Theological Framework
We have developed a Theological Framework for Mission Teams to guide our work:
Theological Framework for Mission Teams
St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church Mission Committee:
Members of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church enthusiastically involve themselves in mission. We do mission in the name and spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. We provide opportunities for persons of all ages to make a difference through serving others and sharing their faith. Learning and serving go hand-in-hand because we need to understand people in order to help them. Jesus calls us to be in relationship with others as we work together for healing and justice. Jesus calls us to share our faith with others so that no one will be without a word of hope and grace. These biblical criteria shape our work:
Hospitality: “Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40
When we go on a mission trip, we go where we are invited. We are the guests, and we learn from our hosts. We honor the many opportunities for partnership within the Presbyterian Church (USA) and with other churches and organizations.
Humility: “Live in harmony with one another, do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.” Romans 12:16
We do not engage in mission because we are superior to other people. We are not better Christians or smarter people. In mission we share what we have, even as we receive what our host offers.
Justice: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18
Our goal in mission is to increase self-development and mutuality in ministry. It is to help people help themselves to live safe, healthy, and capable lives and to strengthen the Christian faith in ways that are culturally appropriate and meaningful.
Equality: “If one member of the body suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” I Corinthians 12:26
The mission team experiences what it means to be the body of Christ together. All members of the team are essential to the group’s unity and its mission. Every person is equally valuable and has work to do. In the same way, we are also equal to those we serve in mission.
Compassion:   “And who is my neighbor? …The one who showed mercy. Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:29, 37
We expect that mission will change us. Mission not only helps other people in the world. Mission transforms us. It increases cross-cultural awareness and decreases selfishness and materialism.
Simplicity:   “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Mission trip accommodations should be safe and clean, but not luxurious. Food should be simple and wholesome. The choice of activities on a mission trip should demonstrate good stewardship of time and money.
Conviction: “For we do not proclaim ourselves. We proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
We share the truth of our faith openly and honestly, without manipulation, but with trust that Jesus Christ will shine through the witness of our lives.