Discern
What door is the Lord opening?
Do you sense God opening a door for you to go? This page is designed to assist you in discerning and preparing for potential service through HarvestCall. This discernment process involves both the individual discernment of the brother or sister as well as the collective discernment of the body of Christ. Local church leadership is instrumental in assisting during this time. HarvestCall provides resources and counsel to both the Elder and the individual as they discern God’s call.
The Discernment Process
Thoughts on your discernment process
Considerations for counseling with and getting the support of your elder/church
Here are the qualifications for those who wish to serve as well as the presumed commitments involved
It is important to follow biblical principles for decision making.
A list of activities that are helpful in consideration of service
You have walked through these steps and are compelled to move forward. Choose your path.
Your discernment process
The process of discerning the call to go should be taken very seriously. The Lord works in different ways to call labourers to the Harvest. Regardless of how the Lord is working and calling, a purposeful process should be initiated as described below to confirm the call from the individuals perspective and on behalf of HarvestCall.
Principles of Biblical Decision-Making
The process for Biblical decision making is the mixture of these principles. Decision-making happens in the context of your relationship with God and with his body, the church. It is not an art, it is not a science, it is relationship. Consider these principles and read the Principles for Biblical Decision Making document from ACCFS for a deeper consideration of these principles.
Elder/Church Support
Sending happens from the local church. Therefore, the support to be sent begins with the local church and your elder. For this we recommend you beginning discussions with your elder early in your consideration of a service opportunity. We discourage you from going to your elder and beginning with asking for his support for you to be sent. Rather, we encourage you to begin with discussion and a request for counsel. The counsel should be received and considered. Upon walking through this time with your elder, there will be a common understanding and when support for your next step is needed, the necessary context will be needed to have those discussions.
Linked below is a tool we give to elders as an outline of discussion questions for those considering service.
Qualifications for Service
- Be a brother or sister in the Apostolic Christian Church of America.
- Receive support from your local church Elder
- Fully support and practice the Apostolic Christian Church of America’s Statement of Faith.
- Possess a conviction and passion to serve the Lord in all aspects of the four-pillar mission of the Apostolic Christian Church of America.
- Be committed to serve the entire brotherhood of the Apostolic Christian Church of America.
- Be sound in Biblical doctrine.
- Produce evidence of the fruit of the Spirit in his/her walk.
- Possess character and integrity in all areas of conduct and life.
- Comply with the Biblical principles of those in leadership positions.
- Be at least 4 years removed from High School.
- If married, be married at least one year prior to beginning service.
For all candidates less than 4 years removed from High School, it is recommended that the initial term be limited to less than a year. After the 1 year term, a review of the term as well as a completion of the Sending Process is recommended to initiate the long-term sending process.
Candidates may begin the Sending Process prior to one year of marriage, but it is recommended that newly married couples wait at least a year before beginning service.
Commitments for service
- Be an ambassador for Christ in the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel
- Commit to making every effort to communicate the gospel in a manner of humility, seeking greatest clarity and minimizing cultural hurdles
- Be a representative of HarvestCall and the Apostolic Christian Church, willing to serve under spiritual authority
- Supportive and in alignment with the HarvestCall Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles
- Serve within the framework and in alignment with the principles, practices, and policies of this Sending Guide.
- Serve within the framework of the established role description for the mission.
- Commit to making every effort to fulfill the term of your commitment
- Always make decisions and minister with the long-term well-being of those being served in mind.
- Consider how to disciple, train and involve those being served so that they will be able to continue the work in a sustainable manner.
Pre-decision activities
Confirmation process
For anyone to be sent, there needs to be agreement amongst all involved in the mission. Below is a chart that demonstrates the four levels of support required to be sent by an Apostolic Christian Church.
Pick your "Go" path
Your pre-field process depends on the path you choose. While the general components are the same for all, there are additional steps for roles that are longer-term or have more significant responsibilities.
