posted on January 1, 2023
aXcess: Church Planting in Uruguay in Montevideo
This opportunity involves starting a vibrant community of faith among the professional class in or near Montevideo, a highly atheistic and agnostic population that tends to be suspicious of religious institutions and outsiders. Consequently, this endeavor requires being a positive presence in the community by meeting societal needs and building relational bridges that can support the weight of the gospel. This couple/single will be expected to contribute by creatively meeting the community’s needs; engaging in relational outreach, hospitality, discipleship, and Bible studies; and working alongside IWs and /or Uruguayans to establish a vibrant community of faith contextualized to Uruguayan professionals.
Position Type
- International worker (IW)–aXcess–Clergy Track
- Church planting, discipleship, evangelism, leadership development, theological education
- Single or couple
Responsibilities:
- Learn Spanish to full professional proficiency
- Develop relationships and maintain a meaningful, impactful presence in Uruguayan society
- Develop, host, and lead small group Bible studies or other outreach/discipleship events
- Help lead church plants and ministries as the church grows
- Be willing to work on a team and/or alongside a national pastor
Required Qualifications:
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of intercultural studies
- Spouse must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed at least 18 hours of Bible/theology, 12 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of 6 hours in cross-cultural or missions studies)
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration
- Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 20
- A clear call to church planting in a post-Christian context
- Experience developing relationships with nonbelievers, leading people to Christ, and discipling them
- Self-starter
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ministry experience and training in church planting
- Cross-cultural experience
- Certification, degree, or experience in TESOL or other marketable skills
Biblical Characteristics Desired:
- Kingdom-minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit-dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
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 work and living environment is a modern city of 1.4 million along the coastline with all the advantages of an urban setting. The arts, athletics, and education are highly valued. Public transportation is safe and inexpensive. Montevideo has potable water and a modern sanitation system. Comfortable housing is available. Utilities, internet, and cable are readily available.
Joshua Project – Uruguay
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. Those who do not know the language will attend a language study program. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.
Language learning is accomplished by attending a one-year, on-site program at the Spanish Language Institute in San Jose, Costa Rica. Second year language study requirements are fulfilled on the field through formal tutoring, reading requirements, videos, cultural events, and constant interaction with Uruguayans in the city of Montevideo.
Health Considerations:
Quality health and dental care are readily available in Montevideo. There are no major health risks.
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, etc.
It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives, serving in the local church, with the team, and in the community.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
Many quality bilingual options are readily available within Montevideo for children of all ages. In conjunction with our regional educational consultant and conversations with current workers in the area, a recommended plan for families with school-age children will be developed.
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.
Questions?
Please email the IPO office at [email protected]
Whole-Life Health
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.