Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

A. General

1. Every short-term mission(STM)/Envision project, approved by the Scarborough Community Alliance Church (SCommAC) Board of Elders (BOE), is a bona-fide ministry of the church.

2. We encourage all SCommAC members (official members and/or regular attendees) to participate in STM/Envision projects in order to foster a heart for global evangelization among the participants and among the congregation.

3. All SCommAC members (official members and/or regular attendees) are considered representatives of the church while on any approved STM/Envision projects, and thus, are expected to demonstrate Christ-like behaviours during their involvement.

4.

5. All information provided by STM/Envision candidates will be kept confidential by SCommAC’s Missions Team and the Board of Elders.

B. Short-Term Missions Definition and Purpose

1. The goal of short-term mission(STM)/Envision trips is to minister cross-culturally to Christians and/or non-Christians whether locally or overseas, to make a significant contribution to the completion of the Great Commission, and to motivate and educate members of Scarborough Community Alliance Church in their roles in world mission.

2. All SCommAC approved STM/Envision trips should serve in the following ministry objectives:

a. Evangelism (sharing the gospel with a target group by words and by deeds) or in combination with relief work/social concern (providing for basic human needs, such as shelter, food, medicine, etc. to those who are in need);

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4. SCommAC’s Missions Team Mission StatementThe Missions Team at SCommAC plans, encourages, recruits and leads its congregation to become a missions-minded church, one that participates actively as a team member in the

worldwide missionary efforts as commanded by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 28:18-20 and especially the initiatives led by The Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA), to transform the

world for Christ. It educates the congregation about missions, identifies, encourages, mobilizes and prays for and with individuals and groups that have a developing heart for missions, and

encourages the congregation to prayerfully commit to supporting financially the global work and vision of the C&MA.

PRAY. PROMOTE. PREPARE. PLAN. PROPEL.

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

b. The participants can carry out effective and cross-culturally sensitive ministries to help the Church in the mission field;

c. The participants are blessed through their mission involvement;

d. Encourage SCommAC members to become involved in missions through the participant’s sharing.

3. All SCommAC approved STM/Envision teams shall be organized and supervised by SCommAC’s Missions Team or by Christian organizations supported or endorsed by SCommAC or the C&MA. The Statement of Faith of the organization or church (if not part of the C&MA) and the nature of the STMs must not be in conflict with the Statement of Faith of C&MA (Appendix I).

4. When a non-SCommAC or non-C&MA STM trip is involved, applicants must provide all information deemed relevant to help the Missions Team and the Board of Elders evaluate such organization and STM program. Basic information must be provided (e.g. STM goals and details, organization contacts, Statement of Faith, financial information about the STM, etc.)

5. All SCommAC approved STM/Envision trips must cover at least two consecutive days at the ministry location, excluding travel time.

C. Short-Term Mission/Envision trip Support Qualifications

1. All approved participants should meet the following criteria:

a. Be born again, active believers in Jesus Christ,

b. Be willing to share their personal testimonies,

c. Be actively serving or participating in church ministries and/or activities within SCommAC,

d. Have regularly attended SCommAC for a minimum of one year at the time of the application.

e. Have demonstrated a desire to honour Christ, to witness to others and to serve them.

f. Have notified the Missions Team of their desire to go on an STM/Envision trip, have completed the application process (see Section D) and have been approved by the Missions Team/Board of Elders.

2. Applicants under age 18 will be considered on an individual basis.

D. Short-Term Missions/Envision Application Process

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

1. We encourage all SCommAC members to fill a Short-Term Missions (STM) (Appendix II) /Envision trip (available from team leader) Application Form regardless of whether or not they require financial assistance.

2. The STM/Envision Application Form must be submitted, preferably electronically, to any current member of SCommAC’s Missions Team at least three months prior to the STM trip departure date. If applying less than three months in advance, they must provide an explanation of the reasons for the delay in submitting the application. The Envision application form must be completed online after details have been announced about Envision trips.

3. If necessary, an interview with the Missions Team will be arranged shortly after receiving a completed application. Once the candidacy is approved by the Missions Team, it will be recommended to SCommAC’s Board of Elders for official final approval. Candidates should be aware that approval is not guaranteed.

4. Upon approval of the application, participants will discuss details regarding the trip with the Missions Team, as needed (e.g. prayer support, fundraising events, sharing with the congregation, etc.).

E. Short-Term Missions Preparation Process

1. Candidates must show a thorough plan to prepare for the STM/Envision trip. Upon approval, participants should have participated or will participate in any relevant trainings and preparation such as evangelism, cross-cultural training, studies on missions fields, prayer, etc., which could be offered by SCommAC, SCommAC’s Missions Team/Envision team leaders, or other Christian organizations.

