The Caleb Project
Answering Islam
The State of World Evangelism

The Evangelical Free Church Mission
The Bible League
Arab World Ministries

1.1 Missions through which Bethel may contribute shall be those properly organized and controlled by a board of directors.
1.2 Missions receiving support from Bethel must be willing to supply requested information about their principles of ministry, financial policies and to give specific answers regarding the work and financial needs of the missionary of particular interest to Bethel.
1.3 The mission should adhere to a doctrinal position that is compatible with the doctrinal position of the E.F.C.A., and with Bethel E.F.C.
1.4 The mission should be engaged in the ultimate goal of making disciples and establishing them in indigenous local church fellowships.  There are, however, supportive roles that are essential to the attainment of this goal which we also recognize as legitimate missionary endeavors.  Such endeavors might be radio ministries, education, medicine, seminaries, etc.  These should never become an end in themselves, but contribute to the establishment and nurture of the local church.
1.5 The mission should exercise adequate oversight and demonstrate personal concern about its missionaries.  An interest should also be manifested toward the supporting churches so as to create the feeling of oneness between the mission and the church in their outreach.

2.1 Bethel shall support only missionaries and institutions that are in full agreement with the doctrinal statement of the E.F.C.A., and the Bethel E.F.C. Statement of Purpose.
2.2 Missionaries supported by this church shall be members of this church or of another local church congregation with similar doctrinal beliefs.
2.3 Before being approved for initial support, the missionary must appear before the Missions Committee to give a personal testimony of faith in Christ, a statement of doctrinal belief, education, and experience.
2.4 Missionary support shall be reviewed periodically, especially during each furlough period.  Normally the missionary shall be expected to appear before the Missions Committee when he/she is home on furlough.  When it shall not be possible for a personal meeting, satisfactory testimony of doctrinal stability and effective ministry must be submitted by the mission or missionary in writing or by any other means deemed advisable by the Missions Committee.
2.5 If at any time it should be determined by the Missions Committee that a missionary or institution supported by Bethel has departed from the doctrine of the E.F.C.A., the Missions Committee shall submit the matter to the Elder Board and for appropriate action.
2.6 The following are priorities for determining approval for missionary support:

2.6.1 Missionaries at present being supported by Bethel
2.6.2 Bethel members serving under approved missions
2.6.3 Other E.F.C.A. members not members of Bethel, but who are serving with the Evangelical Free Church Mission.
2.6.4 Other nonmembers of E.F.C.A. churches under an approved mission.
These priorities may or may not relate to the amount of support in any one instance; factors of need and other supply will also be taken into consideration.

3.1 The Congregation is urged to support faithfully the Missions  program of this church.
3.2 Copies of this policy shall be made available to all the Congregation.
3.3 The church is responsible for approving the mission budget presented at the church's annual business meeting and considering the recommendations of the Mission Committee for support of missionaries or ministries.
3.4 The church shall give positive encouragement to those of its own Congregation who are interested in preparing for missionary service.
3.5 The church shall encourage its members and its young people to become involved in short term and/or summer Christian ministries, and where possible, give financial assistance.

4.1 Shall be composed of an Elder and at least one other person.
4.2 Shall submit a budget to the Congregation at the Annual Business Meeting for approval.
4.3 The Missions Committee shall be responsible for promoting mission interest, enthusiasm, support and service in the church, keeping the Congregation informed of mission activities and needs which will stimulate praise, prayer and financial support.
4.4 The Missions Committee shall encourage and assist members of Bethel who wish to serve under an approved mission organization.
4.5 The Missions Committee shall annually review the support needs of currently supported missionaries and ministries and additional missionary support.  The Committee shall prepare a Missions Budget to be submitted for consideration at the Annual Congregational Meeting.

5.1 The Missions Treasurer shall disburse funds in conformity with the church bylaws.
5.2 The "Faith Promise" method of giving in connection with an annual Missions Conference shall be encouraged at Bethel.
5.3 "Faith Promises" shall be made to the Missions Budget of the church and not to individual missionaries.
5.4 The total of the "Faith Promise" commitment shall determine the amount of the mission budget for the ensuing calendar year.
5.5 Support in the Missions Offering designated specifically toward a missionary or ministry on the Missions Budget will be applied to the regular monthly support.
5.6 Designated gifts toward a missionary or ministry not on the Missions Budget can be made through the Missions Treasurer upon the approval of the Missions Committee in conformance with the Missions Policy.  This requirement extends also to contributions from groups or classes within the church.
5.7 Support for missionaries will be paid to their mission board by the Church Treasurer designated for the support of said missionary.
5.8 In the case of a career missionary candidate, support will begin after the annual business meeting in January (exceptions can be made).  This support will be sent for six (6) months to the supporting agency.  If, however, they are detained at home beyond the first six months the support for the next six months will be retained in the Missions Budget in a special account.  If the missionary is detained beyond a year, the Missions Committee will re-consider their commitment to his/her support and make a recommendation to the Congregation.
In the case of a candidate for short term missionary service, support will be held in a special account in the Missions Budget until we are officially notified by the mission organization of a pending departure date.  If the candidate is detained at home beyond a year, the Missions Committee will re-evaluate their commitment to him/her and make a recommendation to the Congregation.  If after congregational review, continued support is approved, the funds shall continue to be accumulated and held. If support is not approved, the accumulated funds shall be released to the general Missions Budget to use elsewhere.
In either case the supporting organization shall be informed as to the intent of the church.
5.9 A single Missions savings account may be set up to accumulate all held funds.  To simplify accounting procedures, all interest earned on the accumulated funds will be payable to the general Missions Budget.
5.10 Should insufficient contributions be received in the Missions Offering for the total church commitment, priority will be given to the support of missionaries above that of institutions.  In considering institutions, preference will be given to those whose ministry relates to Bethel.
5.11 It is generally understood that our financial commitment for a full-time missionary is for four (4) years on the field and one (1) year on "home assignment."