The Missionary Development Process (MDP) is a self-paced training program for potential HBC missionaries and for lay people within the church who desire to be better equipped senders and world Christians. MDP is a multi stage process that is usually accomplished over a course of 1-2 years and is designed to successfully equip missionaries with the tools that they will need as full time ambassadors of Christ. Each MDP candidate will be paired up with a mentor who will walk with them through the process and will help provide guidance and accountability. Cross-cultural training, evangelism, theology, book assignments, personality assessments, overseas missions experience, local church service, and personal discipleship are just a few of the areas that the candidate will experience through the MDP.
HBC believes that every Christian has a responsibility to be a fully devoted, dedicated, disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus told us to be “witnesses of Him” in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. The majority of people attending HBC will stay in the U.S. and be witnesses in their daily lives and through local outreach ministries of HBC. These people will also be involved in the sending of others. We believe the mandate of the Great Commission and the need of the world makes it clear that EVERYONE is either called to be sent or called to send, no one is called to stay!
The Missionary Development Process is designed to help those who are sent as well as facilitate the sending of those missionaries. While in the MDP, it may be determined that God has not designed you for cross-cultural missionary service. We view your time and effort in the MDP as a major benefit to you and to the body of Christ as a whole. Your world view will be significantly enhanced. Your knowledge and understanding along with your passion will equip you to be greatly used by God as a very effective sender. We will rejoice with you (whether sent or a sender) as you bring glory to our Lord through ministry that helps the nations to worship Him.
Training Stage 1 - Assessment
You will work with the Missions Pastor, the Missionary Development Team, the MDP Coordinator and a mentor to evaluate your calling and preparedness for missionary service.
The key outcome of this stage is the affirmation of calling and an assessment of preparation needed for missionary service with a resulting design of your Personal Development Plan (PDP). Training Stage 2 - Ministry / Field Determination
With sufficient training and preparation through your PDP, you will then be coached through research to determine the best location and type of ministry based on needs of the field, ministry goals of HBC, and your giftedness, abilities, skills, and passions. Then an agency will be selected followed by approvals of Selection Team, pastors, deacons, and the agency.
The key outcome of this stage is the defining of the ministry commitment including the field of service, general nature of work, and mission agency with appropriate approvals. Training Stage 3 – Pre-Field
When all prerequisites are met, you will be presented to the church for a vote of approval to become a “SENT” missionary of HBC. You will then organize your Sending Team and develop ministry partners for prayer and financial support. During this time you will have many opportunities to impact and equip churches and individuals for the purpose of glorifying God through world missions.
The key outcome of this stage is to develop a sufficient support team for prayer, care, and financial support. A critical component of this is your ministry to them.
MDP Overview Chart. Click on thumbnail to expand the image. To download, click here.
If you are interested in joining the Missionary Development Process either as a candidate or a mentor, or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Allen, the Outreach/ Missions Pastor, at
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To be approved as an MDP candidate, you will have to submit a completed application, missionary questionnaire, and be interviewed by the Missionary Development Team. Once approved, your missionary journey begins!
MDP MANUAL MDP Manual for Heritage Baptist Church MDP candidates and mentors. This is required material for all MDP candidates.
Heritage Baptist Church | 219 Breezewood Dr. | Lynchburg, Virginia 24502 |434.237.6505 | Problems?
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