PHASE 1: ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIPS
Globally, 4 in 10 people live without access to the gospel.
This means that over 3 billion people do not have a witness to the transforming power of Jesus Christ within their community.
Global Partners takes a 5-phase strategic approach to grow local churches in global communities. The result is an exponential multiplication of new disciples who are transforming their communities through planting churches that plant more churches.
What is Phase 1?
In Phase 1, missionaries listen, learn, and engage in establishing relationships. They communicate their relationship with Christ, build rapport, and then invite others to begin a relationship with Jesus.
What are some examples of Phase 1 fields or teams?
Many of our fields in the Turkic Arabic area, some parts of Europe, and some in Asia-Pacific would be considered Phase 1.
What’s most challenging about Phase 1?
- There’s such a steep learning curve — just living in their new culture takes so much time and energy.
- Most of the time our Phase 1 works are in spiritually dark places. Often, missionaries find themselves working to combat the attacks of the Enemy.
- They also face challenges when they’ve gone with great vision to see the church developed and lives transformed — but are hit with the reality that the work is generally very slow.
What’s most rewarding about Phase 1?
- Many people in our Phase 1 fields have never heard the gospel. There’s great reward for our missionaries in knowing they’re sharing the good news with someone for the first time.
- Missionaries are living the Great Commission and taking the gospel to the ends of the earth — where people can’t just “hear” about Jesus.
- Language learning success is sweet! It’s such grueling work — really challenging. But those first moments when they can communicate in a person’s heart language — it’s amazing!
How can I pray for missionaries working in Phase 1?
- For continued access in places that are dark and need Jesus’ light
- Against discouragement
- For them to learn how to celebrate small victories
- For an outpouring of the Holy Spirit — to guide, protect, and strengthen them to move forward when they feel like they have nothing left to give — to sustain them
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish. –John 1:14 MSG