SFI is a relational ‘net that works’: What exactly does that mean?
SFI holds the position that we are called to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and that then all things we need will be added or given to us’ (Matthew 6:24-35). We maintain that the Kingdom of God is built on a foundation of relationships, first with God and then each other, and that all accompanying God-ordained, fruit-bearing tasks are built on that foundation of relationship with God and each other. We also believe that ‘apart from Christ we can do nothing’ (John 15:5). We have discovered that anything we do that is not built on this foundation (love of God and love for each other; considering the best interest of the other as much as ourselves) is basically doomed to fall for it is a house built on the sand and not on the rock (Luke 6:46-49). In summary, loving God and actively loving each other (which leads to God-ordained works) is the cornerstone of the SFI network.
What is a ‘net that works’?
We build “highways and bridges through the wilderness” internationally across socioeconomic divides while specifically training and mentoring the next generation as well as creating roadways and opportunities for them. This is done through a number of methods but primarily through our vocational training, ministerial schools, and internship and mentoring programs. After participants complete a program, they can be placed into the harvest field, local ministry, or enterprise (usually alongside a seasoned priest).
What is a Network Associate (NA)?
Network Associates, or NAs, are those individuals (minister, businessman, student, or volunteer) who have at some point in time been involved in the starting, developing, and supporting of Christ-centered and Spirit-directed ministries and businesses across a fairly large spectrum of nations and vocational fields. Thus our motto, ‘Growing a net that works’.
Each associate has a relationship with someone else in the network and each has a specific place and purpose in the net; some large, some small; some for a season, some for a lifetime. SFI was ultimately created to be a transparent net in our Lord’s hands that He can cast wherever He so desires in order to both bless and draw men unto Himself and the Father as well as be a blessing to the nations.
What does Apostolic mean?
Apostles are defined in scripture simply as ‘sent ones’ or ‘commissioned ones’. It was universally accepted that apostles had a calling, visitation, or revelation from the Lord that appointed them to a specific task. In SFI we use the term ‘apostolic’ to define those who have a God-ordained vision, plan, and the requisite grace (divine ability), skills, and acumen to bring the plan into being. Using practical and more philosophical terminology, they are basically foundation layers and do ministerial based ‘Priestly’ startups –Light. An entrepreneur is essentially one who does secular business or enterprise based ‘Kingly startups’ –Salt. We have had a few do both but we generally find that one has stronger bent to one side, either ministerial or entrepreneurial.
SFI recognizes both Priestly and Kingly apostolic anointing (Revelation 1:6) and we believe both are called to collaborate together for His purposes as demonstrated in Scripture by the partnership of Joshua the High Priest and Zerubbabel the Governor in Zechariah during the rebuilding of the temple (especially chapters 3 and 4 and specifically 4:11-14; the ‘two anointed ones’ being Joshua the Priest and Zerubbabel the King which is the same vision John saw in Revelation 11:1-6 of the ‘two witnesses’). We see this also between Ezra, a priest, and Nehemiah, a governor, in establishing the walls around Jerusalem. So both the temple and the city walls of Jerusalem, the city of God, was established through a collaboration of Kings and Priests.
Also read the SFI Philosophy of Business as Ministry, Kings and Priest in the ‘Fundamentals and Philosophy’ tab.
What is the Purpose of Our Website?
1. SFI has been an ‘underground’ service-oriented ministry and has, up to this point, grown organically! SFI has grown its network person to person primarily through face to face interpersonal relationships. NAs are volunteers and therefore we have not and do not ‘recruit’ or ‘solicit’ NAs into the network. We do not ask NAs to make any pledge of loyalty or allegiance to SFI. We want their allegiance to be to the Lord and to each other. However, we have grown beyond our ability to grow the network or execute our purposes through simple word of mouth or one and one communication. As we are somewhat unique in structure and purpose, there is always a myriad of questions about what the network is doing. The website serves as a one-stop place where the answers to most of these questions can be found.
2. Though SFI does not solicit funds for itself and executive responsibilities are done pro bono, it does, however, seek to raise funds for the start-ups, ministries, and projects the network supports. This now includes seeking to raise a scholarship fund to help both indigenous and missionary students that would not be able to financially afford the entire cost of programs otherwise. The website helps us to facilitate this fundraising on a much broader scale.
3. There are several ministries and projects that either cannot or do not have their own websites or communication channels. We are their link and voice (though discreetly) to the educated and comparatively affluent body of Christ.
4. We have added several evergrowing SFI-associated vocational and ministerial training and internship programs. A website is the best and easiest way to make these specific opportunities available.
Why the Anonymity?
There are many reasons that individual names are not mentioned. The chief one being the protection and the security of the Network Associates, especially in this very volatile time. Click on the link below for more information.
Continue about our anonymity
Vocational Courses:
Are there any age or educational requirements?
That entirely depends on which course you want to take and which country you are interested in serving in. There are age restrictions on some of the courses we offer due to government regulations. Our culinary & barista programs require that the participant be at least 18 years of age and have a solid English fluency in addition to possessing at least a High School diploma. However, to enter the internship work program as a part of the SFI network, it is strongly suggested that participants are at least 19-years-old. Our sustainable Ag program & Eco Tech programs require that the participant have solid English fluency, good physical stamina, and is at least 18 years of age.
As a whole, we would prefer participants who are at least 21 years old with a college degree (as this makes it easier to get long term visas in some situations), but this is surely not a requirement. SFI does, however, have the right to make exceptions to requirements based on demonstrated maturity and or ability. Our ministerial courses are an altogether different track and are run entirely by SFI core leadership, not Network Associates. These programs have their own objectives and criteria for acceptance and decisions here are made on an individual basis.
