IMB Going - Long-term missions

The International Mission Board has determined that long-term effectiveness of missionary personnel is closely related to solid academic preparation, especially in biblical, missiological and theological areas. Thus, the following expectations should be understood:

For 20-hour and 30-hour requirements, the IMB recommends certain courses that will provide the foundation the missionary will need as they approach their task. There is flexibility in the classes you can take. However, we do ask that the courses be in the areas of biblical studies, missions, church history, anthropology and theology. Be sure to review course selections with your consultant.

Read more about the 20 hour curriculum — Read more about the 30 hour curriculum

Missionary Apprentices are encouraged to have these requirements completed before appointment. However, for those who are not able to complete those studies before beginning their apprentice term, we would suggest the following as an alternative method for completing these requirements:

What is the role of the missionary wife?

When couples are appointed as Apprentice personnel, both husband and wife are appointed and are considered fully qualified missionaries. It is assumed that both the husband and wife must express a clear sense of call to missions. Husband and wifewill complete all of the application materials.

Husbands generally are matched to the primary assignment of a job description. Their education, skills, and experience are considered when choosing this assignment. In this context, wives usually have two options for service.

First, the majority of wives are appointed in the role of church and home. In many situations the wives take on the responsibility of providing for the home and the education of their children. The church and home assignment assumes that the wives will find a significant and meaningful area of ministry. At the same time they are able to limit that involvement when there are family responsibilities that need to be handled. This provides for the best of two worlds: the opportunity to dedicate time and energy on family needs while at the same time having a significant involvement in the ministry on the field.

Second, some wives choose to be appointed with a specific, full-time assignment. That means the wife would fill an additional request from the field. In that event it is necessary for the wife to have all of the educational and experiential requirements that would be required in a primary assignment. The primary reason wives choose this option is because they possess professional skills that they want to use in a specific way on the field.

What are the educational requirements for missionaries serving in the church and home ministries role?

Missionaries serving in the church and home role are encouraged to have as much education as possible. Those seeking long-term career service are required to have at least 60 hours of general Bachelor’s level courses or 15 hours of biblical, theological and missiological courses. Spouses are not required to have seminary training.

What are the medical requirements?

There are two primary issues we consider when it comes to medical concerns. First, does the applicant or a family member have health issues that would make it difficult to live and function in another country? Health issues may become even more critical overseas so it is important that applicants possess robust health.

The second question that must be answered is, can we provide adequate medical care for that person or any family member in the location where they will be living.

What do we do about children's education?

Each job request will define the educational options for missionary children. In general there are the following options: Home schooling, local national schools, local international schools and boarding schools. The IMB is committed to providing adequate education for missionary children on the field. There are allowances provided to cover the costs for educating children overseas. At the same time some institutions are prohibitively expensive and would not be an option even though the school would be otherwise available.

When do salary and benefits begin?

Generally salary and benefits will start one month before the missionary begins orientation at the Missionary Learning Center.

How often are Candidate Conferences held?

There is a Candidate Conference scheduled for nearly every month of the calendar year. We generally prefer to have the Candidate Conference reservation made at least one month in advance of participation. The conferences are held at the IMB headquarters in Richmond, VA.

How often are appointment services scheduled?

Appointment services are scheduled six times a year. They are conducted as a part of the regularly scheduled meetings of the trustees. One of those services is held in Richmond. The others are held in various parts of the United States in order to provide Southern Baptists with the opportunity to attend such a service.

What should I do if I am not sure about where God is leading me to serve?

Many people have a sense that God is leading them to overseas service but are not sure about where they should serve. We would encourage you to pray for God's leadership as you review personnel requests from various parts of the world using the job search page on this sight. Begin praying about and studying unreached people groups. Consider the Top Priority Needs that the IMB has identified. Ask God to direct your search. God will use these efforts to clarify the direction of your call. Often when a person is able to focus in on a specific assignment, then the sense of call takes on a clearer definition and urgency.

What is the role of IMB trustees in the application process?

The IMB is led by a board of trustees that are appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention. The trustees establish the policies that guide the appointment process. In addition, a subcommittee of trustees reviews each application prior to appointment. A synopsis of the applicant's written materials are shared with trustees. The candidate consultant reviews the application with trustees and answers questions. The trustees vote on whether to recommend the applicant for appointment. Immediately following the meeting the consultant calls the applicant with the results of the decision. During appointment week, the trustees meet with the candidates in a small group setting. Then during the appointment service, the trustees formally vote to appoint the candidates as missionaries.

If I apply, must I have all the details worked out first?

We would encourage you to use the application process to think through God's leadership in your life. You may have some initial direction, but there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. Take the first step and our consultant staff will help you find the answers to your questions and assist you in discovering and fulfilling God's will for your life.