SIM International Director Malcolm McGregor

Immediately following the Seize the Day Board of Reference meeting last January, our International Leadership Team came up with a provisional list of mission-wide ministry priorities for SIM. The list is not final and is based on International Leadership Team discussion, input from our Directors, responses from national church leaders, and the Seize the Day paper on Ministry Focus Priorities.

Although the relevance of each ministry listed will vary from country to country, they are all important to SIM as a whole. They are not listed in rank order.

To justify inclusion as part of SIM's work, every ministry must demonstrate:

• A holistic approach towards those we serve.
• Intentional evangelism, discipleship and mentoring.
• A valid contribution to SIM's core objective of being "a gospel community, committed to partnering with the whole church in world mission."
• "Capacity building," including leadership development and training in ministry, and professional and technical skills. The goal is to eventually transfer ministries to qualified local personnel.

In our ministry activities, we will give increasing emphasis to "equipping and facilitating others to do ministry." Although much of our ministry will continue to be based on the traditional "supported missionary" model, we will give closer attention to developing robust approaches to tent making and other forms of creative access ministry. This list will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changing needs and opportunities. Although all ministries listed here are already part of SIM's portfolio to some extent, some are considered to be of new or greater importance for the years ahead. Where appropriate, evangelistic and discipling ministries will include church planting.

Mobilizing People for Cross-Cultural Mission

This has been, and continues to be, a core activity and priority for SIM. In crude terms the "raw material" for SIM is people called to serve in cross-cultural situations. It is vital to our future that we continue to look to God for people-oriented workers (Matthew 9: 36-38). But more than just pray, we need to invest in challenging churches and individuals to be mission-focused. SIM is like a tree--the mobilization parts of what we do are the very roots of this tree. They need to continue to draw in nourishment so that we can continue to be a healthy organization.

Leadership Development

"Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration--of oneself and of others. Great leadership is about human experiences not processes. Leadership is not a formula or a programme; it is a human activity that comes from the heart and considers the hearts of others."--Lance Secreton.

The development of leadership and leadership skills needs to be a part of all we do. It is critical for the Church; and for any activity that involves people, it is vital.

Islam

SIM's roots are in Muslim evangelism. The Sahel area of Africa represents a major global "fault-line" between Christianity and Islam. It is vital that we continue to share Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life." In Asia we work in strongly Islamic areas. As Islam grows and takes on a strong profile in the world, it is a priority that we continue to share Christ "with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience" (1 Peter 3: 15-16).

The Church

The most strategic activities that SIM participates in are those that strengthen and build capacity in the church. Strong churches influence individuals, families, communities and nations in powerful ways. There are many activities that can build the church--discipling, theological education, Christian education, youth ministries, women's ministries, media--to name just a few.

Evangelism and Church planting among Unreached and Under-Reached People and Social Groups

These reflect the heart and history of SIM, our DNA--something we cannot change--and activities that reflect this priority are a strategic, vital part of our whole purpose and being.

Asia

In 2000 the population in Africa was 794 million. India's population is just over 1,000 million, and India is only one country in Asia. The numbers of unreached people in Asia are staggering when compared to other parts of the world. The very scale of this need demands that we give emphasis to this significant part of the world.

HIV and AIDS

We hear statistics and see the disturbing photographs of the devastation this terrible disease has caused in the world, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Yet the facts simply wash over most people. Liz and I personally know of a number of people who have lost their lives through AIDS. Their suffering has been distressing.

The scale of the problem in Sub-Saharan Africa is frightening, and it is growing in India and China. SIM and the churches we partner with are strategically placed in communities to respond. In the words of Eldon Howard, "Most of our ministry in Africa is done in the context of HIV/AIDS."

Young Adults, Youth and Children

By the year 2050, it is estimated there will be 12 billion people in the world. Eight billion will be young adults, youth and children (EMQ, April 2005, "21st Century Population Factors and Leadership of Spiritual Movements," S. Clinton, p. 193). SIM has had a strong focus on the young in the past through schools, but we need to re-engage in new ways to reach out to this huge part of our world. Young people are searching and open to great leaps of faith.

Urban Centres

Historically, urban centres have always been places of influence, change and innovation. The major cities in the countries where SIM works have exploded over the past 50 years. For instance, the greater Lagos area of Nigeria had a population of 1.9 million in 1950, 10 million in 2003, and is estimated to be 17 million in 2005.

SIM has historically been a rural-focused organization. That is changing and needs to continue changing as more and more people in the countries where we work move into urban centres.

Emerging Mission Movement

It is exciting to read and see all God is doing as the worldwide Church grows in its passion to take the gospel to the whole world. This was felt at PARC III with many nationalities present.

SIM is strategically placed in Asia and South America to encourage, assist and partner with this growing movement. The churches God has graciously helped us establish are mature. Many already play a role in this new Age of Mission, and others are just beginning. We need to encourage them and, where appropriate, assist them as they move into this new reality.

Please note that the priorities are provisional and still under discussion. I value your comments on what we are proposing.