Board of World Witness Member Profile

Stated Meetings: Three Per Year (January, April, October)

Purpose: The Board is charged with the direction of the entire work of foreign missions of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
As the agent of the Synod charged with the direction of its foreign mission work, the Board has a very solemn responsibility for the character of those who represent it on the foreign field; for their loyalty to the principles of the Gospel as held by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church; for the fidelity and efficiency of their labors; and, for the propriety of the methods they employ.
The Board is responsible to challenge the church in stewardship for the support and development of the missionary enterprise, and for the wise and economical use of the funds committed to its trust.
Because World Witness is a part of the great world-wide missionary work of the Church, the Board cooperates with other churches in this country and around the world in fulfilling its purpose.
World Witness, in response to the Commission of Jesus Christ, proclaims Christ as the only Savior and Lord through the means of evangelism, church planting, theological education and works of compassion to defined, unreached peoples across geographical and cultural boundaries, resulting in committed Christians who are gathered into healthy, reproducing churches.

Role: Board members participate in setting policy and giving direction, accountability and oversight to the work. Board members interview and appoint new missionary candidates, review the performance of the Executive Director, approve the budget and give counsel and advice according to their unique qualifications. Board members are expected, through their reading and personal interest, to keep abreast of current missions issues. Board members are also encouraged to take advantage of and participate in cross cultural opportunities of ministry, both in this and other countries.

Profile: Board members must demonstrate their personal commitment to Jesus Christ and their obedience to the Great Commission. It is the desire of the Board to maintain certain balances within the Board, i.e., a proportion of members with cross cultural experience; pastors vs. laity; one-third women; professions including business, law, medicine, personnel; and, geographical representation of the ARP Presbyteries. Board members must also demonstrate their adherence to the Westminster standards.
While it is preferable to have ARP Board Members, non-ARPs with experience, talents and abilities would not be precluded from serving.