Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Church Ministries International?
Church Ministries International is
an interdenominational missions support
organization, based in Dallas, Texas. Its purpose is
to help urban churches in Latin America with
programs of evangelism, discipleship and church
growth.
How old is CMI?
The ministry was initially
incorporated in 1977 under the name of Church
Planting International and later renamed LeTourneau
Ministries International and more recently Church
Ministries International. However, its roots can be
traced back prior to 1977 when Roy LeTourneau and
others first began church planting efforts in Lima,
Peru.
Why is CMI needed in Latin America?
There are millions of people living
in urban centers in Latin America who do not know
Christ, and who will never be reached through
conventional evangelical missions. CMI provides
existing evangelical national churches with
consulting on a unique strategy in urban evangelism
and funds for buying property and building large
evangelistic centers in major cities—especially the
capital cities.
Aren’t there enough mission agencies already?
Yes, there are. That’s why CMI does
not have any missionaries of its own, but is working
entirely through existing evangelical missions. We
are a catalyst, consulting and funding agency. We
help missionaries and nationals with the strategy
and facilities they need to make them many times
more effective in their work of evangelizing and
discipling their nation.
With economic conditions in such upheaval in
Latin America, does it really make sense to continue
to build churches there?
Yes, it does. Changing lives with
the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only hope for
Latin America. All the social, political, and
economic aid given to them by our country is just a
band-aid on the problem. With the Encounter with God
program we can make a difference. With no loans
available, churches cannot build adequate facilities
unless they receive help from outside. Once they
receive this help, they become completely
self-supporting and put aside 20% of their income to
build other churches. We don’t know of a better
investment.
What do you mean by the 20/20 Vision?
The 20/20 Vision represents CMI’s
goal to see 20 Encounter churches in all 20 capital
cities of Latin America by 2020.
What is CMI’s affiliation?
CMI is interdenominational. By that
we mean that it crosses denominational lines to work
with any evangelical mission to implement this
proven and effective strategy. A statement of faith
is available upon request.
How important are my gifts to CMI?
Your gifts are indispensable.
Without the giving of concerned, missions-minded
people, churches, and other organizations, the work
of evangelizing Latin America cannot be completed.
Are there opportunities to be exposed first-hand
to the ministry?
Observation trips to Latin America
are scheduled throughout the year. These trips
provide a great opportunity to view the work
firsthand.
How may I be kept up-to-date on CMI?
If your name is on our mailing list,
you will receive the Encounter Quarterly and regular
updates on the work.
What is the greatest obstacle CMI faces today?
Presently our greatest obstacle is
adequate funding. As we receive funds, existing
churches are strengthened and where trained teams of
Christian workers are already in place new churches
are begun.
May I designate my gifts?
Yes, if you are concerned and
burdened for a specific project, you may direct your
gift.
Are my gifts tax-deductible?
Yes, and your gifts will be
receipted promptly. A yearly accounting will be sent
to you.
What is the structure of CMI?
CMI is governed by a Board of
Directors made up of Christian leaders dedicated to
evangelism, discipleship and church growth.
In how many countries is CMI presently working?
Presently, the Encounter Strategy is
in ten Latin American countries—Peru, Ecuador,
Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico,
Venezuela, Uruguay and Honduras—as well as in Spain.
What is the difference between CMI and the
Encounter with God program?
Encounter with God is
the strategy CMI initiated in Lima, Peru in 1973. It
consists of team ministry, aggressive evangelism
among the middle class, prominently located and
well-constructed sanctuaries, discipleship, and
leadership training.
How does a church or mission qualify for CMI
help?
Agreement with CMI’s statement of
faith and a proven commitment to the Encounter with
God principles are basics to qualifying for help. We
then look to the strategic priority of the city and
the availability of funds.
Has the Encounter with God Strategy been in
operation long enough to know that it works?
Yes! Since 1973 one church of 180
members in Lima, Peru, has grown to more than 60
churches, ministering to multiplied thousands each
week in Lima alone.
Has the strategy proven to be transferable to
other countries in Latin America?
Yes! It is working in many other
cities and countries throughout Latin America.
How may I give?
You may send your gifts directly to:
Church Ministries International
1919 S. Shiloh Road
Suite 600, Lock Box 33
Garland, TX 75042-8292
In addition to cash gifts, there are
many other ways in which you may give to the
ministry. All gifts, of course, are tax deductible.
For further information, write to CMI or call us at
1-972-926-5200.
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