Hundreds, probably thousands, of North American mission agencies exist. Missio Nexus, the largest network of North American evangelical mission agencies, has 394 member agencies. Hundreds more non-member agencies also exist. ACGC stands alongside the other Missio Nexus members. Like the majority of Missio Nexus members, ACGC supports ministry partners and churches worldwide and is a sending agency for North American missionaries.
Many people get involved in missions through friends, co-workers or family members that are already connected in some way with a mission agency or missions-sending church. So, chances are, when someone in your church mentions to you as a pastor or church leader that he or she is interested in missions, that person probably already has an agency connection in mind. And, if he or she is serious, has researched the agency. On more rare occasions, however, you might be part of the initial conversation for someone in your church to engage in missions. Either way, you may have the privilege of giving prayerful advice to someone in your church concerning mission agencies.
At ACGC, we aren’t the largest mission agency, nor do we have the largest budget. We may not have as much activity as some of the larger agencies, but we do offer several ways for people to plug into missionary service:
- Explore Missions – The staff of ACGC’s international missions department developed Explore Missions a few years ago as a way of engaging potential missionaries. We have held two Explore Missions programs at our offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, two at local Advent Christian churches in the northwest United States and one Explore Missions trip to Japan. The Dunntown Advent Christian Church in northern Maine will host our next Explore Missions event September 5-6.
- Ambassador Trips – These trips give local church missions advocates the opportunity to visit an Advent Christian mission field while contributing to the long-term ministry of that field. Experienced international missions staff lead the trips. The 2025 ambassador trip will be to Monrovia, Liberia in late September/early October. All slots are already booked for this trip.
- Internships – For those who qualify, we offer the opportunity to spend up to a year as an intern within the Agape House ministries, either in Japan or the Philippines. Erwin and Rowena Cabrizos or another Agape House leader will serve as mentor and overseer for the internship. This is an excellent way to gain valuable cross-cultural ministry experience.
- Career Missionary Service – Those completing the missionary candidacy process can serve full-time through the international missions department. Placement and specific service roles depend on one’s God-given calling, gifts, abilities and the opportunities available.
- Ministry Training Institute (MTI) – MTI exists to develop leaders for the church and through the church. MTI’s third program year offers a missions track. This is a great way to be introduced to the biblical theology of missions, the history of missions and missionary strategies and practices.
Besides these ways to get involved in missions work, what are some of the benefits of being part of ACGC international missions?
- Experienced Leaders – Advent Christians have a rich history of missionary service. This includes experienced leadership. Whether your involvement starts with a short-term trip, MTI courses, or an internship, you can be sure that leaders with deep missions experience will guide you at every step.
- Long-term Outlook – We plan the missions trips, internships and other experiences with long-term relationships in mind. One of our international ministries is more than 100 years old, while several others are approaching that mark. Long-term benefit is one of our guiding principles.
- A Church Network – Those who serve through ACGC international missions have an entire network of Advent Christian churches praying for, encouraging and supporting them in various ways. Our relational connections are a great strength for missionary support.
For more information about any of these opportunities, please email us at [email protected].
