They must subscribe to the Westminster Standards
(the Westminster Confession of Faith, The Westminster Larger Catechism, and the Westminster Shorter Catechism).
They must be willing to serve the church with gentleness and respect
(1 Peter 3:15).
(2 Timothy 2:2, “Entrust to faithful men. . . “)
F - Are you faithful to Christ in your words and deeds?
A - Are you available? Do you have the time to do the work of ministry?
I - Are you interdependent? Do you desire a deep fellowship with others?
T - Are you teachable? Do you have a teachable spirit?
H - Are you humble? Do you reflect Christ with a servant's heart?
Are you a Ruling Elder, Teaching Elder or Deacon who loves Jesus and has served in a Presbyterian Church? Do you meet the qualifications of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 for leadership in the Church? Do you have a reputation for integrity? Missionaries will be entrusting their homes and their possession to the Stewards. They will also be entrusting their reputations in their ministry to the Stewards. The missionaries’ churches will also see the testimony and actions of the Stewards as a reflection of Christ. Do you reflect Christ’s description of Himself?
. . . for I am gentle and lowly in heart, . . .
(Matt. 11:29 ESV)
Applicants will undergo a financial and criminal background check and must have three letters of recommendation, including one from the Pastor or Session of their church. Stewards will also undergo an interview and training.
Oikonomos International is supporting Missionaries and churches such as Mission to the World (Presbyterian Church in America), Serge, and the International Presbyterian Church (UK).
Reformed World View: As reflected in the Westminster Standards, the human being is corrupt and at emnity with God. It is only through the divine communication of God and the work of the Holy Spirit that our spirits are made alive and able to respond to God’s call of salvation. Our reconciliation to God is based solely on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
For our sake he [God the Father] made him [Jesus, God the Son] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him [Jesus Christ] we might become the righteousness of God.
(2 Cor. 5:21 ESV)
Calvinistic Soteriology: We believe that the Bible teaches that Salvation is by Grace through Faith, not based in any way on the work or works of man.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
(Eph. 2:8-9 ESV)
Covenantal Hermeneutic: We believe that God deals with his people through his Covenant with them. The Covenant of Grace extends from the Fall in the Garden of Eden to the end of the Age and is the basis for our relationship with the Creator. The Westminster Confession of Faith describes it this way:
“The distance between God and the creature is so great, that although reasonable creatures do owe obedience unto him as their Creator, yet they could never have any fruition of him as their blessedness and reward, but by some voluntary condescension on God’s part, which he hath been pleased to express by way of covenant.”
Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) 7.1
Presbyterian View of Government: Jesus gave Elders as the spiritual leaders in the Church. This is a ministry of shepherding the flock, guiding the flock, loving the flock, teaching the flock:
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
(1 Pet. 5:1-3 ESV)
Oikonomos Stewards follow the biblical model of “oikonomoi,” household stewards. They have a responsibility to serve the missionaries and the local church in a Christ-like demeanor. They see a need and offer to fill it. They offer to help and respond graciously to the answer.
The Oikonomos Steward contributes to the expenses of rent and utilities while the missionary is away. The stewards also raise their own funds to cover transportation to and from the field and allowable expenses while in country. Oikonomos International is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; all contributions to Oikonomos are tax-deductible.
(2 Cor. 5:21 ESV)
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