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How did The Antioch Partners come to be? 

In 2006 The Outreach Foundation (TOF) and Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF), two validated mission support groups of the PC(USA), established a strategic alliance for the purpose of creating a new missionary-sending structure.  This strategic alliance was subsequently named The Antioch Partners (TAP). 

Why did PFF and TOF decide to take this step?

In this rapidly changing world and the rapidly changing Presbyterian context for participating in God’s mission, the leadership of both organizations believe that more is required than can be done by the national church structure – more leadership, more flexibility, and more creativity.  New efforts are needed to add to what the denomination is now doing.

Does this mean that TOF is backing away from its commitment to support missionaries appointed by the PC(USA)?

Absolutely not!  TOF is committed to raising the full support for two couples appointed by the PC(USA).  TOF will continue to support them and the twenty other missionaries for whom they are raising either partial salary support or ministry and project funds, and they remain open to supporting additional missionaries through the PC(USA).

What about Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship’s work in the PC(USA) Frontier Mission Program?

PFF remains committed to the Frontier Mission Program of the PC(USA).  PFF will continue that engagement with the Office of International Evangelism, including the part for support of new WM frontier personnel. 

How does TAP relate with and serve local churches in the US?

TAP partners with local churches in equipping, sending, and supporting mission personnel.  As people are being discipled in local churches, learning about God’s global purpose in Christ, and experiencing what it means to serve Jesus in the world, TAP comes alongside and helps send those who are saying, “Here am I, Lord, send me!”  As this call is confirmed and affirmed by their local churches, TAP provides expertise to help these servants get from where they are now, to where God is calling them to be. 

Where are missionaries serving through The Antioch Partners?

Eric Miller, who is based in Africa, is involved in leadership development, not only in Africa, but also in Asia.   Heather Haspels is serving in Ethiopia.  A woman is serving in Central Asia, and a family, the Dunn family, is in Brazil serving in leadership development with a Brazilian mission organization that is sending Brazilian missionaries internationally.  John & Anne Wheeler-Waddell, experienced Presbyterian missionaries, joined TAP as of Sept 1, 2009.  They are part of TAP's senior leadership team with their primary focus being member care, but they are also continuing teaching missiology in Ethiopia on a part-time basis.  A new family has been appointed to work among Muslim immigrants here in the US.

How does TAP decide where missionaries will go?

Decisions about who should serve and where are made in consultation with global partners, Presbyterian mission leaders, supporters, and the missionaries themselves.  Though TAP is not focusing exclusively on particular geographic regions, reaching unreached and least-reached peoples, as well as developing the evangelistic capacity of global partners, are important priorities.  Though TAP affirms the tremendous mission challenges facing the church in North America, TAP’s primary focus is responding to international mission opportunities.

How are missionaries serving through TAP funded? 

Missionaries serving through TAP are responsible for developing their own support teams, and this includes prayer, as well as financial support.  TAP is committed to assisting in this process, and TAP is actively working with local churches who are interested in partnering with missionaries as a part of their witness in the world.

How can I help?

TAP represents a major step of faith for those directly involved with TAP, as well as for both TOF and PFF.  Please hold us in your prayers as we continue moving through the start-up phase.  Operational funds are needed during this phase, and contributions can be sent to The Antioch Partners and marked “TAP Start-up.”  As we identify new missionaries for whom funding will be needed, those opportunities will be communicated on this website, as well as in communications from PFF and TOF.  You may send gifts to us now for “New Missionaries,” and these gifts will be used to send new missionaries as we move forward.  Please see the section in this website titled, "Giving," for more detailed information regarding where and how to send funds.  We encourage you not to redirect any funds that are currently supporting missionaries sent by the PC(USA).