Casas Global Outreach

Policy for Support, Blessing, and Commissioning of

Long-Term Global Workers in Partnership with Other Congregations

            This policy describes the criteria Casas will use on those rare occasions when it may, by invitation only, ask a global worker sent in partnership with other congregations or a national worker to apply for support, blessing, and commissioning. Casas doesn't technically "support global workers;" Casas sends out its family members. Casas isn't even able to send out all its family members who want to go; Casas supports those who have been part of the heart of our church family, who meet certain qualifications, who are approved by the Outreach Leadership Team, and who are going outside our normal sphere of influence (culture, language, or nation) to share the message, mentor new followers, start new intentional communities, and partner with existing congregations to reach their communities, in Tucson and around the world.

            Casas' priority and passion is to send its family members whose work fits Casas' priority in Global Outreach:  starting new intentional communities within least-reached people groups.

            No one has a "right" to financial support, even if they consider Casas their "home church. In this context, “full-time” refers to ministry lasting from four months to a career. In this context, “individual” refers to a single person or each member of a married couple. Support, blessing, and commissioning is annually renewable based on annual evaluation. There is an application process. (There is another policy that describes qualifications for support, blessing, and commissioning of global workers from Casas.) 

            A.   On those rare occasions when Casas may, by invitation only, ask a global worker sent in partnership with other congregations or a national worker to apply for support, blessing, and commissioning, the invitee shall:

                  QUALIFICATIONS

                  1.  Be aligned with Casas’ doctrine and definition of global outreach.

                  2.  Have a deep relational connection with Casas for at least two years.

                  3.   Have an intended ministry that fits the definition of Casas Global Outreach: Casas sending our people outside our normal sphere of influence (culture, language, or nation) to share the message, mentor new followers, start new intentional communities, and partner with existing congregations to reach their communities, in Tucson and around the world. Casas' priority and passion is to send its family members whose work fits Casas' priority in Global Outreach:  starting new intentional communities within least-reached people groups.

                  4.   Have an exemplary relationship with Father.

                  5.   Demonstrate effective ministry at home related to the intended ministry on the field (for example, an ability and desire to form faith communities on the field can be demonstrated by participating in and starting or multiplying a small group or adult class at Casas).

                  6.   Be accepted by a sending agency approved by the Casas Global Outreach Team as an official member of that agency.

                  7.   Have completed all education and training requirements required by the agency that will be sending the individual to the field.

                  8.   Be approved by the Outreach Leadership Team, after it considers the application and recommendations.

                  COMMITMENTS

                  1.   Agree to spend at least part of their furlough at Casas and, if possible, attend Casas’ principal outreach awareness events.

                  2.   Agree to furnish a quarterly personal newsletter to the Casas Global Outreach Team unless other arrangements are made.

                  3.   Fill out the appropriate forms and provide letters from their sending agency showing financial support needs (if any) and acceptance by the agency.

                  4.   Agree to annually provide the Casas Global Outreach Team a financial update, a current family photo, and a Yearly Update report of their ministry, including accomplishments and goals.

                  5.   Agree to consult with Casas outreach leadership before making major ministry changes.

            B.   Amount of Financial Support from Casas

                  The amount of financial support for each full-time person will be determined based on several factors which may include how closely the person has fulfilled the qualifications listed above, including (1) the percentage of funds raised, (2) to what degree the person has been part of Casas' church family, (3) to what degree they are doing or assisting with church planting among a recognized least-reached people group.

            C.  Sending Agency Approval

All sending agencies must be approved by the Global Outreach Team. To be on the approved list of sending agencies at Casas, the agency must meet the following criteria:

1.      The agency must fit within Casas’ definition of global outreach.

2.      The agency must share Casas' priorities of forming faith communities among the least-reached cultures in the world.

3.      The agency must demonstrate doctrinal agreement with Casas.

4.      The agency must demonstrate financial accountability and openness.

5.      The agency must demonstrate the ability to support its workers physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

6.      The agency must ensure that its workers have adequate training and education.