SWMB believes The Great Commission, “Go into all the world” also includes the Deaf world. We are a unique team of like-minded missionaries, both Deaf and hearing, working together to reach the Deaf world for Christ. Silent Word Ministries was started in 1966 as a literature ministry to Deaf people. The burden of SWM has always been simply to tell the Deaf “More About Jesus!”
The SWM Mission Board (SWMB) specializes in helping hearing and Deaf missionaries reach the Deaf World for Christ. If God has called you to the deaf ministry, you should consider SWMB.
Qualified missionaries are needed throughout the USA, especially in areas with fewer deaf ministries and deaf churches. Needs include planting deaf churches and deaf ministries, evangelizing Deaf people, conducting Fantastic Saturdays, assisting deaf ministries, and more.
SWM International (SWMI) specializes in foreign missions and special “team” mission trips. Up to 80% of deaf people worldwide have no access to education* or the Gospel. If God is calling you to foreign missions, please consider the needs of the Deaf. Deaf people live in every country.
SWM “Ministry of Helps” provides ministry opportunities for like-minded people to serve in areas of their expertise, on their schedule, and, in some cases, in other locations, without relocating to our area. Those in the Ministry of Helps are not missionaries, but “Helpers” in ministry. Do you share our ministry burden? Come help us!
SWMB and the Local Church – SWMB is not a sending agency, but a serving agency. Each SWMB missionary is required to be sent from a local like-minded church. SWMB assists and acts as an extension of the local church to reach the Deaf for Christ. Although some churches are able to send missionaries from their own established church mission board, most churches appreciate help with all that is involved with foreign missions. SWMB can help.
SWMB is a mission board to assist local churches in their worldwide mission program, especially with the Deaf. The SWMB does not work around or replace the authority of the local church. SWMB helps local churches ensure adequate screening of missionary candidates and supervision of missionaries regarding finances, character, doctrine, integrity, calling, and accountability. Missionaries are required to practice Biblical standards of moral, financial, and doctrinal integrity. In the event of a missionary failure, sin or ministry problem, the supporting church is notified. If a missionary family needs personal counseling, they are referred to their sending church and pastor for restoration. The goal is to work with the local church to restore the missionary to productive service.
SWMB and the Missionary – SWMB does not micro-manage missionaries, but seeks to help each missionary reach his fullest potential for the Lord. Each missionary is given freedom to fulfill his God-given vision. Each missionary is required to be accountable to his supporters, mission board, sending church, membership church, and God. He and his family are to maintain a good report and to be faithful in all areas of the ministry, including his home church when not involved in other ministry. A sound, solid work ethic is expected from all missionaries.
SWMB and Missionary Finances – The SWMB maintains integrity and credibility at all times within the ministry by providing financial accountability to the IRS, the SWM Board of Directors, supporting churches and individual supporters. A CPA reviews all financial statements and submits an annual report to the IRS. SWMB missionaries receive 100% of funds designated for their ministries.
SWMB also allows newly-appointed missionaries to have supplemental employment early in their deputation. SWMB advises each missionary to become debt free before serving as a full-time missionary, and SWMB helps with advice and methods to that end.
SWMB and Other Mission Boards – SWMB missionaries can receive immediate exposure through a trusted and respected ministry with credibility in the Deaf world. SWMB has the expertise and programs to help missionaries serve in all areas of the Deaf ministry. SWMB specializes in deaf ministry and works together with other good mission boards to also help them reach the Deaf world for Christ.
SWMB opens the door for those qualified and burdened to reach the Deaf to serve the Lord with us. Whether you are burdened to reach Deaf people in the USA or foreign countries, or to help SWM through the “Ministry of Helps,” SWM has a place for you. “Together” we can reach the Deaf for Christ. Please feel free to visit our home office or visit our website for more helpful information. “Come help us!”
Has God touched your heart to become a missionary to the Deaf (foreign or USA) or to help in the SWM Ministry of Helps? We should talk. Contact us for more information.
– Jon Barr, SWMB Director
