Taken from OM's website:
Belgium: a land of complex political and cultural history, almost hidden within the centre of Western Europe yet at the heart of many things that define Europe as a whole. It is the capital for the European Union and headquarters for NATO. The tensions between the major language groups characterise many of the struggles that exist not just within borders of the European Nations but epitomise the struggle to weld a Union from such a diverse agglomeration of political entities.
Christian History in Belgium has been turbulent. Catholicised as part of the Holy Roman Empire, it was one of the battlefields during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, many Protestant believers fleeing to the Netherlands leaving Belgium once again predominantly Catholic. Currently, this Catholicism is representative of culture more than belief, only a small percentage attending mass while secular studies is the most common subject for religious education. From approximately 750 Protestant Christians pre WWI (out of a population of around 7 million) Belgium is now 0.2-0.5% Evangelical/Pentecostal (pop 10.5mil) (not including expat. Christians). This statistic is comparable with some of the most unreached people groups in the world.
Our goal: Through GA teams and long-term partnership to empower the church to impact this nation with the Gospel. As only around 40% of local churches are locally led, we seek to raise and encourage national leaders with a heart for mission. Not just globally (but definitely including it), but to empower them with strategies and people to reach their own nation with the hope of the Gospel
The Details:
Our recruits will follow one of three streams with a focus on either ministering to the Secular, Muslim or Refugee paradigms. All three streams have a focus on a team based incarnational ministry: learning the relevant language; participating in existing ministries run by local believers; initiating new and creative ministries relevant to culture and demographic and serving in a local church. We aim to maintain a high level of exposure to non-Christians within their normal way of life. Team life will provide a forum for support and development.
The focus of our training aims to develop within the recruits a ‘context for ministry’ – the end result should be a team member equipped for ministry wherever the Lord should lead. This will entail biblical foundations of theology and missiology, practical tools for evangelism, interpersonal relationships and cross-cultural ministry. Team members will be expected to serve practically with the team in Belgium and where possible have the opportunity for development of interests and talents with a focus on how they can be used in mission.
