As we continue together in the realm of thinking missiologically about our world, from time to time I will be blogging about different groups that are laboring for Kingdom expansion throughout the world. In April, I am scheduled to speak at the Association of North American Missions Leadership Forum. Since these brothers and sisters have been on my heart lately, I’ll begin by profiling them today.
Doug Clark is the Executive Director of ANAM. I recently invited him to share with you about the association and what they are doing in relation to the Great Commission.
Doug, who is the Association of North American Missions and how are you serving missionaries in North America?
ANAM is a group of mission agencies that have banded together for accountability, training, fellowship, and informational resources. Our mission statement – “the Association of North American Missions exists to assist member organizations in operating with excellence, thereby maximizing their God given ministry effectiveness in reaching the lost and making disciples” – shares our reason for existence.
Why and when was the Association of North American Missions founded?
In 1941, Dr. Harry Ironside challenged mission leaders whose ministry focus was North America to establish an organization that would provide the benefits that foreign missions received through their associations. Several mission leaders and pastors organized the National Home Missions Fellowship at Moody Church in 1942, where their annual meetings were held until 1973 in conjunction with Moody’s Home Mission’s Conference.
The name of the organization was changed to the Association of North American Missions in 1980, when it was determined that the organization should be more than a fellowship of missionaries and become an association of missions.
From 1974 to 2004, the Annual Conventions were held in various locations across the country. In 2005, the Annual Meeting became the Leadership Forum which has been designed to train member Directors, Boards, Administrators, and leaders-in-training.
Why should a group be a part of ANAM?
As with any association membership, the members must participate to benefit. Our members note the following VALUES that result from their involvement.
- Focus & Identity – ANAM is the only association whose total focus is on North America. We understand and concentrate upon ministry opportunities in North America. Our effectiveness in ministry will have a direct relationship to missions around the world.
- Accountability & Credibility – By meeting prescribed management, doctrinal, ethical, accountability and financial reporting standards, ANAM member missions enhance their credibility to the public and efficiency in gospel outreach.
- Fellowship – Time spent at the Leadership Forum or Regional gathering is with people who understand what you “do for a living”. Relationships are built that last long after the meeting.
- The place to go for help and assistance – We can get any answer that is needed for operating your ministry with “excellence”. Personal counsel and advice is available in confidence. A “members-only” section of the ANAM web site includes policies and links to other helps.
- Training is provided through the annual ANAM Leadership Forum and the entire 5-Year Review process is designed as training and encouragement.
- Opportunity to give – Involvement in ANAM allows ministries and leaders to GIVE and RECEIVE. New leaders and organizations can benefit as they grow and then have opportunity to share in the growth and development of other ministries and the association.
- Recruiting – Through brochures provided by ANAM and use of the ANAM web site link, each member mission, along with the ANAM Director, represents the other members as they interact with the public. The “ANAM Ministry Connection”, a web-based listing of ministry positions available, is provided free of charge to our members.
- Networking & Partnering – ANAM is a forum for interaction. As mutual needs are shared, a desire is fostered between missions to cooperate on a common task, share resources, or speak in a united voice. By building relationships with other like-minded ministries, God’s work can be furthered. Prayer requests shared are promptly distributed via e-mail – ANAM Prayer Alert.
- Information – Through e-mail “ANAM Resources”, member missions are apprised of current tax and legal information and of news and trends which will affect missions in North America.
- Recognition of Service – “Missionary of the Year” and “Lifetime Commitment” awards are given to worthy individuals in member organizations and the “Great Commission” award to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution to the cause of Christ in North America.
- Communications – In an effort to promote missions in North American, ANAM publishes “ANAM UPDATE” to members and on our website that keeps our needs before the public.
How can interested readers contact The Association of North American Missions?
Please contact us through our website or by e-mailing us at info@anamissions.org.
