What is the ALMI Organizational Structure?

Posted Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Often we at ALMI are asked, "How can I become a part of this ministry?" Here is a secret: You already are a part of this ministry. ALMI does not strive to become that which is typically associated with being an international organization: methods, programs, buildings, and staff members. ALMI does not seek to create a kingdom. Instead, it recognizes the organism that already exists called the Vine and the branches. Imagine two separate branches in vases on a table, each trying to graft other branches onto themselves and both competing, but neither completing. The branches in the vases are recruiting to themselves. In contrast, now imagine two branches connected by the same Vine; though unique, both have the same Life flowing in them, creating a perfect completion. Christ is the Vine, and we are all connected to His organization and kingdom, which is a living organism. We at ALMI are not recruiting but recognizing. Once a branch is recognized as having a like call and passion, we encourage that personal ministry by offering training and the free use of the materials. It is not our goal to add staff in the conventional sense, but to recognize staff throughout the world and support them as co-laborers. Because it is our conviction that with the call comes the physical provision, we recognize that a branch's provision comes from the Vine, not ALMI. This has been a very effective approach over the years, since there are now hundreds of Vine-connected branches who have started their own self-supported ministries or stayed in their place of ministry to share the abiding life. We call this a WITH approach to ministry. One branch is not above nor under another, but they minister WITH one another on the Vine. ALMI's resources are not put into the physical realm of financially supporting staff and buildings, but rather are used specifically for training, the translation of materials, the publication of materials, the hosting of conferences in developing countries, and the presentation of John 15 to support those in the WITH ministry. ALMI has been pruned of the superfluous, thus creating a very lean and cost-effective ministry. If you sense the call of the Vine to be a WITH branch, please contact us, and we will do all we can to support you in your place of ministry through training, materials, and contacts. For a list of national or international ministries already operating in a WITH capacity, please see the list elsewhere on this website.