Church Coordinators

Church Coordinator Role

The Church Coordinator (formerly Local Church Representative) will work with IFI staff and other volunteers at their church to facilitate their congregations’ participation in the ministry of International Friendships. The Church Coordinator (CC) will (with the help of an IFI Church-Based Ministry Team) facilitate the partnership between IFI and their church by praying for, recruiting, screening, and mobilizing those laborers that God has called to love and serve international students. In addition the CC will act as a liaison with Missions Pastor and/or Committee, oversee the follow up of current volunteers and the coordination of IFI trainings and events at their church.

Opportunity

International Friendships (IFI) has contact with hundreds of students from many different countries and religious backgrounds. Most are eager for friendship with Americans. Many are open to learning more about the Bible and the Christian life. The vision of IFI is:

To serve and partner with internationals to know Christ and make him known among the nations.

Our hope is that many students will experience the love of Christ and develop a trusting relationship with a Christian as volunteers from local area churches are mobilized to serve internationals in practical ways. Through tangible acts of kindness from and unconditional friendships with IFI’s
volunteers, we hope and pray internationals will choose to study the Bible. A Bible Study specially designed for international students coming from various religious and cultural backgrounds is offered.

It is our hope that many volunteers will continue to develop a deep and lasting friendship with their new international friend(s) as we believe the most effective ministry happens in the context of loving relationships.

Responsibilities

  • Commit to spending 10-15 hours a year doing CC activities
  • Attend meetings (2-3/year) of all church representatives around Columbus
  • Recruit a team from your church to help with recruitment/promotions, follow up, prayer, development, and special events
  • Build awareness of IFI within your church throughout the year (work with missions committee, pastor, evangelism committees, etc.)
  • Promote IFI activities where volunteers are needed (especially potlucks/picnics, fundraising activities, and welcome events in September)
  • Pray for and actively approach individuals and families who would be appropriate for involvement with IFI.
  • Seek individuals with specific skills or for specific needs (ex. Retirees, home school families.)
  • Contact with current volunteers in your church at least once a quarter (phone and/or email)
  • Follow up call with matched conversation partners 3 times.
  • Follow up meeting with volunteers at least once a year.

IFI Resources

  • Printed materials: Bulletin inserts, information sheets, blurbs, flyers, brochures
  • Decorations and a board for a display table.
  • Videos (2-minute & 5-minute)
  • International students who can come and share testimonies
  • Staff to give presentations
  • Volunteer staff people at the IFI office
  • List of volunteers from your church
  • Photo database
Donate IFI Online