McLoughlin Family Mission Value's Statement
The following is a list of values that we hold and that we will abide by during our mission experience in Zambia.
- We believe that God is the author of culture because he is the Creator. Therefore we will value the culture and the ways of the national people who will host us during our mission experience. That is, no matter how different or strange they may be to us we will learn to accept and respect their expressions and ways of doing things. We will be "for" their culture, "for" their language and "for" their cultural expression of Christianity. Our approach to working in a new culture will begin in weakness, in immersing ourselves in the culture and making ourselves dependent on the people so that we may learn their ways and customs and live as they live in their culture.
- We believe that it is our role as a missionary to assist and encourage nationals in the work that God has called them to in their cultural setting rather than playing a direct role and doing the work ourselves. Therefore we value the faith, the calling and the vision that God has given to them and we will work with them to assist them in their ministry. We will be "for" their desires", for" their ideas, and "for" their dreams.
- We esteem the importance of relationship. Only relationships are eternal programs, plans, agendas, money, time, etc. are not eternal. Therefore, we will hold relationship above getting things done or accomplishing certain projects according to certain time frames.
- We believe in a two handed gospel. One hand holds out the Word of Truth the other brings help for the hurting and oppressed. Therefore, we will practice our Christianity in word and deed. We will preach the gospel and we will practically help those who hear it.
- We believe in the importance of family. God has chosen the family as his place to form and shape us. Therefore we will minister whenever possible together as a Family unit. We will guard time together as a family. We will build our family relationships while we are on the Mission field.
- We believe in the active leading ministry of the Holy Spirit. Making the most of every opportunity (Eph 5:16) is not a command to manage your time well it is a command to follow the Spirit of Christ into every opportunity and do what the Father is doing in that opportunity. Therefore we will seek the direction of the Holy Spirit in prayer before we launch into our plans and activities. We will be open to change and we will follow Him where he wants us to go.
- We believe in the ministry of the local church. God has a purpose for every local body of believers and he has a plan for their community. Thus we will respect that calling and participate in ministry of the local church. Our desire is to make ourselves accountable to the leadership of a local church in our activities on the Mission field.
