About 50 million people who practice the majority religion of the Middle East live in Europe, and the number is increasing every day because of current world events. Never before has the Church had an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with those who either never have heard or had the freedom to respond. This team is committed to building communities of faith among North African immigrants in the Greater Barcelona area. This team is looking for someone who has a burden to reach these immigrants, a desire and commitment to work within a team, and a willingness to work in a multicultural setting.
Responsibilities:
- Regularly share personal testimony and the gospel with Muslims
- Willingness to participate/initiate team and ministry activities
- Open home to visitors, both Western and immigrant
- Disciple new believers
- Attend and participate with national church towards engaging Muslims
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of Alliance Polity
- Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent
- Excellent relational and listening skills
- Experience boldly sharing the gospel and serving cross culturally
- Clear burden and passion to share Christ among those who practice the majority religion of the Middle East
- Ability and commitment to adapt to team life and the cultures represented
- Teachable spirit
- Philosophical and practical alignment with C&MA core values, church-planting focus, and methodology
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 40
Preferred Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree
- Previous ministry experience among immigrants and those who practice the majority religion of the Middle East
- Knowledge of Spanish and/or Arabic
- Skill as a self starter
- Commitment to a Spirit-led, prayerful life
Biblical Characteristics Desired:
- Kingdom-minded
- Biblically grounded
- Spirit-dependent
- Competently skilled
- Self-aware
- Self-disciplined
Timeline for Deployment:
Summer/fall of 2022. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program and Pre-Field Orientation prior to deploying.
General Information:
World Factbook—Spain
Joshua Project—Spain
The dominant religion among North African immigrants is Islam. There are very few known evangelicals, and professing Christians number less than 1%. Most have immigrated to Europe in search of a better life. For the first time in their lives, they are confronting a religion, belief system and worldview other than Islam. And for many immigrants, this transition offers their first chance to explore the concepts of Christianity and meet a true follower of Jesus.
Language Expectations:
Language is an essential part of ministry. IWs receive two years of intensive language and cultural study. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others.
English is required, since it is the common language of the team. Fluency in Spanish or Arabic would be beneficial. Where language needs exist, there must be a commitment and dedication to pursue proficiency through personal study, class attendance, interaction with native speakers, and evaluation by a language-learning mentor.
Health Considerations:
Spain has modern healthcare facilities with well-trained doctors. Most medications are readily available.
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’s needs, etc.
Children’s Educational Plan and Options:
The Barcelona area offers a large range of options. There are public, private, and semi-private schools that teach in Spanish, Catalan, and some English. Christian schools for international workers’ children are also available in Madrid and Germany.
