Fulfilling the Great Commission

Fory VandenEinde is director of the national Mission America Placement Service for Assemblies of God Home Missions. Men, women and young people can be involved in MAPS for as much as two years or as little as a few weeks. Volunteers serve churches and pastors across the United States through construction projects, inner-city evangelism and assisting smaller congregations. VandenEinde recently spoke with Isaac Olivarez, staff writer.

PE: What is MAPS?

VANDENEINDE: MAPS is the facilitating arm of Home Missions that coordinates laypeople in various avenues of service. MAPS is a servant ministry designed to help districts with construction and evangelism needs. The five arms of the MAPS ministry include RV volunteers, missionary associates (one to two years), summer associates (eight to 12 weeks), church teams and short-term missions opportunities.

PE: How does MAPS partner with other A/G ministries?

VANDENEINDE: All of our service is done with other ministries. This could be building a church, assisting an inner-city pastor in ministry, being a houseparent to teens, working with campus ministry outreaches or driving a truck for Convoy of Hope.

PE: What are some highlights from last year’s MAPS projects?

VANDENEINDE: Last year the MAPS RV arm of the ministry, working with some church teams, helped complete 53 projects. Twenty-four of these projects were started and completed within the same year. We had more than 300 couples and singles working to complete these projects.

PE: Who can become a MAPS volunteer?

VANDENEINDE: MAPS is looking for dedicated Christians who are loyal to a church, who are spiritually mature and are physically able to work. If they have a desire to put their faith and dedication into action, we have a place for them to serve.

PE: How does MAPS fit into the whole concept of missions?

VANDENEINDE: Scripture tells us that pastors are to equip the saints. MAPS gives these saints an avenue of involvement where they can feel they are a part of the Great Commission. Our theme this past year has been “Together Building His Kingdom.” If each of us does our part, much can be accomplished to further God’s kingdom here on earth.

PE: Where do you see MAPS in 10 years?

VANDENEINDE: Volunteerism is a big thing right now, even in the secular world. As active membership in the MAPS program continues to grow, I see a day when we will complete well over 100 projects in a year. I also believe that the evangelism arm of the ministry will experience the greatest growth. There are many people who will move from success to significance — meaning that they can make a difference in helping to build God’s kingdom, the very reason God has placed us here.

PE: Anything else?

VANDENEINDE: We have been told that MAPS is one of the best-kept secrets of the Assemblies of God. We don’t want it to be a secret. We want people to know that we are here to help them do their part in fulfilling the Great Commission. Volunteers don’t need to have a specific trade. Teachers, doctors, secretaries, bankers, lawyers — it doesn’t matter. We will provide them opportunities to use their God-given abilities and gifts.

E-mail your comments to pe@ag.org.