Interserve GBI

Who we are

Interserve has been bringing the love of Jesus to the people of Asia and the Arab World since 1852.  We work in  wholistic ministry, addressing basic, practical human needs such as hunger and thirst and also spiritual needs, providing theological education, justice, and community development.  Our vision is to see lives and communities transformed through encounter with Jesus Christ and we feel called to work particularly in the hard places of the world, taking the light of Christ into the darkest corners of the globe.

Interservers work in a variety of professional fields, from healthcare and education to  theological education and environmental conservation. The core of our work is long-term - a significant investment of time is required to see real, lasting transformation in the name of Jesus - and we also have a short-term programme, "On Track", for those wishing to get a taster of cross-cultural mission to see if it is right for them.

Interserve has been used by God in astonishing ways for over 160 years.  It is our privilege to serve the people of Asia and the Arab World in his name.  Will you join with us as we bring his radical love to people who have never heard of it?

Our culture and values

Our values shape the way we serve those to whom we are called and how we engage together as a community. 

Dependence on God

We depend on God in everything and for everything. Therefore, we worship and wait on Him, pray and intercede, listen and obey.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“Without God in my life, I know I would be in a much worse position. It is great to know he is always there, and I can talk to him at any time day or night. I know he loves me and wants the best for me and is there to guide me when I mess up. His love never changes.”

Community

God is three-in-one and has made us for community. Therefore, we make every effort to maintain unity, we invest deeply in relationships, and we care, pray for, respect and submit to each other. We are generous and flexible in attitude and behaviour.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“Community means everything to me. Community is the way we work and live. Community comes through in the way we listen to each other and support each other. No one is seen as more or less important than another”

Oneness in Christ

We are one in Christ. Therefore we reject all prejudice, including that based on gender, race, social status, culture and biblical spiritual traditions. We rejoice in God-given diversity. Women and men serve in ministry and leadership.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“My wife and I run a homegroup where we welcome people from all backgrounds and nationalities. There are very different perspectives in the group. To me, this shows that we are all one in Christ as we share a meal together and engage in discussion, reflections and prayers.”

Partnership

God has called us to participate in his Kingdom work. Therefore, we minister in a spirit of humility and interdependence. We practice participatory, local leadership. We prioritise relationships and partnership with other parts of the Body of Christ.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“I love the fact that ministry is defined by partnerships of different kinds, and each person has a unique role to play in building the kingdom; not least of all that we are partners with God Himself!”

Integrity

Our lives reveal the Gospel in word and deed. Therefore, in our lifestyle, work, relationships and spirituality, we are consistent, authentic and honest.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“It’s so important to us that we are the same in private as we are in public – living out daily our walk with Jesus.”

Wholistic

God is reconciling all things through Christ. Therefore, we seek to be and to make whole-life disciples, care for creation and intentionally bear witness to the whole character and work of God through worship, proclamation, service and fellowship.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“In the Gospels, we read stories of how Jesus brought healing not only spiritually, but also physically and emotionally. God has called me to love the whole-person”

Servanthood

Jesus came to serve. Therefore, we joyfully serve in love and humility. We make the effort to learn local language and culture. We choose to go to hard places and to the marginalised.

This is what this value means to a member of the Interserve community:

“It’s important in my role to see myself as a servant, to always be empowering to others, especially those whose voices are quiet”