Introduction

For a number years there has been no requirement upon host nations to fund or contribute towards the costs incurred by a member of the Time Out Mission Apostolic Team, as the directors of TOM have always carried this burden alone rather than it becoming a hindrance or difficulty for the host nation, especially as much our work to date has been in Africa and Asia, and therefore the significant costs involved have been beyond the reach of most pastors or leaders in these nations. By removing the financial barrier for host nations, this approach has facilitated growth of the ministry in various parts of the world, but it is no longer possible to operate on this basis, as the ministry has grown significantly, and the increased financial burden upon the directors has been overwhelming and not sustainable. This has led to much prayerful discussion amongst the directors, in seeking God’s wisdom for the honourable way to proceed, so that the work and ministry of TOM can continue to grow in a way which is sustainable over the long term.

We believe there is Biblical precedent for the churches where a missionary visits and ministers the Word, to take care of the financial needs of the missionary, so that it is not a burden to him. This way the missionary is able to focus on the work of the ministry, and not on the responsibility for his own costs. In other words it is the role of the missionary to minister and the role of the churches to financially support. It is this Biblical principle that TOM has now adopted, so that it is the responsibility of the host nation when inviting a member of the TOM Apostolic Team to provide for the costs of such a visit, which includes travel to and from the nation, and the costs involved during the visit. It is important to note, that the TOM Apostolic Team are coming to serve, and are operating in humility and dependency upon the Lord. They do not wish to place a burden on leaders by expecting expensive hotel costs, luxury travel or food, and are well used to sleeping on floors or in mud huts, whilst eating the humblest of food provided.

This may in many circumstances require collaboration between pastors and leaders in the host nation. It maybe that a steering committee is formed to begin planning and preparing for the visit, including opening a bank account where finances can be collected from local pastors who want to become involved and benefit from the apostolic visit. Or it may be that for larger, better funded churches, denominations, ministries etc, that they are able to meet the costs directly. How funds are raised may vary, but the responsibility for doing so rests with the host.

The points below are a suggested way of proceeding:

1.  Host invites Time Out Mission Apostolic Team to their nation. At present this is Howard Barnes and Michael Pike, and depending upon the circumstances and objectives involved either Howard or Mike or both may be appointed.
2. This policy (Organising a Ministerial Visit from the TOM Apostolic Team) is read and accepted by the host
3. Once the policy has been agreed, and dates discussed, a provisional booking is made by Time Out Mission in its ministerial calendar. (It is not always necessary or possible to know the exact date. This is acceptable, and planning should continue in either case.)
4. Once confirmation from Time Out Mission has been given to the host, then the host can proceed to organise and make the necessary arrangements and raising of finances.
5. Host forms a steering committee which opens a bank account
6. An estimate of travel expenses is given to the Steering Committee, who should then put together a budget and expected costs for the entire visit.
7. Steering Committee oversees the raising of finances and deposit into bank account. It is understood that it some cases this may take a number of months, which is fine, but communication should be given to the TOM office regularly in how the plans and finances are coming together.  There are many ways these finances can be raised, for example, if 100 pastors (or their churches) were to invest an equivalent of £3 each month for 6 months that would raise £1800. This kind of commitment, sacrifice and working together demonstrate to TOM that a healthy preparation and strong foundation for the work of God to proceed is in place.
8. An agreed itinerary is established between the steering committee and the apostolic team, so that there are clear objectives and expectations on both sides. It is sometimes right that a flexible approach is taken regarding the itinerary, and ultimately one that facilitates the outworking of God in the local or national context.
9. Once finances for the budget have been raised, the provisional booking on the TOM ministerial calendar can be updated to a confirmed booking.
10. The initial estimated cost of travel is confirmed and notified to the Steering Committee. This sum should then be transferred into the TOM bank account, so that the necessary arrangements and flights can be booked. Receipts for expenditure are sent to the Steering Committee who should keep full accounts of all income and expenditure, which should be made available upon request to both people in the host nation and TOM International.
11. With the remainder of the budget, the Steering Committee should continue to carry out the necessary preparations for the visit.
12. Throughout the period of time from invite to visit, it is important to implement an intercessory team and prayer strategy, which will be in liaison with the apostolic team who are also committed to prayer.

If you have read the above and want to arrange a visit then please continue to contact us.