Team Requirements
Do you have a calling or passion to serve on the mission field? Valley Creek Church sends teams to China, Germany, India, Honduras and the Middle East each year. As part of the preparation, all mission teams promoted by Valley Creek Church are required to process through the 8 key preparation items listed below. All team preparation handled by the team leader(s).

Team Preparation
1. Orientation
     • Overview of the mission task & ministry partners
     • Schedule & travel details
     • Financial responsibilities & deadlines
     • Team preparation (required meetings, scripture memory, readings, projects, team-building)
Project: Read designated book on cross-cultural ministry or missionary biography.
Recommended: Vanya by Myrna Grant. (Biography of Soviet Soldier's faith through persecution during 1970s Cold War)

2. Your Relationship with God (Mark 6:31, Psalm 42:2)
     • Developing your friendship with God (He loves you unconditionally)
     • Daily time in God's word (commitment to meet with Him)
     • Listening for His voice (journaling what you hear and learn)
     • Prayer (specific promises for specific requests) 
     • Small group connection (encouragement from other Christ followers)
     • Meditation (thinking & talking with God about a chapter in the bible)
Project: Read designated book on cross-cultural ministry or missionary biography.

3. Sharing your Story (John 9)
     • Telling your Story
     • Identifying those in your life who are far from God
Project: Write your personal faith journey

4. Sharing the Gospel
     • Understand the biblical basis for salvation 
Project: Share your faith with others

5. Prayer and Mission (Ephesians 6:10-18)
     • The Biblical basis for mission
     • Praying with one heart
Project: Develop a personal prayer team

6. Team Dynamics
     • Yielding to authority
     • Resolving conflicts
     • Flexibility
     • Loving one another

7. Cultural Preparation
     • History, politics, geography, religion, spiritual climate & cultural highlights
     • Video clip or special guest from target area
     • Language issues & Cultural sensitivities
Project: Team meal of foods from target area

8. Final Details
     • Sharing a meal together 
     • Packing & traveling details
     • Emergency contact info
     • Passport photocopies
Project: Commissioning prayer

VCC mission teams are commissioned through prayer by church leaders and elders (Acts 13:1-3). Ultimately all teams are under the spiritual authority of the elders, therefore, it is crucial that each team member is in right relationship with the church leadership and is "sent" on the task. The commissioning prayer occurs in one of the weekend worship services prior to the trip.