"Tell Me More About the IMS!"

From time to time, we receive emails asking us to "tell me more about the IMS!" Since many of our churches are in the process of collecting special contributions for missions, we thought we'd post a little overview of our history, our mission and our vision.

Prior to 2003, an organization called "NEEM" ("New England Europe Missions") collected funds from disciples in the New England churches, and used those funds to support mission work in Europe. When the churches reorganized in 2003, NEEM was dissolved and the International Missions Society was formed.

The Board of Directors of the IMS consists of 18 brothers and sisters representing four different worship centers of the Boston church, six other New England churches and four of the European churches. Any church contributing at least $10,000 for missions is given a seat on the Board.

The Board's function is to give strategic direction to the IMS, including reviewing funding priorities, monitoring expenses, and facilitating effective communication with churches throughout New England and Europe. The Board meets four times per year.

Here are a few of the core principles of the IMS:

1. We believe we are stronger together than individually
2. We believe in helping one another as God has blessed us
3. We believe in mutual respect as disciples and as churches
4. We believe God wants the world to hear the gospel
5. We value diversity of language, culture and perspective
6. We strive to be excellent stewards of God's money

The IMS is committed to "living within our means." To make sure we do that, we save each year's donations to support missions in the following year. For example, in 2010 our total revenues were $1,081,199, and we are using those funds to support missions in 2011.

In broad numbers, funding for 2011 goes to five strategic initiatives:

1. Support for Churches ($320K)
Bucharest, Budapest, Tirana, Zagreb, Prague, Burlington
Includes some funds for travel
2. Support for Missions Leaders ($380K)
Fenders (Geneva), Silipos (Milan), Szabads (Budapest), Wootens (Kiev)
Includes some funds for travel
3. Leadership Training ($150K)
Evangelist Training, Elders Training, Women's Program, European Bible School (EBS), Muellers in Boston
4. Church Plantings ($170K)
Storrs, Portland ME
5. Missions Projects ($30K)
Summer Campus Campaigns, Training and Teaching, Travel to Europe

The IMS has recently approved a new strategy for missions, which involves establishing "missions centers" that can serve as centers of training, inspiration and support for other church plantings in Europe. Our first candidate for becoming a missions center is the church in Berlin, Germany. The leadership in Berlin together with the IMS are in the process of deciding about the pursuit of this exciting opportunity.

We are grateful for the partnership and support of so many disciples and churches throughout New England and Europe. If you have any questions about the IMS or wish to learn more, please don't hesitate to contact us.  Thanks for your interest in the IMS and your heart for missions!