1. Stage One:
1.1 The missionary is contracted by a mission organization.
1:2 The missionary takes part in a pre-field orientation program that emphasizes seeking out responsive populations, planting the seed of the Word, involving new believers in evangelistic outreach, and training leaders of newly evangelized communities.
Note: Pre-field training to include academic and practical work in cross-cultural communication, language acquisition, team-building, conflict resolution.
1.3 The missionary arrives in his assigned area and receives a field-orientation program that acquaints him with safe, efficient and effective living in the new environment. The work of pastors and missionaries is introduced showing implementation of field strategy.
1.4 The new missionary is assigned a mentor who maintains regular contact to review plans and progress, to share joys and sorrows.
1.5 The missionary is a learner in the new community:
1.5.1 He makes his presence known and gains approval by local community leaders, if applicable.
1.5.2 His full attention is given to learning the language, and he does not begin evangelization until he has demonstrated to his mentor and field authority a LAMP level two (limited work proficiency).
1.5.3 The missionary begins a study of the culture to understand the "world-view" and traditional religions, identify the aspirations of the people and find an entry point into their lives.
1.5.4 The missionary identifies the social structure to learn how and by whom decisions are made.
1.5.5 He maps the community for evangelization, noting location of receptive peoples, significant meeting places, areas of human need, etc.
2. Stage Two.
2.1 The missionary communicates the possibility of religious innovation in the community, to make the community aware of the new idea called Christianity. Some methods that encourage Bible study, faith and commitment might include:
2.1.1 Mass media with a carefully designed follow-up plan.
2.1.2 Public preaching about topics of impact.
2.1.3 Bible studies in homes.
2.2 The missionary gathers family groups into the fellowship of the church in small group settings, laying the foundation of the church "sowing the seed" of the Word. He encourages many small groups enabling the people to assume leadership roles.
2.3 The missionary recognizes his attitudes and actions, as well as his verbalization of the faith, have an impact on the community and conducts himself at all times as a servant of all people for Christ's sake.
2.4 The small groups are instructional, worshipping, caring, evangelistic communities where God's people "show forth the praises of him who called them out of darkness into his marvelous light."
2.4.1 In Bible study the missionary uses non-authoritarian dialogue and through participation tests for understanding.
2.4.2 The objective of the Bible study is to lead people to faith in Christ and to a meaningful Christian faith and life commitment.
2.4.3 Adults are instructed, baptized into the one baptism for the forgiveness of sins and given further instruction. Children of believers are baptized.
2.4.4 Instruction emphasizes all believers are part of the body of Christ, the church.
2.4.4.1 Believer communities are intended to grow and to penetrate the surrounding unbelieving community.
2.4.4.2 The growth process does not stop, "confirmation" is not an event, it is a life-long process, "ordination" is not the end of theological study. All believers continue to grow in ability to love and serve one another.
2.4.4.3 The Body of Christ is not divided by ethnic, social, political or other worldly considerations. The missionary will teach and model ways of appropriately expressing unity within LCMS fellowship guidelines.
2.5 The missionary encourages the Bible study groups, the small congregations and their leaders to come together periodically in area and district groupings.
2.6 The missionary instructs the believing community by word and deed in Christian leadership and servanthood.
2.6.1 He identifies Biblical requirements for leadership.
2.6.2 He is sensitive to the identification of leaders made by the people through their own selection processes, he does not chose leaders but follows the guidance of the believing community (Acts 6).
2.6.3 The community tests the judgment of the missionary and the capabilities of potential leaders by sharing leadership roles.
3. Stage Three
3.1 The missionary and the community share in evangelization.
3.2 The mission encouraged and enables the local leaders through education, personal involvment, shared activities and responsibilities.
3.3 The missionary is primarily responsible for equipping local leaders.
3.3.1 The missionary is the servant of the local leader.
3.3.2 The missionary will educate people who are already leading.
3.3.3 The missionary knows that effective leadership does not depend on knowledge alone, and no-one is responsible for tasks for which they are not prepared.
3.3.4 The missionary uses reflection on experience as a teaching tool with adults.
3.3.5 The missionary models the same teaching and learning techniques that he expects the leaders to use, making use of the same teaching materials to which they have access.
3.3.6 The missionary organizes his teaching activity so that it is credible for both leaders and their communities; the community and leader know the strategies and goals of the mission.
3.3.7 The missionary pays attention to understanding, attitude, and action.