This is a support ministry, focusing on a multinational team serving in Myanmar.
The ministry team works in a challenging, high-stress environment, with a higher than average risk of tension or burnout. The conditions are often challenging for families with small children, as well as for singles. Regular pastoral care will go a long way toward preventing or alleviating these situations.
Member care plays a vital role in fulfilling the Vision and Mission of the Myanmar team by empowering, enabling, encouraging and supporting team members at all stages of their journey (from arrival in country until they leave). By caring for one another we not only empower each other in ministry, we model Christian love and we communicate the Good News most authentically.
Core task: manage and develop an effective range of member care processes, including:
1. Organize and oversee Member Care Reviews
Conduct reviews with members or arrange for a core Member Care Team to visit to conduct reviews
Advise members on personal development resources and training available through OMF's International Member Development program or outside OMF.
In time select and train additional reviewers from the in-country team
Coordinate the review schedule for the whole team?br>Debrief with reviewers after reviews and follow-up if there are concerns
Ensure the confidential filing of member care records?br>
2. Develop and manage a member care group
In time, identify and recruit from within the team those who can assist with member care?br>Train others in member care philosophy, including self-care
Select & train reviewers
Pray with member care group, other leaders and associates as appropriate
3. Communicate regularly with the field leader and the Personnel Manage
Meet regularly with the field director
Give regular feedback to the team leaders about member care issues
Monthly contact with the Personnel Coordinator regarding member care updates/issues
4. Communicate with the field director and personnel manager about any major changes in overall health of the teams or individual members (e.g. illness, medical evacuation, etc.)
5. Communicate with Candidate Coordinator about member care factors which relate to placement or relocation of team members
6. Facilitate and ensure opportunities for spiritual and social growth for the team:
In cooperation with field leaders, help facilitate and ensure that every team member has the opportunity to participate in fellowship and worship and personal accountability
Facilitate team formation, including through events like field conference, retreats, quiet days, holidays, festivals, celebrations (being sensitive to a diversity of cultural traditions both locally in Myanmar and across an international team of many different nationalities)
7. Assist the teams in welcoming and inducting new members by assessing any gaps in initial member care
8. Proactively coordinate care for individuals in special situations
e.g. Team members in transition (to and from HA, role/location change, leaving OMF)
Provide member care for members experiencing expected but difficult, or unusual or unexpected life events (e.g. death in the family, accidents, loss, illness, etc.)
9. Overall Team Health
Maintain awareness of the general health of the teams in Myanmar
Liaise with the Personnel Coordinator and field leadership to convey the health status of the team
10. Coordinate visits to the field from outside Member Care personnel or other specialists related to member care
Qualifications:
Minimum of one year Bible college training or equivalent, preferably including cross-cultural studies and counseling
Experience:
Previous involvement in member care of missionaries or other Christian workers, or general counseling experience either through a local church or other organizations
Some administrative and basic computer skills
Motivation:
Love Christ passionately and seek the best for others
* Person of faith and prayer
You understand and are committed to the vision for indigenous movements of reproducing churches.
Personality:
Spiritually mature
Excellent listening skills
Proven effectiveness in working with others and getting things done in appropriate ways
Humble: unassuming and willing to serve
High level of emotional intelligence
Able to keep confidentiality
Flexible: able to adapt your skills to integrate directly with the vision of the team and to meet the diverse needs of your people group
*Australian citizens and/or residents only