Every Child Ministries
Organization
Founded in 1985
Vision
Every Child Ministries (ECM) is a nondenominational Christian Mission for the forgotten children of Africa, to encourage and empower African churches to reach and disciple the new generation of their continent for Jesus Christ, to give children hope by showing the love of Jesus in practical ways, and to teach the Gospel. ECM uses American teams but also has a heavy reliance on African national staff. We specialize in training teachers for children's and youth ministries, teaching Bible in schools, helping abused and marginalized children like street children, slave children, displaced children, orphans, and children of war. ECM also develops literature and websites and develops partnerships to promote that vision. We believe that children are any nation’s greatest resource—a precious treasure from God.
Networks/Affiliations: ECFA
Staff
4 full time employees inside North America.
71 field personnel outside North America.
Missions Opportunities
Expected terms of service:
1-3 months
3-18 months
2-4 years
4 years or longer
Qualifications for Applicants
A love for children and for Jesus. Teaching assignments require local church or parachurch experience in teaching. Training assignments require a good knowledge of Scripture and considerable experience in teaching. Teaching certificate required for teaching at Haven of Hope Academy in Ghana.
Application and Candidacy Process
Being a medium-sized mission, ECM has the advantage of being able to be somewhat flexible and to consider people individually. Normally ECM does require long term candidates (over 2 years) to serve a short term with us first. First, the candidate fills out a preliminary questionnaire without obligation. This allows us to evaluate whether the candidate will be a good "fit" with ECM. If positive, the director makes contact by phone. A personal meeting is sometimes arranged if interest is sufficient. We assess what the person's training needs are, and then develop or suggest specific training geared to those needs. Second, an official application is completed which does carry commitment to serve if accepted. At this point, the candidate's home church must recommend the applicant. The pastor's opinion and counsel are sought. We also ask what the normal church procedure is for seeking support and prayer partners, and what reporting procedures are expected or desired. Candidates must also pass a standard background check.
Candidates are encouraged to begin raising support with their own church, tailoring their approach to the policies of that church. Candidates are encouraged to send reports at least bi-monthly directly to their home church and any other supporting churches on their support team.
After the short term, the candidate goes through a time of debriefing with the International Directors. During that time, both the candidate and the mission evaluate the results of the short term and the potential and desire for longer term service.
If both respond positively to the prospect of longer term service, the candidate is encouraged to first report on the short term experience, and then to discuss the possibility of further service with his or her home church and to seek their counsel. The International Directors may assist in responding to any concerns. Usually additional support is needed. Again, the candidate is to begin with his home church. At every step of the way, training and guidance is provided with support raising. A list of recommended training resources is provided, and many of the resources can be borrowed from ECM. Some may be required, depending on the circumstances of the assignment and the individual’s background. Seminar type training is provided for some positions.
Training Program
One week seminar type training on site in Africa is provided for new personnel entering public school ministry or becoming a Master Trainer.
Two to three days of Candidate Training at our International "Mission Central" in the US are required for long term candidates, including training in developing a support team.
Many training resources are available for loan through ECM and may be recommended or required depending on the assignment and the individual's background.
Short term ministry is considered a training program to prepare one for longer ministry, although it is also open to those who are not planning to go on to longer term ministry. We offer training on various levels, from reading and viewing videos of real life in Africa to three days of intensive training at our International "Mission Central" in Northwest Indiana. Training requirements vary according to the job.
Funding
ECM is a faith mission in which all American missionaries are funded by raising personal support. They tell their church, family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances what they plan to do and ask them for help. ECM helps with training, literature, pictures, and ideas. Two day seminar on support team raising is required for those serving longer than 6 months and is available at ECM "Mission Central" or at selected locations. The International Directors check periodically on progress and offer counsel and encouragement.
Demographics & Policies
This agency invites:
- Non-English speaking candidates (Welcome are French speakers, Spanish and Portuguese speakers and speakers of African languages for service in countries where those languages are spoken. Short term team opportunities are in French and in English.)
- Non-North American Candidates (Accepted only through special arrangement with their local church, which must agree to receive and disburse their funds.)
- Graduating international students to work in their home country (Accepted only when they can raise missionary support in the same way all candidates do.)
- Those who practice ?charismatic? gifts such as prophecy, speaking in tongues, healing prayer, etc. (Candidates are accepted as long as they agree not to promote their individual beliefs and practices in ways that would be divisive. Healing prayer is often offered, but we do not guarantee anyone healing, as that is in God's hands. Prophecy and tongues are not part of our ministry focus.)
- Divorced candidates (Individually considered. Candidates should show a strong present commitment to Biblical standards of family and sexuality.)
Statements
No Our agency has standard policies for the education of missionaries? children. Yes Parents make decisions regarding the education of their children. Yes Children are included in our orientation and on field support. No Both spouses are required to apply and qualify for missionary service. No Both spouses are considered paid staff members. No Non-employee spouses are expected to participate in the ministry on a volunteer (non paid) basis. Yes Non-employee spouses are included in orientation and on field support. Yes Our agency has a sexual harassment policy. Yes Women may hold any position in our organization.
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