The buzz word around EFM these days is Field Support Teams. Let’s take a deeper look at what they are and the purpose they are intended to fulfill.
What is a Field Support Team An EFM Field Support Team provides assistance and care for EFM mission fields and ministries within the boundaries of EFM’s vision and mission.
Why is EFM implementing Field Support Teams Field Support Teams enable Friends to provide much better care for EFM fields and ministries plus increase the potential of Friends missions, increasing EFM’s capacity. These teams connect local churches and regions more significantly to the mission fields they support, deepening mutual relationships and utilizing more gifting among the sending church and region that could help shape the success and direction of the mission.
How are Field Support Teams Structured A Field Support Team consists of approximately 5 members. The team will be comprised of trustworthy individuals from the same church, from multiple churches in the same region/yearly meeting or from more than one region/yearly meeting. Each team is established with these roles: Team Facilitator, Field Coach, Care and Prayer Assistant, Communications and Deputation Assistant, Fundraising Assistant. These five people, together, will become a key link between our EFM staff and the mission fields under the EFM umbrella.
What EFM Field Support Teams will be comprised primarily of people from EFC-MAYM Each yearly meeting has natural connections and relationships with certain EFM fields. The four fields that will likely have FST made up of people primarily from EFC-MAYM will be Rwanda, Bangladesh, Northern India, and Bhutan. Rwanda and Bangladesh have been identified as “pilot” fields for the Field Support Team initiative.
How can I become a part of a FST? Those interested in serving on a Field Support Team will submit an application for consideration. Once all members of the team are selected they will meet together approximately 8 times per year through online video conferencing, and/or in person as needed. Training will be provided by EFM.
If you have additional questions, or would like more information on Field Support Teams, contact Thayne Thompson ([email protected]).
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