FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FRONTIERS
What
is unique and distinctive about Frontiers?
- We
only SERVE AMONG MUSLIMS. With focused singleness
of
purpose, we are committed to establishing
communities of believers
among the Muslim peoples of the world.
- We
desire to see reproducing communities of
Muslim followers of Jesus. Our purpose is
to establish vital, worshipping, witnessing
congregations
of transformed Muslims. At the same time,
as followers of Jesus, we are motivated
to do good deeds. In this way we imitate
Jesus, honor God,
and seek to heal a hurting world.
- We
are grace-oriented. We seek to be a fellowship
that affirms a non-judgmental approach to
differences in the evangelical movement
and philosophy of ministry.
- We
are field-governed. This means that the
members of Frontiers on the
field set policy.
- We
are team-led. We believe teams of individuals
provide mutual support, accountability and
are more effective than isolated individuals.
- We
are committed to accountability and eager
for coaching. We believe
that young, relatively inexperienced workers
can help establish
communities of believers in the Muslim world,
provided they are eager
for accountability, teaching, counsel and
advice from those more experienced than
themselves.
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What
does FRONTIERS believe?
See our Statement
of Faith. Why
is FRONTIERS involved in serving among Muslims?
We believe everyone needs Jesus! For far too long,
Christians have failed to give Muslims an opportunity
to understand the peaceable way of Jesus.
We
also recognize that the Crusades set a negative
historical image. We are grieved that Muslims were
mistreated in the name of Christ. Since that time,
many Muslim societies have distrusted so-called
Christian societies, and vice versa. In addition,
Muslims have been taught things about Jesus that
have distorted their view of what it means to be
a follower of Jesus. Our members feel they are called
to help correct these misunderstandings about the
true nature of Jesus Christ.
By
becoming proficient in Islamic history and culture
and the languages of the Muslim world, our members
feel they are able to maximize their sensitivity
and respect for Muslim peoples.
In
addition, we have discovered that Muslims have much
to teach us. Muslims take the spiritual world very
seriously and generally are open to discuss religious
issues. They have a very high respect for God and
His power. Muslims place a high value on community
and loyalty. Hospitality is very important to them.
These are some of the many qualities our members
value in their Muslim friends. Our members find
that living among Muslims has enriched their lives.
In
what countries does FRONTIERS have members?
In many cities and neighborhoods of North
Africa, West Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia,
the Balkans, Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Because of the tendency in Muslim-majority countries
to inhibit human rights, we do not make our members
vulnerable by providing their names or locations
publicly.
Isn't
it dangerous going to Islamic countries?
Over time, our members become genuine members
of the communities where they live. They understand
the local cultures and behave in a manner worthy
of the good reputation they have earned. In such
a situation, many of them say they feel more secure
than they would in their own neighborhoods back
home. Unfortunately, some people seem to believe
that while freedom of speech and freedom of conscience
are good in the West, Muslims don't deserve
them. We reject that form of racism. And like Martin
Luther King and other human rights activists, our
members are willing to take certain risks in the
face of this injustice and intolerance.
What
college degrees or experience do I need to join
FRONTIERS?
We believe that young, relatively inexperienced
workers can initiate community transformation in
the Muslim world, provided they are eager for accountability,
teaching, counsel and advice from those more experienced
than themselves. Contact us to talk about your gifts
and qualification.
Can
FRONTIERS use my training and experience in serving
Muslims?
Our members are Christians practicing their
professions in Muslim lands and sharing their faith
when Muslims want to hear about it, as any believer
would anywhere. For us, all of life is devoted to
Jesus. Therefore, wherever we live and whatever
our occupation, our work is witness and we witness
at work. We have many openings abroad and at home
that may use your abilities to the fullest. Check
our current openings.
How
does FRONTIERS liaise with a member's sending church?
Frontiers works in partnership with its members'
churches. As they are able, sending churches help
with training, with developing prayer and financial
support networks, and with pastoral care. Please
see “ Road to the Field” for more information about
this partnership with the sending church.
Does
FRONTIERS work with other Christian agencies?
Frontiers' mission statement underlines its willingness
to work with other agencies. It can do this in an
advisory role. Alternatively, some church groups
and denominational agencies have seconded whole
teams to Frontiers; any resulting church then shares
the values of the sending agency.
How
are FRONTIERS workers cared for?
The closely-knit team structure means that each
one is looked after by other members of the team.
