HIS Ministry TeamsHelpers In Service (HIS) Ministry Teams
Since 1987, when the first Ministry Team went out from LBC, 118 teams have served in 33 different countries. The teams are comprised of high school students, college students and older adults who love God and desire to serve Him.
HIS Ministry Teams are primarily “ministry” teams. Although physical work is done on some of the teams, the primary focus is ministry to people with emphasis on evangelism. Team members are encouraged to develop relationships with people and verbally share the gospel.
Each team is guided by a qualified LBC faculty or staff member or an LBC alumnus. Team meetings, pre-field orientation on campus and a detailed HIS Ministry Team Handbook provide practical direction for each team. Dr. N. Sanford Good, Chair of the Department for Intercultural Studies and HIS Program Director, is a veteran of 51 trips to 26 different countries and is available to answer questions and give assistance so each team member will have the best possible experience.
| 2008 HIS Teams | |
|---|---|
| Spain - Elijah Tour | May 10 -21 |
| Western Europe (Men Only) | May 12 –30 |
| Moldova | May 21 – June 3 |
| South Africa | June 12 - 30 |
| Jamaica | June 14 - 25 |
| Western Europe (Men and Women) | July 14 - 30 |
| Spain - Instrumental Evangelistic Tour | July 27 – August 18 |
Purpose of the HIS Ministry Team Program
- To reach lost people of the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to “make disciples” as we go.
- To provide cross-cultural ministry experience and training for L.B.C. students, alumni, and high school students.
- To challenge and motivate participants to prayerfully consider
serving God in fulltime
cross-cultural ministry. - To provide an atmosphere that encourages participants to grow in their faith in God and love for people.
- To provide assistance and encouragement to missionaries and to local congregations in various parts of the world.
- To provide an avenue for local congregations in the States to expand their vision for and involvement in cross-cultural ministry.
Distinctives of the Program
In keeping with the primary purpose to reach lost people with the gospel and make disciples, HIS Ministry Teams are primarily ministering teams. Physical labor might be a part of the ministry of the team, but the primary goal is to build relationships with people in order to make disciples. Teams will work with a local body of believers and/or missionaries who will remain long after the team returns home. Local pastors, lay people, and missionaries will continue followup and discipleship ministries.
The local church and missionaries with which our teams are serving will determine the types of ministries which will be most effective in reaching their culture. Typically, HIS Ministry Teams are involved in tract and literature distribution; door-to-door evangelism; street meetings using music, drama, testimonies, and preaching; athletics; and Bible clubs. Much depends on the talent on each team, the language abilities in non-English speaking contexts, and the goals of the host church.
The trips are relatively short (one to three weeks). This should enable a wide range of participation. Days are scheduled full with an effort made to experience as much of the culture as possible in the short span of time.
Servanthood is emphasized. The teams are “Helpers in Service.” They are serving God, local believers, missionaries, and Lancaster Bible College. Being a servant is a humbling experience. Team members will need to “give up their rights” and be willing to serve others. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Lancaster Bible College is committed to the Word of God. We are committed to training men and women in the Word and equipping them to be able to communicate that Word. The College has doctrinal distinctives that provide parameters for the understanding of Biblical truth. HIS Ministry Teams work with mission agencies and local believers who are in agreement with these distinctives. Each team member is expected to support these beliefs.