SALT Advance Student Application

EXPECATIONS FOR MINISTRY PARTICIPANTS

Please take a few minutes to read our expectations for participants serving on any cross-cultural ministry experience. You will be asked if you agree with these expectations and, if so, to indicate your commitment by signature.

I realize that the following elements are crucial to the effectiveness, quality, and safety of our ministry together. As a member of the ministry team, I agree to:

• Remember that I am a guest working at the invitation of a local missionary/pastor. I will be open to learning other people’s methods and ideas.
• Respect the host’s view of Christianity. I recognize that Christianity has many faces throughout the world, and that the purpose of short term trips is to introduce and expose people to cross-cultural ministry, and to a greater perspective of God and His people around the world.
• Develop and maintain a servant’s attitude toward all nationals and my teammates.
• Respect my team leader(s) and his or her decisions.
• Refrain from gossip. I may be surprised at how each person will blossom when freed from the concern that others may be passing judgment.
• Refrain from complaining. I know that travel can present numerous unexpected and undesired circumstances, but the rewards of conquering such circumstances are innumerable. I will try to be creative and supportive.
• Respect the work that is going on in the country with the particular church(es) or person(s) with whom we are working. I realize that our team is here for just a short while, but that the local church is here for the long term. I will respect their knowledge, insights, and instructions.
• Refrain from negative political comments or hostile discussions concerning our host country’s politics.
• Refrain from giving funds directly to nationals and/or missionaries during, or after the trip. Any funds that you feel led to give, must be given through the agency we are working with.
• Remember not to be exclusive in my relationships. If my girlfriend/boyfriend is on the team, we will make every effort to interact with all members of the team, not just one another.
• Refrain from any activity that could be construed as a romantic interest toward a national. I realize certain activities that seem innocent in my own culture may seem inappropriate in others.
• Abstain from the consumption of alcoholic beverages, the use of tobacco, or any adverse behavior as instructed while on the trip.
• To share my faith in an appropriate manner while on the mission field.