DRC: Assist the Local Church to Reach the Poor

Present and proclaim the gospel to the poor in the lower DRC region in partnership with local churches, helping them to launch community-development projects and increase their capacity to serve their communities.

Position Type:

• CAMA worker
• Partially funded
• Single or couple (while a single person may be considered, a couple might be a better fit, given local realities)

Responsibilities:

• Assist the local church in launching new development efforts and assessing current medical and education ministries
• Identify potential new partners and coach local congregations in cultivating these contacts
• Focus CAMA involvement on one or two key projects that respond to pressing local needs
• Facilitate short-term visitors’ involvement in local projects and ministries in the lower DRC region

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course or another comparable mission course
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40 or higher
• Experience in community development that demonstrates an ability to partner with locals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or graduate-level degree in international development
• Experience in partnering with local populations or churches

Biblical Characteristics:

• Ability to articulate personal conversion and call to gospel ministry
• Demonstrated heart for the poor and marginalized (Micah 6:8)
• Theological alignment with The Alliance
• Demonstrated flexibility and grace in all aspects of life
• Vibrant spiritual life with consistent practice of spiritual disciplines
• Ability to learn and recover from failure

Timeline for Deployment:

Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.

General Information:

Housing accommodations will be in the port city of Boma, DRC, where the primary work will be carried out. The applicant should anticipate living in a challenging setting with realities, such as periodic power and water cuts. Activities will require travel to surrounding areas and to the capital city, Kinshasa.

World Factbook—DRC
The Joshua Project—DRC

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. For those who do not know the language, one year of French language study in Albertville, France, is required, possibly followed by the study of the local language, depending on the length of service.

Health Considerations:

Some health-care options are available. Major surgeries need to be done outside the country.

Expectations for Spouse:

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities, as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting team objectives, depending on the nature of the family roles, children’s needs, etc.

Children’s Educational Plan and Options:

Homeschooling is an option. There are K–12 schools in Kinshasa and boarding schools in surrounding countries.

Compensation Package

The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.

Important Clarification

Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.

Whole-Life Health

CAMA Services is the relief and development specialized structure of Alliance Missions. As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.