2. Approved participants may be required to share basic trip information with the congregation in Sunday services, special events and/or group meetings. The Missions Team will arrange and schedule these presentations.

3. Before trip departure, it is mandatory for approved participants to purchase travel/medical insurance coverage if they do not have any insurance that would cover medical / hospitalization expenses while they are abroad.

4. Approved participants should form a prayer support group to promote prayer support and accountability. The SCommAC Missions Team will assist in the formation of the prayer support group when required.

F. Upon Return from an Approved Short-Term Missions/Envision trip

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

1. Upon return from the STM/Envision trip, approved participants will submit a written reflection of the trip to the Missions Team (Appendix III) within 30 days after the return of the trip.

2. Approved participants may be required to share their experiences with the congregation in Sunday services, special events and/or group meetings. The Missions Team will arrange and schedule these presentations.

3. Approved participants receiving subsidy are required to provide a financial accounting of their expenses to the SCommAC Missions Team within 30 days after return of the trip (Appendix IV). Candidates should keep a detailed log of the expenses incurred (with date, type/item, and amounts), providing as many receipts as possible.

G. Financial Assistance for Short-Term Missions

1. Candidates applying for assistance should complete the financial assistance portion of the application form.

2. Candidates should be aware that financial assistance is not guaranteed.

3. Subsidy will be subject to the funds available as defined by the annual short-term missions budget, and will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Priority will be given to SCommAC and C&MA sponsored projects.

4. Approved participants will be responsible for all of the expenses related to the STM/Envision trip.

5. The application for financial assistance will be evaluated with the STM application form and all its attachments. It will first be evaluated by the Missions Team. When approved, it will be recommended to the Board of Elders for final official approval.

6. Evaluation will be based on the candidate’s financial needs. The maximum subsidy will not exceed 50% of the total trip-related expenses (based on the most economical standards).

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All those wishing to participate in an STM/Envision trip are encouraged to use the experience as an opportunity to deepen their own walk with God by looking to Him to provide for their needs. We believe that God is our ultimate provider. The church may partner financially with individuals but each one is reminded that such a trip may involve personal sacrifice.

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

7. If the approved participant arranges any visit and/or stay of a personal nature as part of the missions’ trip itinerary, the cost of airfare and expenses related to that portion of the trip will not be considered eligible for subsidy or fundraising support.

8. Unless otherwise noted in the application form, approved subsidies and reimbursements will only be processed and issued using the Cheque Requisition Form provided by SCommAC after total expenses of the STM/Envision trip are submitted by the participants and approved by the Missions Team. When an applicant is going to a STM sponsored by an agency or organization other than SCommAC, and when they require payment of subsidy BEFORE the trip, they must notify the Missions Team at the time of the application.

H. Fundraising Activities Related to Short-Term Missions

1. All STM/Envision-related fundraising activities within SCommAC require approval of both the SCommAC Missions Team and the SCommAC Board of Elders.

2. A fundraising proposal must be submitted to the Missions Team prior to the scheduled event. Refer to the “Missions Fundraising Policies and Procedures” which is available from the Missions team.

3. All fundraising activities for SCommAC and C&MA sponsored projects within SCommAC should be arranged by and announced to the congregation through the Missions Team as a church-wide initiative. Fundraising activities for non-SCommAC and C&MA sponsored projects will not be announced publicly to the congregation, in order to give priority to trips sponsored by SCommAC and C&MA.

4. Approved participants should report the total amount collected from their fundraising activities to the SCommAC Missions Team before their departure date. Should the total amount collected through subsidies and fundraising support (including those collected from outside of SCommAC) exceed the total trip-related expenses, the candidate is encouraged to donate the excess to the SCommAC Missions Fund. In this case, the subsidy from SCommAC may also be re-adjusted accordingly.

I. Pastoral Staff

1. The Missions Team strongly encourages all SCommAC pastoral staff to participate in short-term missions projects.

2. Up to 100% of the costs and up to $2,500 per trip per calendar year, will be granted to all approved trips as laid out in this policy.

3. Subsidy will be subject to the funds available as defined by the annual short-term missions budget.

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

J. Implementation and Other

1. This approved STM/Envision policy should be appended to the Short-Term Missions Application Form and handed out to all candidates.

2. This policy may be amended from time to time by the SCommAC Missions Team and/or the SCommAC Board of Elders, without notice.

3. The SCommAC Missions Team reserves the right to use discretion in applying this policy when deemed appropriate or necessary. This will be done in consultation with and subject to the final approval of Board of Elders.

