Stage 2: Established in the Faith

This step in the pipeline is characterized by going deeper in their faith and service while also gaining further knowledge, equipping, and experience in outreach.

People in this stage should be:

A member of Evergreen

Be plugged into community (at least 2 of the following):
  • Sunday School Class
  • Life Group
  • Journey Group
  • Ministry Team in which there’s strong community
Have a discipler

Serving the body
Could be kids, youth, facilities, etc.

Gateway:

Debrief Interview with the Missions Pastor. In this interview he discerns the spiritual development of the individual(s) and evaluates their readiness for advancement in outreach. When he believes they are ready for the next step, he will place them in a mission cohort.

Steps (in no particular order):

Be assigned to a Missions Cohort (one of two 6-month cycles beginning in January and June)
The missions cohort is a group of individuals who are all passionate in missions and moving toward greater missional service. It is particularly designed for those in the Missions Pipeline. This group is designed to last for 6 months and is led by a Missions Mentor. They will meet bi-weekly for a time of study, accountability, and prayer. The curriculum will be the Deepen Discipleship Course required by the IMB for service.

Details:
  • Formation: Two times per year the cohorts will be assembled (1st session in Jan-Jun, 2nd session Jun-Dec)
  • Composition: They will be a Missions Mentor couple and the selected participants.
  • Meetings
    • Bi-weekly
    • Meet in a home
    • Discuss the Deepen Discipleship material
    • Hold each other accountable to ministry opportunities (Evangelism Log)
    • Pray together for each other and the nations
  • Preparation
    • Deepen Discipleship: Individuals will need to keep up with the Deepen Discipleship curriculum on their own.
    • Evangelism Log: Will need to keep an evangelism log and be ready to debrief the opportunities at meetings
Take Foundations of Missions course (offered on a 16 week schedule in spring and fall)

Take two credit level courses
This can be done through Evergreen Institute or online through some approved credit options.
Complete these SBC studies:
Complete the Baptist Faith and Message study and SBC Polity Study
Grow in their ministry abilities and skills
  • Begin or continue to disciple someone at least 2x per month
  • Take someone through a discipleship study (eg. Commands of Christ, 2:7 Series, T4T, etc.)
  • Begin moving toward leadership in areas of service
  • Join an outreach ministry (eg. LINC, Night Light Tulsa, Arms around BA, Good News Clubs, ect.) 
Read 2 books:
Books about God's heart for the nations:           
  • -Unveiled at Last by Bob Sjogren
    -Come and See A History and Theology of Mission by Justin Schell
    -The Symphony of Mission by Michael W. Goheen and Jim Mullins
    -Let the Nations be Glad by John Piper                        
  • Read one of the missionary biographies listed below:
    • Faithful Witness: The Life and Mission of William Carey
    • To the Golden Shore (Adoniram Judson)
    • The New Lottie Moon Story
    • John G. Paton: Missionary to the Cannibals of the South Seas
    • A Chance to Die (Amy Carmichael)
    • From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya
    • Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
    • Peacechild (Don Richardson)
    • Through Gates of Splendor (Jim Elliott)
Go on a mission trip
If possible, they should go on a Level 2 and/or 3 Short-term trip as appropriate, depending on age, maturity, and experience. There is the possibility that someone in this step would take a Level 4 or 6 trip of some kind as a mid-term outreach (e.g. Gap-year, Journeyman, etc) or to serve a long-term partner.
Extra Opportunities:
  • Continue participation in mission nights
  • Attend a missions conference

Expectations for Advancement & Moving On to Stage 3:

Complete all of the above requirements.  The participant will also complete a written reflection (see below).  After all steps are complete, participants will meet with their Mission Mentor or Mission Pastor to discuss their reflections and consider next steps.  Mentors must complete an evaluation of the candidate, as a part of the approval process for the candidate to move forward into Stage 3.

This stage should culminate in the person deciding whether to pursue further ministry as a cross-cultural missionary, or in another place of service. The person should be able to articulate a clear call to International Missions either in their personal reflection or in their debrief.

This stage can often culminate with some sort of mid-term mission trip like a Journeyman term, ISC or other pathway.  

Personal  Reflection Instructions

Write a 2-4 page single spaced paper reflecting on your time in the Missions Cohort and other assignments.

Detail some of the activities you did that helped you to grow in a deeper walk with the Lord, as well as being stretched in ministry. Include a personal evaluation on what areas you feel you have made significant growth and what areas you still seek improvement. Lastly, describe the call you feel that God is placing on your life. Detail that by explaining how He has made that clear to you.