self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating?
9. Are we performing tasks for which the indigenous church itself has the resources?
10. Are all parties concerned satisfied with the level of cooperation we have with the Reformed Churches of PNG?
11. Are there obvious humanitarian needs or are there unfulfilled requests for help?
12. Are our ministries of mercy subservient to the ministry of the Word?
13. Have specific goals for the field been established by mutual consultation between the Reformed Churches of PNG, the local mission, the Mission Board and the Armadale FRC Consistory?  Do these goals assist in the establishment of a healthy indigenous Reformed federation of churches?
14. Do the stated goals and strategies need to be changed or updated in any way?

 

 

Part 2

 

Determining new regions of service within Papua New Guinea

 

In order to help determine new regions for service within Papua New Guinea, the Mission Board seeks to do the following:

 

1. To explore new opportunities for the Armadale Free Reformed Church to promote the Reformed faith in PNG.
2. Through the process of gathering sufficient information, the Board will determine whether to extend or withdraw their missionary resources from a field of service.
3. To be sufficiently flexible to respond to unique windows of opportunity for Word and/or Deed ministries.
4. To utilize the Reformed Churches of PNG in all of this as much as possible.

 

 

The Board of Foreign Mission seeks to fulfil the above mentioned goals through fulfilling the following:

 

1. Make a thorough survey of the new region being investigated, paying close attention to:
1. The geographical location, infrastructure and services.
2. The languages and tribal background(s) of the people group(s) under consideration.
3. The state of Christianity in the region being investigated.
4. The receptivity of the people group(s) to Reformed mission work being done in their area.

 

2. Identify and prioritise what needs to be done in order to penetrate the particular field with the gospel and determine whether or not it is feasible to begin working there.

 

3. Within three years of entering the field, decide whether to continue or phase out from the new field of service.

 

 

2.1 Assessing the work in determining new fields for service

 

The following questions are designed to assist in determining new fields of service in Papua New Guinea.

 

1. Is there a clear need for Reformed Mission work to be done in the region, and should it be done by the Armadale Free Reformed Church?
2. Are there specific cultural, tribal or linguistic complexities to be considered?
3. Will mission aid work in terms of health, education etc. be needed?
4. Are the needs described ones which the Lord has given us the resources to supply?
5. Are there national believers who would be able to assist in the new work?
6. How would the new work fit in with the work, goals and strategies already in place?
7. Could the FRC missionary resources be put to better use?
8. Are the Reformed Churches of PNG being consulted and utilized throughout this process as much as possible?

 

 

Part 3

 

Cooperation with other Reformed mission organizations in PNG

 

The FRC Mission has the following primary goals for cooperating with other Reformed mission organizations of sister churches in the execution of our missionary task in Papua New Guinea:

 

1. That we work in close harmony and cooperation with other mission organizations of sister churches.
2. That we all share the same on-field goals and strategies.
3. That all cooperating parties agree that the Reformed Churches of Papua New Guinea be built on the basis of God’s Word as explained in the Three Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism & Canons of Dort).
4. That all cooperating parties agree to introduce a church order structure that is based on the Church Order of Dort.
5. That we pool our resources for the benefit of the Reformed Churches of PNG, especially with respect to matters that concern all the churches collectively (e.g. theological training, printing costs).

 

To facilitate this, the Mission Board seeks to do the following:

 

1. To pursue a common mission policy with all those working in and with the Reformed churches of PNG.
2. To share information and meet with the cooperating organizations on a regular basis.
3. To encourage that all on-field workers meet at least once per year in order to report on their work and plan for the following year.
4. To appoint an on-field facilitator who organizes and leads all meetings and interacts with the cooperating mission organizations if and when necessary.
5. In the event that there is a disagreement between missionaries and the mission boards,
1. Every attempt should be made on the field to mutually submit to one another.
2. When the issue at stake involves a local mission project the mission organization responsible for that project has the greatest say.
3. Whenever possible the Reformed Churches of PNG should be consulted and listened to.
4. In the event that a mission organization is unwilling to adhere to the mutually adopted mission policy, as described in parts 1-3 of this document, and it is found to be impossible to work with them, cooperation with this mission organization may be broken off.
6. To work together, alongside the Reformed Churches of PNG, to develop theological training programs, church literature and other things that impact the churches in common.
7. To share the cost of all general expenses on the field.

 

 

3.1 Assessment of cooperation

 

The following questions are designed to assess the development of a close cooperation between the various mission organizations partnering with the Reformed Churches of PNG:

1. Do we partner with other Reformed organizations whenever feasible?
2. Do we share a common on-field policy with our partners?
3. Is our cooperation with other Reformed mission organizations complementing and benefiting the work we seek to do in Papua New Guinea?
4. Do we meet and share information with our partners on an adequate basis?
5. Are there ways to improve our partnership with the Reformed Church of Papua New Guinea and with our partnering Reformed mission organizations?
6. Is there an on-field facilitator, and do the field workers meet regularly together?
7. Are differences being resolved in a brotherly and timely manner?
8. Is there a need to review the current mission policies or agreements of cooperation?

