ACCOUNTABILITY

Thousands of missionaries no longer work for traditional missions organizations. Many, like Heather, serve independently because their work spans multiple organizations, they have a unique calling, or they are launching a new ministry. This community of freelance missionaries needs accountability structures.

The Global Service Network (GSN) provides this. GSN is a network of independent missionaries and small ministries that serve God’s Kingdom in a variety of ways in the US and globally. GSN provides structure for finance and ministry accountability that is flexible enough to match the changing nature of missions in our post-COVID world.

Here are a few of GSN’s requirements for its missionaries:

An advisory board with at least three people (no relatives) that meets at least twice a year.
An advisory board and GSN approved ministry focus and scope.
Supervision from one board member who checks in at least monthly.
Written reports submitted monthly to supervisor and copied to advisory board.
Regular communication with ministry partners.
Financial accountability. GSN approves a ministry budget and processes all ministry donations. An advisory board member periodically reviews ministry expenditures.
Participation in GSN’s random policy compliance audits.
An annual report submitted to the advisory board and GSN.

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HEATHER’S GSN ADVISORY BOARD

WENDY SCOTT-PENSON

Wendy has worked in marketing, communications and development in missions for more than 15 years. Her background also includes experience in management, film and television production and human resources. Her advisory board service began in October 2021.

PAUL MERRILL

Paul has been involved in digital media marketing for about 15 years. This career change started with a blog he wrote while living in Nairobi, Kenya. He also has experience in graphic design and management. His advisory board service began in October 2021.

AILEEN AGONCILLO

Aileen has worked in corporate communications, developing organizational partnerships with churches and other ministries, and has taken a role in organizational diversity initiatives. She is currently a spiritual director and serves as part of a missions training & development team. Her advisory board service began in October 2018.

DEB ARMSTRONG

Deb is a university nursing professor. Her background includes experience in strategic planning, research and adult learning. She has also been involved in a variety of church ministries and is a long-time supporter of missions. Her advisory board service began in October 2018.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

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Missio Nexus is a network of North American mission agencies and supporting organizations. It is the largest association of its kind in its region. Missio Nexus catalyzes relationships, collaboration and ideas within the Great Commission community. Le Motif joined Missio Nexus as an organizational partner in 2020.

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International Partnering Associates (IPA) is an association of partnering practitioners and advocates drawn from many nations and agencies. They specialize in training, facilitating, mentoring and promoting organizational partnerships and networks that serve multiple constituencies globally.

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Lausanne’s Younger Leaders Generation (YLGen) is the Lausanne Movement‘s ten-year commitment to journey with younger leaders for global mission. YLGen participants, like Heather, comprise about 1000 younger leaders from more than 140 nations that were selected from amongst thousands of nominees.

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The Associated Church Press is a professional organization brought together by a common commitment to excellence in journalism as a means to describe, reflect, and support the life of faith and the Christian community.