Also, a 'coaching' network has been developed whereby
experienced pastors, laymen, Team Leader Overseers
and others visit teams as needed. The aim is to
pastor, encourage and train each team member and
leader, and to make the team as a whole more effective.
Why
does FRONTIERS insist its workers operate in teams?
Individuals can be far more effective when their
complementary gifts are combined in a team. Also,
the team provides encouragement and accountability
in the midst of the tremendous pressures and challenges
involved in work among Muslims.
What
kinds of people are needed on FRONTIERS teams?
All kinds! Besides those with abilities in
sharing one's faith, discipling, teaching and pastoring,
we need some who are simply encouragers and who
can help in practical ways.
How
are FRONTIERS teams formed?
People with a track record of leadership in church
and whose leadership gifts are recognized by their
home church are appointed as team leaders. They
then select an area to go to and team members with
the help of Frontiers staff.
Are
there differences between FRONTIERS teams?
Every team has the same aim (of establishing communities
of believers) but under God each team leader is
free to decide such things as degree of cultural
adaptation, where it is on the charismatic spectrum,
methods of sharing one's faith and language learning
and the type of church to plant.
Does
this mean that the values of two teams can be quite
different?
Yes. For example, one team may be charismatic in
style and emphasis while another may be more traditional.
How
large are the teams?
Between 6 and 12 people, ideally with skills and
training that complement each other. Larger teams
may divide into regional sub teams.
What
do you expect of workers on the field?
To spend time with Muslims, keep learning the local
language, implement their team's 'Principles and
Practice,' love their Muslim neighbours as Jesus
would, witness through life and word, grow in their
capacity to suffer, and trust God to see a church
come into being.
What
do you expect of FRONTIERS' team leaders on the
field?
As well as the above, to keep the rest of the team
focused, to lead them in establishin communities
of believers, in prayer and godliness and to ensure
that their pastoral needs are being met.
What
is a team's Principles and Practice or MOU (Memo
of Understanding)?
This is the working agreement, developed by the
team leader and Frontiers, which describes the people,
the plans, the places, the preparation, and the
problem-solving mechanisms for the life of the team
on the field. All team members must sign their team's
MOU. The MOU is usually developed and improved as
the field work progresses.
Who
decides where the teams go?
Each team leader selects the people group and team
location in consultation with the International
Director and Director of his national office.
What
does FRONTIERS require of potential workers?
First, every worker must be fully endorsed and sent
out by his/her home church. Second, she/he must
sign the Frontiers statement of faith and attend
FRONTIERS Candidate Training. And third, she/he
must agree with the team's Principles and Practice,
be approved by the team leader, and fulfill the
training requirements of his home church and the
team leader.
What
kind of training does FRONTIERS require?
FRONTIERS is committed to good preparation. In liaison
with the future team leader, we work with the candidate's
home church to 'plug the gaps' in such areas as
understanding of the Bible, character issues, Islamics,
local church life, church planting, team life and
relationships
FRONTIERS
is also keen on in-service training. We believe
that some things can only be learned on the job,
and that motivation increases dramatically once
people come to see what they need to know.
How
are FRONTIERS members financed?
Each team member overseas and each staff member
of our home offices looks to God to provide
a financial 'support team,' beginning with the individual's
home/sending church. Support levels are determined
by team leaders, and vary according to the country's
economy and the team's strategy. While some workers
contribute to their own support through income from
their jobs, most require substantial financial support
from their churches and friends.
How
are FRONTIERS members supervised?
Frontiers provides experienced 'coaches' to visit
teams on the field. These pastors, laymen, and experienced
members serve as problem solvers, mentors and trainers.
What
is FRONTIERS' main aim?
Our main aim is to glorify God by planting living
churches among unreached Muslim peoples.
What
is the function of FRONTIERS Philippines?
Our aim is to find Filipino men and women who
will join church planting teams, prepare them and
serve them once they have gone overseas. We are
keen to see new teams established in new areas of
the Muslim world.
Our Vision: The Global Filipino Church
actively taking part in God's work of planting living
churches among the unreached Muslims.
Our Mission : To facilitate the equipping,
sending, and caring of Filipino workers to
the Islamic World by forging partnerships with the
Body of Christ through praying, mobilizing and serving.
How
can I apply to join a FRONTIERS team?
Fill in The Journey form. If we think
you have the potential to be on a church planting
team in a Muslim country, we will send you an application
form, take up references, discuss your application
with your local church leaders and interview you.
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