Go
At present, this section only deals in outline with going overseas through Presbyterian Mission Overseas. There's more detail we intend adding soon! We also hope to provide an overview of the different ways in which people can 'Go to serve in mission' in another country.
The Board of Mission Overseas (BMO), more informally described throughout this website as Presbyterian Mission Overseas, is responsible for administering the overseas mission work of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) as a denomination.
In Presbyterian Mission Overseas:
- Our vision is to serve a mission-hearted church.
- Our purpose is to proclaim Christ and His universal reign.
- Our values are to be God-Centred - Church-Based - People-Focused - Forward-Thinking.
Working in Partnership
In engaging in mission overseas, we work in partnership with churches, mission agencies and Christian institutions worldwide, proclaiming the Gospel in word and action, both directly (through people) and indirectly (mainly through financial grants).
In practice, this means working alongside our mission partners in a variety of ways, including in -
- Evangelism and Church Planting
- Theological and Bible Training (particularly for key leaders)
- Medical and Healthcare work
- Education (at primary, secondary and tertiary levels)
- Community Development and Social Witness
We currently have 45 adults under our care, who working in mission in 14 countries; while we have around 30 mission partners in 24 countries on four continents.
Opportunities for 'Going'
Opportunities to serve in mission overseas, arise through requests from our partners for assistance, or through exploring possibilities with those who come to us with a strong sense of God’s call to a particular type of work or country.
We look for individuals or families with a desire to serve Christ, who are willing to work in partnership with other Christians, mainly from a Presbyterian or Reformed Church background. We need members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, deeply rooted in their own congregation, who will thrive in another culture, are willing to learn another language and serve under the authority of one of our overseas partners.
All prospective candidates are required to undergo a process of selection and screening, followed by training and preparation, which varies depending on the person(s), the location and nature of their work, as well as the anticipated length of service.
We have three categories of service:
Up to one year overseas
One to two years overseas
Two or more years overseas
Those under Ignite, are provided with support to cover travel and appropriate expenses incurred while serving overseas. Those serving under the Involve and Integrate categories are provided with an allowance related to the cost of living in their country of service, along with a home allowance to help make provision for their future when their period of overseas service comes to an end. Pastoral care and prayer support is provided for all.
We ONLY consider applications from those who: (1) have a personal faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour; and (2) are committed members of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
Mission Teams
Each year, we normally organise a number of mission teams that go overseas for two to three weeks, generally in the summer months.
Most teams typically engage in outreach and Bible teaching among children and young people; help lead English language camps; or do practical work of one sort or another. However, some go not to 'do' but primarily to observe and learn from the life and witness of a partner church, to make closer links with its members, and to bring back the lessons they have learnt, seeking to apply them to engaging in mission in Ireland today.
Publicity materials for next year’s teams are normally available in October each year with application closing dates in late December or early January, and interviews for team places held early in the New Year.
YAC, PCI’s Board of Youth and Children’s Ministry, also run overseas teams for young people and families. Further details are available from YAC Office in Church House, or on the YAC website.
Current Vacancies
For a list of current vacancies with partners overseas, go to 'Opportunities'.
If there's nothing that 'fits' for you among the 'Opportunities' listed, but you still feel you are being challenged to consider service in mission overseas, we would encourage you to contact us and arrange to have a chat with one of our staff.
It's possible, though not guaranteed, that an opportunity for service overseas, matching your sense of 'calling', may still be found. If not, we should be able to give you advice which we think will be helpful. We may also be able to point you towards another agency that can better serve you.
