China Outreach Ministries

Organizational Principles

Purpose & Mission Statement:

China Outreach Ministries is giving Christ to China’s future leaders by: • Committed staff and volunteers sharing Christ’s love and truth with Chinese scholars and researchers at universities in North America • Developing caring relationships that open doors to sharing the Gospel with Chinese students and scholars • Leading them to faith in Christ • Discipling, training and mentoring them in Christian faith • Preparing and positioning them to be multiplying Christian leaders

Doctrinal Statement:

We believe the Bible to be the only inspired, authoritative Word of God. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. We believe that for the salvation of lost and sinful man regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of separation from God. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Core Values:

Additional Information:

COM is committed to loving, serving, reaching, and discipling Chinese students and scholars at N. American universities, developing multiplying Christian leaders. Our work is strategic, fruitful, and flexible and appropriate for adults of any age.

Organization Provided Funding:

Yes and no. Our missionaries are supported through their personal partners. However, we solicit grants and, when available, may be able to provide help with ministry expenses for new missionaries.

Organization Provided Benefits:

COM offers vacation, illness, and sabbatical leaves, a group medical plan, and term life insurance.

Training Required for Service:

We ask that new staff have evidence of Biblical knowledge and understanding. Such training may have occurred in either formal or informal settings.

Training Provided by Organization:

We have a comprehensive training program, beginning with partnership development, campus ministry training, and continuing with a two-year training program as part of a cohort group of coworkers. Additionally, ongoing education is available through conferences, retreats, online seminars, special COM trainings, etc.

Long-Term Missionary Accountability Practices:

COM missionaries are held accountable to local, area, and national supervisors. They must submit regular planning and reporting documents and must have a personal accountability partner. Our member care staff support coworkers with visits, consultations, and special trainings, such as marriage seminars, when needed.

Application Process:

The time frame can vary, primarily depending on the diligence and timeliness of the applicant and his or her references. Commonly the application process takes about three months. Upon acceptance, the new staff member must develop his or her personal prayer and financial support team. Since many staff serve in their home communities, some may begin serving on a limited basis while still in the partnership development process.

Speaking to Past or Present Missionaries:

A candidate may arrange to visit campus ministries or talk with campus workers by contacting Don or Myrna Hines, VPs for Mobilization, 717-591-3500.

Characteristics of the Ideal Missionary:

Most of the characteristics above are necessary, in varying degrees, for successful ministry among Chinese students and scholars on U.S. campuses. The successful, fruitful coworker has excellent interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, is diligent, creative, and flexible in ministry, and is willing to serve the Chinese humbly and lovingly. Hospitality, appreciation for Chinese culture, and ability to work with volunteers and coworkers are essential.

Types of Volunteer(s) that we are Seeking:

Campus ministry volunteers assist by participating in activities with Chinese students and scholars, helping with food or transportation needs, serving as conversation partners, and generally developing Christ-centered relationships. In the Leadership Center near Harrisburg PA, volunteers are needed for various administrative tasks such as mailing, filing, and managing the welcome desk.

Training Process:

Regular, long-term volunteers may apply for affiliate status. Affiliates are invited to share in staff training activities and to attend the organization's annual conference.