FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FRONTIERS
 

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.
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.