 

 

Part 4

 

Equipping and sending missionary personnel to the field

 

The Mission Board has the following primary goals for recruiting, training, sending and caring for all missionary workers and their families:

 

1. That there might be a missionary team of sufficient size working in Lae, PNG for as short a time as possible but as long as necessary.
2. That whenever possible there be at least two missionary/mission worker families on the field at all times.
3. That adequate training be provided for all missionary personnel and the mission board.
4. That adequate support is given for the spiritual, physical and mental health of the missionary workers and their families.

 

In order to fulfil the above mentioned goals, the Mission Board seeks to do the following:

 

1. To promote opportunities for service in PNG and actively recruit suitable personnel.
2. To provide appropriate training wherever needed to all mission workers before going onto the field, including:
1. Studies in Missiology.
2. Language and culture training.
3. Training related to cross cultural ministries.
3. To ensure that adequate spiritual oversight is given to the families on the field.
4. To ensure that the missionary families have adequate access to health care and counselling before, during and for a reasonable period after repatriation.
5. To ensure that the missionary families have adequate health, life and permanent disability insurances.
6. To ensure that adequate contingency plans are in place, should a traumatic event occur.
7. To encourage ongoing professional development of the missionary personnel through further training, mission conferences etc.
8. To provide a stipend package sufficient to allow the missionaries to live at an appropriate level on the field and to be able to re-enter their homeland economy.
9. To exercise sensitivity to individual personalities when placing a missionary family on a particular field.
10. To ensure that the specific needs of the missionary children are considered.
11. To ensure that the education given to the children of missionary personnel is sufficient to enable them to enter the education system of the country of anticipated repatriation.
12. To provide appropriate oversight to the missionaries on the field through reports and visits.
13. To thoroughly evaluate each missionary's work at the end of each term of service.
14. To make a furlough plan with returning missionaries to  ensure that proper use is made of furloughs.
15. To promote opportunities for short term mission work where appropriate.
16. To pursue cooperative mission endeavours whereby the Free Reformed Church and sister churches partner in the work being done.

 

 

4.1 Assessment

 

The following questions are designed to assist in the yearly review of all missionary personnel:

 

1. Are we aware of the different needs on the field, and do we have an effective method of recruiting suitable workers to meet these needs where possible?
2. Are our mission worker families receiving adequate training when needed in all aspects?
3. Are mission conferences being attended, and are they of benefit to the missionaries and the work being done?
4. Is the stipend offered sufficient for the workers to live at an appropriate level on the field and also enable them to return to their homeland economy upon repatriation?
5. Are there missionary personnel on the field whose personalities cause serious difficulties?
6. Are there opportunities for short term workers, and are these opportunities being utilized?
7. Are we cooperating in our mission work with other mission boards, and is this cooperation contributing to the attainment of our goals?
8. Are our missionary workers reporting in a good and timely manner, and do we have sufficient oversight over our missionary workers?
9. Are furloughs being planned and used properly?
10. Does the mission board feel competent to do the tasks they are given, and do they have access to counsellors and advisers when needed?
11. How are the missionaries being nourished spiritually?
12. Are the health, life and permanent disability insurances adequate for the entire missionary family?
13. Do the missionaries have ready access to missionary care providers?
14. What contingency plans are in place for the missionary family and is the information for emergency circumstances up to date?
15. Is sufficient attention given to the needs of the missionary children before, during and after the time of missionary service and are the education options chosen for the missionary children appropriate?

 

 

Part 5

 

 

Promotion of mission work done in Papua New Guinea

 

The Mission Board seeks to stimulate awareness of and support for the mission work being done in Papua New Guinea:

 

1. To give all glory to God, emphasizing that it is He who gathers, defends and preserves His church, calling us to be His willing instruments in this.
2. That the supporting churches receive a greater awareness of the magnitude of the commission we have been given and that they might be encouraged to rejoice and give praise to God for what He accomplishes through the labours of His people.
3. To provide sufficient information about the history, the current work, and the plans for future work of Mission Board of the Free Reformed Church of Armadale and to every member of the Free Reformed Churches.
4. To demonstrate good and wise stewardship of all the Lord gives to us.

 

 

The Mission Board seeks to do the following:

 

1. To ensure that in our reporting and correspondence, we offer praise to the Lord for what He has done and continues to do in Papua New Guinea.
2. To provide timely information through the following means to the members of the FRC:
1. Mission News articles and calendars.
2. Church Bulletin inserts and prayer requests.
3. Missionary itineration.
4. Delegates meetings.
5. Other articles and media presentations.
3. To exercise good stewardship and financial accounting for all the resources entrusted into our care.
4. To emphasize the overwhelming need for prayer in all aspects of our work in Papua New Guinea.

 

 

5.1 Assessment

 

The following questions are designed to assist in reviewing how we are promoting the work of mission in PNG:

 

1. Do our communications offer praise to God for what He is accomplishing through us, and are we effective in our communications?
2. Are the supporting churches being sufficiently informed and are they encouraged by what they see the Lord doing through us in PNG?
3. Are there ways to increase awareness for our mission work, or to make the supporting churches better informed?
4. Are we being good stewards of all the resources the Lord gives us?
5. Is the need for prayer being emphasized and are congregations and individuals praying in an informed manner for our missionary efforts?