When it comes to international work, many novices feel that good intentions and a positive outlook are all that is necessary to accomplish great methods and outcomes. While intentions and positivity re very, very important … there are other necessary considerations to keep in mind when planning an international team experience.
A tool I have used for many years is the very helpful EFC Code of Best Practices. The code helps to set a minimum standard of preparation for teams and individuals engaging in international mission.
When I began training, and then later found this resource, I realised I was sadly lacking in many areas. I started small, worked on improving what I was doing well, as well as adding the most important elements I realized I was missing at the time.
Check them out for yourself, examine your own preparation process against the standards, and email or call me for assistance if you want to begin better preparation!
Section 1: Aims and Objectives
1.1 A Short-Term Mission program will have a defined purpose within Christian mission.
1.2 A Short-Term Mission program will have clear and realistic aims and objectives, which include viability, expectations of outcomes, and consideration of how the program serves the long-term objectives of all those involved.
1.3 The benefits to, and responsibilities of, the participant, the sending organization, the sending local church, the host organization and the host local church will be clearly defined and communicated.
1.4 Partnerships will be established, as far as possible, with host local churches and communities. These relationships, in the context of unity love, will be defined in terms of agreed-upon priorities, ownership, and expectations.
1.5 Appropriate sending local church involvement will be sought. A partnership will be developed, as far as is feasible, between the agency, participant and sending local church.
1.6 There will be a commitment to the participant to provide opportunities for personal and spiritual development throughout the experience.
Section 2: Publicity, Selection and Orientation
Publicity
2.1 Publicity materials will be accurate, truthful and used with integrity.
2.2 Publicity will clearly represent the ethos and vision of the sending organization. It will not reflect negatively on the host culture or ministry. It will also define the purpose of the program in the terms of service, discipleship and vocation.
Selection
2.3 The application process, including timeline, all financial obligations and use of funds, will be clear and thorough.
2.4 A suitable selection process will be established, including selection criteria and screening. A pastoral care element will be included, regardless of whether or not the individual is accepted as a short-term participant.
2.5 It is essential that there is disclosure of the relevant details concerning the short-term participant between the church, agency and field.
Orientation
2.6 Appropriate orientation and training will be given prior to departure, and/or after arrival on the field. Team leaders will be briefed on the orientation and training provided.
2.7 Preparatory information will be provided as early and as fully as possible.
2.8 Placement decisions and changes will be made with integrity and communicated clearly to all involved.
Section 3: Field Management and Pastoral Care
3.1 Clear task aims, objectives, and job descriptions will be developed jointly by the sending and hosting leadership.
3.2 Home and field based communication and reporting guidelines will be identified, implemented and reviewed.
3.3 Mutually defined lines of authority, supervision, communication, responsibility and accountability will be established and implemented through regular reporting and/or meetings.
3.4 Pastoral Care and support structures will be provided, and respective responsibilities clarified with all parties.
3.5 Opportunities for spiritual, personal, and character development will be provided, promoted and pursued.
3.6 Participants will agree to follow guidelines on behaviour, relationships and financial management that are appropriate to the host culture.
3.7 Policies and procedures covering finances, healthcare and insurance, medical contingencies, security and evacuation, acts of terrorism or political violence, stress management and conflict resolution, misconduct, discipline, and grievances, will be established, communicated and implemented as is appropriate.
3.8 Where and when requested, necessary equipping and training of hosts will be provided.
Section 4: Re-entry support, evaluation and program development
4.1 Re-entry debriefing and support will be seen as an integral part of the short-term package.
4.2 Re-entry preparation, including field evaluation, will begin prior to return.
4.3 The mission agency and sending local church will assist the participant through re-entry, including facing unresolved personal issues, and future opportunities and direction in discipleship and service.
4.4 Evaluation of the mission agencies procedures and performance will be filled out by the participant. (The agencies’ procedures will also be evaluated by local sending churches).
4.5 On the request of the host organization, an assessment of the host organization will be carried out in an appropriate way by the participant.
4.6 The results of evaluations will be communicated to relevant managers, for the improvement of future projects and the keeping of permanent records. Confidentiality, integrity and accuracy are required.
If at first glance this code seems daunting, realize that this is the standard by which most international hosts would dream of as the ideal team. Read through it again, find the one or two areas where you find yourself interested and begin there.
