Western Pennsylvania Mission Ambassador Program
Guidelines and Application
The Purpose of the Mission Ambassador Program is to strengthen mission interpretation in the WPA Annual Conference and to cultivate support for United Methodist missions.
The Mission Ambassador Selection Committee will choose one or two individuals to visit the geographic region designated by the General Board of Global Ministries and the United Methodist Women for the geographic mission study of Mission u. Financial assistance will be provided by the Conference United Methodist Women and the WPA Mission Committee.
Responsibilities:
1. Research and travel to the region for an extensive visit with church leaders, local churches, mission centers and programs on behalf of the WPA Annual Conference.
2. Prepare a minimum of 20 presentations per year for a variety of settings in local churches, mission events, social media, and websites as appropriate. Options for presentations: 4-hour mini school for districts or clusters of churches, sermons, 20 minute presentations, a display at the Global Village at Annual Conference, a website podcast or blog, twitter, Facebook, Skype, etc.
3. Participate in the weekend and weekday Mission u (formerly Cooperative School of Christian Mission). This may include participation in the adult, youth and children’s schools, plenary sessions, small presentations outside of the classroom. During Mission u, Mission Ambassadors are able to schedule many speaking events for the coming year.
4. Recommend a project or projects for the offerings received at Mission u.
5. Submit to the Mission Ambassador committee a written report of the Ambassador’s preparation and travel experiences, and monthly reports through the year.
6. Following a two year commitment to travel throughout the WPA Annual Conference, the Mission Ambassador is under no obligation to accept any further engagements.
Expectations:
1. To be an enthusiastic, articulate, well-informed mission interpreter;
2. To serve as a responsible interpreter between global/regional mission personnel and the WPA Annual Conference
Qualifications:
1. Membership in a local United Methodist Church
2. Ability to travel abroad and regionally – good health, openness to other cultures and customs, flexible personal requirements regarding food, lodging, and travel, open and supportive attitude regarding church and missions.
3. Solid communication skills – highly relational in a variety of contexts and situations.
4. Ability to carry out the work of a Mission Ambassador as it relates to time commitment, financial resources, and support of family and local church.
5. Willingness to cooperate with the Mission Ambassador Committee, Mission u, and the WPA Board of Global Ministries.
Application for the 2015-16
Mission Ambassador Program
Latin America
Name: Laity or Clergy
Address:
City: State: Zip Code:
Phone Numbers: Email address:
Personal Information:
Date of Birth: Male/Female: Marital Status:
Health Restrictions (please list):
Financial Restrictions:
Church: District:
Church Address:
Please respond to the following questions as fully as possible:
How have you been involved in United Methodist Missions?
In your local church:
In your District:
In the Annual Conference:
In the Cooperative School of Christian Mission or Mission u:
Why would you like to be a Mission Ambassador for the WPA Annual Conference? What gifts and graces do you have that would encourage your selection as a Mission Ambassador?
As you anticipate traveling as a Mission Ambassador, what contacts or sites do you think are important as a part of the experience?
Are you willing to do the necessary fundraising required in order to create a complete and comprehensive Mission Ambassador experience? What plan do you have for fundraising?
Are you willing and able to commit 2-3 weeks for travel to Latin America, read and learn about the Methodist Church in Latin America, and be available to speak in local churches and at Mission u in July 2015 and 2016?
Letters of Recommendation – to be sent or emailed separately:
§ If laity, have your pastor send a letter of recommendation to Diane Miller, at the address listed below.
§ If clergy, have your DS send a letter of recommendation, as well as a letter of support and approval from your Staff Parish Relations Committee to Diane Miller at the address listed below.
Deadline for application: September 30, 2014. Interviews will be conducted the beginning of October and the chosen Mission Ambassadors will be announced within a week after the interviews are completed.
Send applications and supporting letters to:
Diane Miller
140 Boone’s Way
Kennerdell, PA 16374
Questions – call or email Diane Miller: 814-498-2308 or