Strategy

1. Plant reproducing churches

Japan is one of the least reached people groups of the world with less than 1% Christian population. There continues to be a huge need to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore we come alongside the Japanese church in evangelism, discipleship and church planting to meet this need.

OMF starts churches, usually in cooperation with the Japan Evangelical Church Association (JECA), in both urban and rural areas. As we do this, we impart a church planting vision to the new groups of believers. In order to truly see multiplication we emphasize the training, equipping and mobilizing of lay leaders.

· Initiating strategic church starts

· Co-operating in starting daughter churches that will reproduce

· Empowering lay people for ministry

· Mobilizing believers for cross cultural mission

2. Evangelize with bold new initiatives

In Japanese society there are groups which are not yet being effectively reached. As God sends gifted colleagues we will use innovative approaches, technology and resources to evangelize these groups.

· Develop strategies for evangelizing specific groups in society

· Respond to strategic opportunities that are brought to our attention

3. Serve and encourage the national church

OMF missionaries value personal and organizational fellowship with pastors and other missionaries in Japan. This mutual encouragement and vision-sharing builds relationships in Christ.

Because the task of reaching communities for Christ is so great, Japanese pastors often invite missionaries to help with evangelism and training. OMFers with suitable gifts and calling may be sent to work in established national churches.

· Fellowship with Japanese pastors

· Train and mentor Japanese Christians for leadership

· Assist Japanese churches toward growth and reproduction

· Network with other Christian organizations

4. Strengthen specialized ministries

Various specialized ministries support the growth of the church in Japan. OMFers with the calling, skills and experience serve in these organizations or share in their leadership teams.

· Encourage links with KGK, Nurses Fellowship, sports ministries, Bible colleges, and other para-church groups

· Loan workers to organizations where there is a specific need

5. Provide short-term ministry opportunities

Short-termers can have effective roles in fulfilling OMF’s vision. Some help churches with their evangelistic programs while others contribute in support ministry roles. These experiences also allow short-termers to explore their call to mission.

· Deploy short-termers in all our field ministries