ISMK unveils discipleship program September 1
By Amy Reasoner and Kristi Arnold
The International Society of Missionary Kids (ISMK), a ministry of Assemblies of God World Missions, is in the midst of preparations for their new discipleship program that will launch this fall. More than a year in the making, ISMK Fired Up is the fulfillment of MK Program Manager Chad Phillips’s vision for a deeper level of MK ministry.
“As the ISMK office became aware of the need [for MK discipleship], it grew in our hearts to create a program that would allow MKs to be discipled by MK alumni in a cohesive, consistent and effective way,” he says.
The planning process for ISMK Fired Up began late last summer. After a critical conversation, Phillips became aware of the need for discipleship of MKs on the field, many of whom live in isolated areas, with few tools available for personal discipleship. Phillips has a strong background in youth ministry, but the resources are not in place for him to mentor over 400 youth-aged MKs alone.
To address this dilemma, the new MK discipleship program will draw on the assistance of MK alumni and the several missionaries who have ministry to MKs as all or part of their assignment. ISMK Fired Up will utilize Facebook or other online forums as a means of connecting MKs with each other and with caring, invested adults who may be too far away to provide face-to-face discipleship and mentoring.
Bible reading, in particular the reading of the Fire Bible: Student Edition, will be the cornerstone of ISMK Fired Up. Each MK who makes a one-year commitment to the program will follow the ISMK Fired Up Bible reading schedule, which will require them to read approximately four chapters a week. Leaders will post discipleship questions based on the weekly readings for the group to discuss.
Beyond the basic Bible text, the MKs will discuss and be mentored regarding essential Christian beliefs and theological issues. The ultimate goal of the program is to create communities in which the MKs will feel comfortable and vulnerable enough to ask questions and in which they can grow in their relationships with God and each other.
The MK Office has been receiving applications from both MKs and leaders since March, and is currently in the process of organizing MKs and leaders into small groups. The official launch date of the program is September 1, 2009.
The MK Office asks for prayer support as they follow the Lord’s leading in this new venture and work toward fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples of MKs living around the world. More information about ISMK Fired Up and the MK Ministry Program can be found at www.ismk.org.