ISM facts
Beginnings
ISM began as a new Mission in 2000 when The Navigators of New Zealand restructured their ministry. Those involved in International student ministry with The Navigators at that time became the nucleus for the new Mission. ISM continues to enjoy close ties with Navigator international student ministries around the world.
Faith Mission
The ISM is a “faith” mission and each worker is responsible for establishing their personal financial support. Most are bi-vocational, however those who are “full-time” look to God to meet their financial needs by donations from interested friends, churches, trusts and individuals. ISM workers have no guaranteed income. Costs associated with National and Administrative functions are funded by gifts given for that purpose.
Most of ISM’s supporters give on a monthly basis using the automatic bank payments method as it minimises administrative time and expense. For some however it is more convenient to contribute by cheque. All gifts received by the national office are collected and forwarded in total to the people for whom they are intended. All gifts qualify for IRD charitable gift status. ISM accounts are audited each year and an annual report is available upon request from our Office.
ISM Governance
International Student Ministries of New Zealand is an inter-denominational Mission with a staff of 52 from nine different nationalities. At present 13 are “full time”, 13 are part time and 26 are bivocational. In addition ISM has 8 ministry interns in training.
The Mission of ISM is: “Helping International Students in New Zealand become life-long followers of Jesus Christ reaching people for Him in their home country.” Behind the everyday ministry of ISM there are a number of people working to keep the work focussed on its Mission and ministry. We are grateful to God for the availability and contribution each person makes.
The first group of people are called “the Society”. These are people who are committed to the ministry of ISM by way of personal involvement, calling, gifting and experience. The Society is incorporated as a legal entity in New Zealand and it is by this means that ISM is able to enjoy the benefits of charitable status. The members contribute directly to the ministry on a “full-time”, self employed or bivocational means.
The “Board of Directors” is a group of seven people with the purpose of seeing the direction and mission of ISM is maintained. In addition they give oversight and expertise to the personnel, legal and financial welfare of the organisation. The Board members are elected by members of the Society for a four year term.
The “National Director” gives overall leadership to the ministry of ISM in New Zealand by coordinating the various ministry centres through out the country. The National Director is appointed by the Society members and Board of Directors and has their term of appointment reviewed every four years.
The “Leadership Team” is a group of more experienced ISM workers who are involved in the day to day work of ISM. They along with the National Coordinator act as an executive with a supporting role to ISM’s workers through out the country. They are responsible to the Board of Directors.
ISM of New Zealand also appreciates the services of a number of people who act as a “Board of Reference”. These people bring Godly character, recognition in their own fields, and understanding of ISM’s ministry so that they are qualified to act as referees and advisors to the leadership and workers of ISM. Like all the other roles mentioned here the Board of reference is an honorary role with members coming from through out New Zealand and overseas.
Supporting the Work
Please communicate with the ISM staff person directly or write to: ISM office, PO Box 6082, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Email: office@ism.org.nz indicating your interest. The office will send details about making automatic payments and other helpful information. If you need more information about staff and their respective ministries please ask.