Ministry Transfer

The transfer of Soul Care International from a universal ministry to one that effectively relates to a particular Nation, community or culture is essential.

When a new area for ministry is identified, the following steps will be taken to make certain that the transfer is consistent with Soul Care International and appropriate to the people it is serving.

* A Gate Keeper will be appointed. Through prayer and relationship building, a man or woman from the nation, culture or community will be identified. This must be a “worthy person” (Matthew 10:11) who has access to a broad spectrum of the community, can network with others and understands the intricacies of the culture. The Gate Keeper will be the standard bearer who works directly with Soul Care International.

* Specific Needs will be identified. Through listening and observing, Soul Care International will seek to meet the “felt” needs of the people it desires to serve while acknowledging that these are only symptoms of a deeper struggle. The “felt” need will be the vehicle to minister to the real need. (Acts 3:1-16)

* Cultural Evaluation will be requested in humility. Helpful feedback will be sought and received as Soul Care International transforms from a universal to a particular. We will not think of culture as wrong. We will think of culture as different. We will not be defined by our traditions, but will allow Scripture to interpret those traditions and will allow God to speak in our mother tongue. (I Corinthians 10:23-23)

* Time will be understood culturally. Time is universal — we all have the same amount – but our perception of it varies greatly from one culture to another. As an International ministry, we will adapt our use of “time” to accommodate those we are serving.

* Personal Relationships will be navigated according to the cultural norms of the people we are working with. In addition, the history and doctrine of each individual and organization will be identified for the purpose of ministering to them effectively.

* Mutual Respect will be shown. When a connection of trust and reciprocity is made between different cultural networks the result can benefit individuals and serve the public good.