Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GSCC pastor?
What qualifications does one need to be a GSCC pastor?
What training does a GSCC pastor receive before he becomes a pastor?
Can I read or get a copy of the GSCC Statement of Faith?
Can a GSCC pastor live on $30 a month?
How is my support sent to the pastor?
What percent, if any, is taken out for administration?
How long will this support be needed?
What will happen if I can no longer support my pastor?
How big are the churches that GSCC pastors care for?
Can I visit the pastor I help support?
Can I write to the pastor I support?
Will I hear from the pastor?
A GSCC pastor is someone who is working in a particular place, leading a young, growing church. This pastor could be leading several small churches in neighboring villages as well. Due to the pioneer nature of his work, he does not have adequate financial resources from the local body yet, which is the reason for this important program. These pastors and churches are spread over many different parts of the country, and most often are located in rural areas where there is no other Christian presence.
The main qualification needed for becoming a GSCC pastor is to be a believer in Jesus Christ, willing to agree to and sign the Statement of Faith of GSCC, and willing to submit to the leadership and direction of the GSCC National Executive Council. We do not require a seminary degree or any other technical qualifications due to the pioneering nature of this work.
Many of the GSCC pastors are grass-roots level workers in their communities. Most of them are untrained when they join us. We focus our efforts at on-the-job training, rather than sending them through a formalized training program before they begin their work. Each pastor attends at least a twice-a-year training seminar during his first several years with GSCC. These training seminars and on-the-field experiences result in a certificate level recognition of their education.
To view/print a copy of the GSCC Statement of Faith, please click here (GSCC Statement of Faith).
No. It takes more than $30 a month for living expenses. This is why we possibly have more than one sponsor per pastor, depending on the amount of sponsorship from each person. We are seeking to raise a total of $90 per month in support for each pastor, which is enough to cover his living expenses.
Support is handled through OM’s International office, and sent to the head office for India, located in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. From this office certain expenses are paid on behalf of the pastor, and his personal allowance is also paid to him.
OM operates with a total of 7% in administration fees for this program.
We are working hard to ensure that all of the GSCC churches become self-sustaining and self-funded as soon as possible. With this in mind, we anticipate each pastor only needing support for the first 7 years. Periodic reviews will help determine if support is needed beyond that time.
We understand that sometimes people’s financial situation changes. If you are no longer able to contribute to the monthly support of a pastor, we will endeavor to find someone else who will be able to take on that portion of his/her support.
Many of the GSCC churches are quite small. This is due to their rural locations as well as their relative young age. We don’t refer to them as a church if they are less than 20 people who meet regularly. However, in some places the congregations grow to more than 200 people quite quickly. A significant percentage of GSCC pastors lead more than one church simultaneously.
Due to the sensitive nature of their work and the remoteness of their locations, we are not currently facilitating visits to these pastors. We also do not give out their precise address details for the security and protection of the pastor and his family as well as for the protection of their work.
We are not actively promoting a program of writing letters back and forth between pastors and supporters at this time. However, if a letter to a pastor is received at our USA office, we will make every effort to get that letter to the pastor in a timely manner. Due to varying degrees of proficiency in English, it might not be possible to get a reply letter in such a case. Such a program would raise our administrative costs significantly.
OM India will ensure that reports on your pastor and his work will be sent twice a year. Whenever possible these reports will include updates about him/her and their family, their work in leading and growing their church(es), as well as updated prayer needs.
