CITIZENSHIP ADVANTAGE
Though many nations are “closed” to the traditional Western missionary, the national preacher has all the privileges of citizenship. They may be persecuted for their faith as they preach the gospel, but because of their citizenship, they are still able to minister within their own nation.
CULTURAL ADVANTAGE
The major cause of attrition among Western missionaries is an inability to adapt to the differences in culture. In most cases, the national preacher knows only his own culture, and therefore does not experience any “culture shock.”
LINGUISTIC ADVANTAGE
The national preacher does not need to spend any time learning a new language in order to minister in his nation. It is common for a national preacher to speak more than one language or dialect.
TIME ADVANTAGE
On average, Western missionaries spend over two years securing their monthly financial support before they are able to leave for the foreign field. The national preacher is already on the field and involved in ministry. Because his financial assistance is secured by Gospelink, there is no loss of ministry time while he is awaiting his sponsorship
FURLOUGH ADVANTAGE
On average, Western missionaries spend at least 20% of their time reporting to their sending churches. The average national preacher has only four sponsors and can dedicate 100% of his time to evangelism, discipleship and church planting because his accountability is maintained on the foreign field.
ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE
The amount needed to meet the necessities of the average third world national preacher is approximately $50.00 per month. With only two ministry sponsorships through Gospelink, the average national preacher will have the funds he needs to enable him to dedicate the majority of his time to the work of the ministry in his own nation.
How are national preachers chosen?
National preachers who have been selected for assistance have met all the necessary initial requisites of accountability. Their financial needs are evaluated. Their morals, reputation, and character are exemplary. Their doctrinal beliefs are sound and their training and ministry experience is verified.
Four steps of initial accountability must be met in order to qualify a national preacher to receive assistance through Gospelink. Once these requisites are met, efforts will be made to provide the national preacher with the assistance they need. To maintain their assistance through Gospelink, the remaining steps of accountability must be followed.
THEIR RECOMMENDATION
Recommendations are only accepted from a trusted source (such as, a Western missionary, a mission board, or a currently assisted national preacher). Those submitting recommendations must have a long term, personal relationship with the one being referred.
THEIR APPLICATION
A thorough application must be completed by all national preachers seeking assistance. Their doctrine, training, previous and current ministry experience and family information are all evaluated.
THEIR EXPERIENCE
In order to be considered for assistance, a national preacher must have already participated in the planting of at least one church and have at least two years of ministry experience.
THEIR APPROVAL
The regional and national directors must evaluate and approve each preacher being considered for assistance. In addition to the Biblical requisites, their character and reputation are considered.
What is the accountability once a national preacher has received sponsorship assistance through Gospelink?
Once assistance has been initiated through Gospelink, the national preacher must continue to meet all the ongoing requisites of accountability in order to maintain this assistance. Ministry updates are submitted quarterly and on-site evaluations are regularly conducted by the overseas directors and Gospelink USA representatives.
THEIR WRITTEN ACCOUNTABILITY
All national preachers are required to complete a quarterly ministry update. Updates will be translated (if necessary) and kept on file at Gospelink. A copy of the update will be sent to each sponsor.
THEIR VISUAL ACCOUNTABILITY
All preachers will send occasional photographs of their ministry involvement.
THEIR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The national and regional directors distribute the funds and ministry reports to each sponsored preacher quarterly. While with the preacher, they can provide counsel, encouragement and guidance, as well as, local ministry observation and verification.
THEIR ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY
In addition to the local examination by the national boards, regular accountability trips are taken by the Gospelink staff, the board of directors, and USA representatives to encourage the preachers, to provide further training, and to document their ministry reports.
