Indonesia: Model Compassion through Holistic Development Among the Urban Poor

Join a multi-specialization team working with the poor of one of Indonesia’s large cities.

More than half of Indonesia’s 240 million people are crowded into urban centers. For many, the dream of a new, better life is swallowed up by unemployment, poverty, and despair. Our teams are seeking compassionate, justice-driven singles and couples to model contextualized, holistic development in cities.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to train and support Indonesian counterparts—including Kemah Peduli (Tents of Compassion), the growing social foundation of the Gereja Kemah Ingil Indonesia (The Alliance in Indonesia). Alongside YKPI, they will work to increase the vision and capacity of The Alliance in Indonesia to more effectively engage in transformational community development across the archipelago.

Position Type:

• CAMA worker
• Partially funded
• Single or couple

Responsibilities:

• Live in an urban community of the majority faith
• Develop/join a transformational community development ministry
• Network with Kemah Peduli staff to implement community development initiatives
• Teach seminars and courses on urban holistic ministry as opportunities arise

Required Qualifications:

• A recognized bachelor’s degree
• Completion of World Perspectives Mission Course or other comparable mission course
• Completion of Alliance Polity course
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40 or higher
• Experience in transformational community development
• Self-motivated
• Flexible/adaptable

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in development-related field (education, public health, agriculture, economic development, etc.)
• Master’s degree would allow the success applicant to teach bachelor-level classes
• Experience in organizational development/project management

Biblical Characteristics:

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

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:

The successful applicant will live in a large urban center with many Western amenities. They will serve with at least one Indonesian couple and be part of a larger network of expatriate and national workers.  Approximately 30 percent of Indonesia’s population lives below the poverty line.

World Factbook—Indonesia

The Joshua Project—Indonesia

Language Expectations:

Language is an essential part of ministry. For those who do not know the language, one year of intensive language study is required, followed by on-the-field language and cultural acquisition studies.

Health Considerations:

Quality health-care facilities, well-trained doctors, and most medications are readily available. Serious health issues are typically handled in the capital, Malaysia, or Singapore.

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 ministry objectives, depending on the nature of family roles, children’s needs, etc.

Children’s Educational Options:

Homeschooling, local schools, and secondary boarding schools both inside and outside the country are available. Depending on the placement, local international schooling may also be an option. A regional educational consultant will be available to work with the successful applicant as needed.

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.