The Local Missions Representative (LMR) is appointed by the pastor and is the key force for missions activity and promotion in the local church. The LMR’s primary responsibility is to help the pastor establish and maintain a world missions program in the following ways:

• Make periodic reports about the missions activity of the church.
• Distribute Save Our World magazine and other missions publications to the laity.
• Maintain a missions bulletin board or interest center. (Materials and suggestions from the State Missions Representative or the World Missions Department will help keep this area fresh and interesting.)
• Keep missions prayer requests before the church.
• Work with the pastor to emphasize world missions at least one Sunday each month.
• Work with all church departments to insure a consistent missions emphasis within their programs. (Men and Women of Action, Children of the World, Operation Compassion and other programs offer a multi-age approach to missions awareness.)
• Perform any other missions-related task as assigned by the pastor.

Local World Missions Committee
The first step in developing a world missions program is the selection of a missions committee. The primary task of the committee is to promote missions and to encourage the enlargement of the missions program. Many churches have discovered that when world missions, evangelism, prayer, and visitation are stressed, the total church program expands spiritually, numerically and financially.

Committee Organization
The organization of the committee will vary in relationship to the size and structure of the church. In small churches, or as the initial step in the development of a missions program in a larger church, the committee might consist of one person. This person should be the Local Missions Representative.

Committee Members Selection
Each church organization may have a representative, the church might elect the members or the pastor may appoint them. Congregational involvement insures a broader base of involvement. Terms of office of at least three members should be for three years with expiration of terms staggered to insure continuity.

Qualities for Missions Committee Members
The majority of the committee should have a deep, personal concern for missions, while other members could be those being introduced to missions. In this way, the church program will be strengthened in its outlook, and the “newcomers” can be guided into a greater involvement. Listed below are characteristics for committee members:

• True belief in Jesus Christ—it is essential that the person have a genuine desire to reach others for Christ.
• Active membership in the local church—it is necessary that the person be an active church member who is willing to accept responsibility.
• Conviction of the validity of the Great Commission.
• Willingness to spend time and energy to convey a concern for missions to others.
• Genuine concern for missions with contagious enthusiasm.
• Knowledge of missions and the desire to learn more.
• Ability to communicate effectively and the ability to work well with others.
• Creativity—the ability to develop new ideas and the willingness to try them.
• The ability to organize.
• Commitment to carrying out the task

LMR Resource Materials

• MissionLine (a quarterly publication for Local Missions Representatives)
• Missions Conference Manual
• Missionary Hero Series (booklets)
• Becoming a Local Missions Representative - Building a Bridge from the Local Church to the Harvest Field (LMR brochure)
• Mission Possible Material
• Missionary Profiles
• Project Profiles
• Country Reports
• Operation World (book on how to pray for the nations)

These resource materials may be obtained through the Donor Relations Office. Call the office at 800-345-7492.