(Approved March 2011, Updated November 2011, Updated February 2018)

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

APPENDIX I:

Statement of Faith of the Christian & Missionary Alliance of Canada

1. God - There is one God,1 who is infinitely perfect,2 existing eternally in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.3

2. Jesus - Jesus Christ is true God and true man.4 He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.5 He died upon the cross, the Just for the unjust, as a substitutionary sacrifice, and all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood. He arose from the dead according to the Scriptures.6 He is now at the right hand of the Majesty on high as our great High Priest.7 He will come again to establish His Kingdom of righteousness and peace.8

3. Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is a divine Person, sent to indwell9, guide, teach, and empower the believer, and to convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgement.10

4. Bible - The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and are a complete revelation of His will for the salvation of people. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice.11

5. Sin - Humankind, originally created in the image and likeness of God,12 he fell through disobedience, incurring thereby both physical and spiritual death. All people are born with a sinful nature, are separated from the life of God, and can be saved only through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ.13 The destiny of the impenitent and unbelieving is existence forever in conscious torment, but that of the believer is everlasting joy and bliss.14

6. Freedom from Sin - Salvation has been provided only through Jesus Christ. Those who repent and believe in Him are united with Christ through the Holy Spirit and are thereby regenerated (born again), justified, sanctified and granted the gift of eternal life as adopted children of God.15

7. Christian Living - It is the will of God that in union with Christ each believer should be sanctified thoroughly16 thereby being separated from sin and the world and fully dedicated to God, receiving power for holy living and sacrificial and effective service toward the completion of Christ's commission.17

This is accomplished through being filled with the Holy Spirit which is both a distinct event and progressive experience in the life of the believer.18

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

APPENDIX II:APPENDIX II:

Statement of Faith of the Christian & Missionary Alliance of Canada (cont’d)

8. Healing - Provision is made in the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the healing of the mortal body. Prayer for the sick and anointing with oil as taught in the Scriptures are privileges for the Church in this present age.19

9. Church - The universal Church, of which Christ is the Head, consists of all those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, are redeemed through His blood, regenerated by the Holy Spirit, and commissioned by Christ to go into all the world as a witness, preaching the Gospel to all nations.20

The local church, the visible expression of the universal Church, is a body of believers in Christ who are joined together to worship God, to observe the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, to pray, to be edified through the Word of God, to fellowship, and to testify in word and deed to the good news of salvation both locally and globally. The local church enters into relationships with other like-minded churches for accountability, encouragement and mission.21

10. Life after Death - There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the former, a resurrection unto life;22 for the latter a resurrection unto judgement.23

11. Second Coming of Christ - The second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent and will be personal and visible.24 As the believer’s blessed hope, this vital truth is an incentive for holy living and sacrificial service toward the completion of Christ's commission.25

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1 Isaiah 44:6; 45:5-62 Matthew 5:48; Deuteronomy 32:43 Matthew 3:16-17; 28:194 Philippians 2:6-11; Hebrews 2:14-18; Colossians 2:95 Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:356 1 Corinthians 15:3-5; 1 John 2:2; Acts 13:397 Hebrews 4:14-15; 9:24-288 Matthew 25:31-34; Acts 1:119 John 14:16-17

10 John 16:7-11; 1 Corinthians 2:10-1211 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-2112 Genesis 1:2713 Romans 8:8; 1 John 2:214 Matthew 25:41-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-1015 Titus 3:5-7; Acts 2:38; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 6:1116 1 Thessalonians 5:2317 Acts 1:818 Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-25

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

19 Matthew 8:16-17; James 5:13-1620 Ephesians 3:6-12; 1:22-2321 Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:25;

Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8, 11:19-30; 1522 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

23 2 Thessalonians 1:7-1024 1 Thessalonians 4:13-1725 1 Corinthians 1:7; Titus 2:11-14;

Matthew 24:14; 28:18-20

APPENDIX II:Short-Term Missions Application Form

Prior to completing this form, please read carefully the Short-Term Missions (STM)/Envision Policy document. Please complete this Short-Term Missions Application Form and return it, preferably electronically, to a current SCommAC Missions Team member.

**Applications must be submitted at least 3 months prior to the start of the STM trip day.**

GENERAL INFORMATIONName DOB (d/m/y)

Address City

Province Postal Code

Phone # Cell #

E-mail Occupation

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

Are you a Christian? YES NO

Are you baptized? YES NO When (year) _____________________

Fellowship/Small Group _______________________________________________________

Describe your walk with the Lord and/or your personal testimony.

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

APPENDIX II:Short-Term Missions Application Form (cont’d)

INFORMATION ABOUT TRIP

From (m/d/y) To (m/d/y)Where Organization/AgencyNature of Trip: Evangelism Medical Construction Orphanage

Youth VBS Sports Other: _______________________

Describe why you want to join this STM trip and what your expectations are. (Please feel free to attach on a separate document your prayer letter.)

