How we work

Wholistic Ministry

Our ministries are whole and integrated. Proclamation, service and fellowship contribute together to our witness. We hold together different dimensions, such as word and action, personal life, professional skills and our contribution to building the church. Each of us combines these in different ways according to our situation, gifts and stages in our life and ministry.

We work to enable individuals to discover and use their call and gifts while ensuring that this is done in an appropriate way. We are open to new ideas, possibilities and ways of working. We are interested in working principles and open processes.

Partnership

Partnership defines our relationships with sending and receiving churches and organisations. This is maintained by mutual respect, love and understanding. Our Partners and staff appreciate being a part of an international team of many cultures that encourages, listens, supports, and grows together in faithful service to Christ.

We are committed to co-operation with others in reaching common goals through shared vision and values. We work in partnership with many other organisations through secondment, while maintaining fellowship and accountability with Interserve and churches at home and in the places where we work. We wish to promote genuine unity and to avoid unnecessary duplication in Christian work.

Many Interserve Partners and On Trackers are seconded to locally-based, like-minded organisations. Others are involved in BAM (Business as Mission) enterprises, while still others work in partnership with government and secular non-government organisations. By committing to work behind the scenes and in partnership with local people, we can be responsive to local needs, conditions and opportunities. We recognise the nuanced challenges and long term investment involved in successful partnership, and are constantly working on doing it better.

Discipleship and building up the local church

We aim to grow as disciples and enable others to do the same. Discipleship takes place in the context of relationship and community. Our desire is to enable individuals to fulfill God’s call, grow and use their gifts. Being discipled and discipling others is practiced intentionally.

We rejoice in the reality of the global church and seek effective partnerships in newer mission sending contexts. We are committed to the development of local churches and the facilitation of those churches into cross-cultural mission.

Prioritising the Marginal

Many factors result in some people having less opportunity to experience the reality of God’s Kingdom. These include: geography, wealth, poverty, social status, gender, ethnicity, religious affiliation, urban or rural living. Our Fellowship emphasises ministry amongst those most marginalised from the Gospel of the Kingdom.

Prayer & Participation

Prayer, worship, scripture and listening to God are the basis for ministry, growth, innovation and unity within the Fellowship.

Believing that all are made in the image of God, we practice participation in leadership, decision-making, strategic planning and pastoral care in all sectors of the Fellowship.