Background Information on IDEA Ministries
IDEA Ministries serves Christ and His people by specializing in mission promotion, recruitment, field training, service and travel. Biblically-grounded with a passion for discipleship and evangelism, this independent organization has welcomed participants from 54 different denominations. In short: IDEA promotes missions and recruits workers! 2007 is IDEA Ministries' 40th Anniversary Year.APPLICANTS: Individuals, couples, families and groups participate in IDEA's programs. Retired/flex-time adults–and students, especially–enjoy opportunities to travel and serve cross-culturally. Options and applications are available from www.ideaministries.org or by emailing
EFFECTIVENESS: Since 1967, approximately 3,280 participants have been part of an IDEA Ministries program. About one-fifth of field training program alumni have entered vocations with mission agencies; others have gained a clearer vision for mission, and work through churches or agencies at home. Participants have come from 123 colleges and seminaries, and 167 high schools, in 50 States, 7 Canadian Provinces and several other countries.
LONG-TERM SERVICE: IDEA Ministries also provides administrative support and funds-processing for 40 self-supporting workers in Belize, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Egypt, Hungary, India, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain, Turkey and Ukraine.
PRESIDENT: Clark Van Halsema became IDEA's President/CEO in September 2002 after seven years of full-time responsibility in the areas of recruitment and programs. "Pastor Clark" served as an ordained pastor and high school Bible teacher for sixteen years before joining IDEA in 1996.
FOUNDER: IDEA's founder was Clark's father, Dr. Dick L. Van Halsema, past-President of Reformed Bible College (now Kuyper College; Grand Rapids MI). "Dr. Van" passed away in November 2005, but his insights and convictions continue to inform IDEA's core values.
STAFF: In addition to part-time/volunteer staff (in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.), a Core Staff works out of the IDEA Ministries Main Office in Grand Rapids MI. Robin Skestone is IDEA's Office Assistant; Douglas Kelly is our webmaster; and Interns assist with recruitment and program leadership.
SUPPORT: We are completely dependent upon the voluntary contributions of mission-hearted friends. Prayer and contributions are needed to provide support for the Core Staff, to make scholarship help available for qualified program participants, to enhance programs, and to obtain needed equipment. IDEA Ministries is a Michigan-based nonprofit corporation (501.c.3) and a Member of the Barnabas Foundation. Charitable Status for IDEA Ministries has also been granted by Revenue Canada. Both USA and Canadian organizations are served by a Board of Trustees.