What are specific prayer requests that we can keep praying for you?

If this form is not submitted 3 months prior to departure day, can you provide an explanation for this delay?

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

PARTNERSHIP/SUPPORT

How can SCommAC support you as you plan to serve in a STM? Training Prayer Do you have a prayer support group at SCommAC? YES NO

Finances Others: _________________________

APPENDIX II:Short-Term Missions Application Form (cont’d)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT (OPTIONAL)

Do you need financial support from SCommAC? YES NO If yes, how much?

Will you need subsidy BEFORE the trip? When do all your funds need to be submitted?

Are you planning to fundraise at SCommAC?

YES NOd / m / y

YES NO If yes, how?

Estimated Grand Total Cost for this trip: $ __________________Costs (provide breakdowns where possible) – please convert to Canadian currency:

Item Estimated Cost Estimated Taxes Total

Airfare

Local Transportation

Accommodation

Food

Ministry operating costs (photocopies, etc)

Others (explain):

REFERENCES FROM SCommAC

1. Name:

Email: Phone #:

Relationship with applicant:

Known applicant for _________ years

2. Name:

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Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

Email: Phone #:

Relationship with applicant:

Known applicant for _________ years

APPENDIX III:Post-Trip Reflection

Please complete this post-trip reflection and return it, preferably electronically, to a current SCommAC Missions Team member.

**This form must be submitted within 30 days after the return of the short-term mission trip.**

BASIC INFORMATION

Name: Trip Dates: d / m / y - d / m / y

Where: Organization/Agency:

Nature of Trip: Evangelism Medical Construction Orphanage

Youth VBS Sports Other: _______________________

I give permission to SCommAC Missions Team to reproduce some or all of the content below

Yes No

MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

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For Mission Team use only.Date received: d / m / yInterview date: d / m / y

Financial assistance: $_____________Subsidy issued date: d / m / y

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

If you could share one memorable experience, what would it be?

What did the Lord teach you in the above experience?

What was the most challenging experience?

What is one praise item that you would like to share?

APPENDIX III:

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If you could share one memorable experience, what would it be?

What did the Lord teach you in the above experience?

What was the most challenging experience?

What is one praise item that you would like to share?

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

Post-Trip Reflection (cont’d)

CROSS-CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Looking back at your trip, how did it compare to what you expected?

The thing that surprised me the most about…

the nationals:

the missionaries:

the living conditions:

my ministry assignment(s):

What were some difficult adjustments (people, travel, climate, health, finances, etc.)? Why?

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Looking back at your trip, how did it compare to what you expected?

What were some difficult adjustments (people, travel, climate, health, finances, etc.)? Why?

The thing that impressed and/or surprised me the most about…

the nationals:

the missionaries:

the living conditions:

my ministry assignment(s):

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What personal strength or giftedness were you made aware of on this trip?

APPENDIX III:Post-Trip Reflection (cont’d)

PERSONAL REFLECTION (CONT’D)

How did you grow in your relationship with the Lord?

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How did you grow in your relationship with the Lord?

What personal strength or giftedness were you made aware of on this trip?

What areas of personal weakness became clear to you on this trip?

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

WHAT’S NEXT?

How will this experience influence your further education and career plan?

How could you use your gifts in the ministry of SCommAC?

How can SCommAC continue to support you?

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In one sentence, how will you answer this frequently asked question: “How was your mission trip?”

How will this experience influence your further education and career plan?

How could you use your gifts in the ministry of SCommAC?

How can SCommAC continue to support you?

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

In one sentence, how will you answer this frequently asked question: “How was your mission trip?”

Appendix V:

APPENDIX IV:Expenses Financial Accounting

(ONLY for those who received financial assistance)

Please complete this financial accounting form and return it, preferably electronically, to a current SCommAC Missions Team member.

You may attach a more detailed separate accounting sheet instead of the sample provided.

**This form must be submitted within 30 days after return of the short-term mission trip.**

BASIC INFORMATION

Name: Trip Dates: d / m / y - d / m / y

Where: Organization/Agency:

Nature of Trip: Evangelism Medical Construction Orphanage

Youth VBS Sports Other: _______________________

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING SAMPLE

Grand total cost for this trip: $ ______________

Final Costs (provide breakdowns where possible) – please convert to Canadian currency:

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Adapted from Cassidy, M. & Cassidy, A. (2006) A Mission Team Handbook: Servant Formation. Toronto: SIM.

Scarborough Community Alliance ChurchShort-Term Missions (STM) / Envision Policy

Item Estimated Cost Estimated Taxes Total

Airfare

Local Transportation

Accommodation

Food

Ministry operating costs (photocopies, etc)

Others (explain):

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