Pastor, welcome aboard what possibly could be the most exciting, challenging, thrilling, meaningful and hard working two weeks of your ministry, and maybe your life. All this because you are now a bona fide member of Willamette Medical Teams.

You probably realize that you are not a doctor, nurse, or lab technician. So you are asking, "How do I fit in and minister with a medical team?" Let me tell you the many ways.

Along with all team members the Pastor comes under the authority of the team leader and team missionary. However, it is intended that the pastor be placed in a position of spiritual leadership. You will be responsible for directing a daily morning devotional time from God's Word. You will lead a nightly sharing time after our evening meal. Opportunities to counsel team members often present themselves. The pastor also is included in the Team Executive Counsel. Along with the team leader, medical director, nursing supervisor, and missionary, this group makes policies and decisions on team function while in your host country.

The team pastor can be of great encouragement and support to the missionaries and their ministry. A loving, listening ear can be one of the greatest contributions he/she makes. Please resist the temptation to completely re-do the missions program and setting it up according to your vast experience of two or three days on the field.

The local pastor or Bible school students will probably have regular evening evangelistic meetings in conjunction with the daily medical clinic. Be supportive with your words and attendance, and encourage the team to do so as well, even though your bed would feel so good after a long hard day. You may also be given the opportunity to preach for one of these meetings.

When asked to preach, it will be through an interpreter (unless you are fluent in the local language) and it is an experience in itself. There will be anywhere from twelve minutes to twelve hours advance notice, so as a good scout, be prepared. It is a good idea to have two messages prepared before departing the USA which could appropriately be used during an evening evangelistic service or a Sunday morning worship service. The length may vary from 15-30 minutes. Once you know who your interpreter will be, arrange to review your message together. Encourage him to use his own illustrations appropriate to the life and culture of the country. Depending upon the country, the pastors may dress very formally for their Sunday services. You may want to take along a jacket or a light suit in case you are asked to preach on Sunday. Find out from your team leader what will be the appropriate attire in your country of service.

The team pastor, the same as other team members, should not in any way discuss or make any pronouncement concerning the country's political system of government or its leaders. We are there to serve and minister in Christ's name and must remember we are guests in their land.

Now to get down to business. All the above ministries are to be carried out in your spare time. You must lay aside your pulpit suit, gird yourself with a towel, and work in the clinic each day side-by-side with your fellow team members. In doing so you will be blessed beyond measure.

Have a great and glorious trip!

P.S. Before the trip you will have in hand a brief biographical sketch of each team member so you will feel you know them, in a small way, before leaving.