The Missions Support ministry of the Simeon Network could promote mission in the following ways:
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Raise awareness among our people, by
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sharing stories from academics in categories 1-3 above in Simeon Network newsletters to enlarge the view of what life can look like for Christian academics around the world, and how God is at work in universities.
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encouraging gospel intentionality for those seeking academic work, that they may consider going to a less-resourced place to take the gospel with them.
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facilitating discussion at Simeon Network events to clarify the nature and scope of academic mission.
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encouraging those who have gone and returned to share their reflections with the network and/or with specific people who are planning to go.
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Inform prayer, by
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sharing select prayer points from overseas academics, where security allows, via Simeon Network communication channels.
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Upskill our people, by
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providing training opportunities and mentorship in ministry skills that would help members in their current and future mission.
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publicising relevant ministry training or information events to Simeon Network members (e.g. those run at Bible colleges, local churches).
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running Cite sessions on upskilling for mission.
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Make connections outside the Network, by
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fostering ties with mission agencies, including opportunities to speak at Cite, inviting mission reps to attend Simeon Network events such as dinners.
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hosting a Simeon Network stall at missions conferences (e.g. ReachOut).
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communicating with evangelical Bible colleges in relevant areas about opportunities for returned (or even local) academics to share their experiences (eg. SMBC’s weekly Ministry Matters sessions); this would also promote awareness of academic mission among the colleges and contribute to clarifying its nature.
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linking academics with visiting missionaries for mentoring or sharing at local campus gatherings or events.
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connecting with missionaries teaching in theological colleges overseas to learn from their experiences.
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