We have coaches to help clarify your calling.

Step 1: Clarifying Your Calling

The missionary journey begins not with an application, but with a calling from God that is affirmed by your local church community. This is a crucial season of prayer, study, and seeking wise counsel to discern if this is the path God has for you.



• Prayer and Scripture: Spend dedicated time in prayer, asking God for clarity, wisdom, and a deeper love for the nations. Immerse yourself in scripture, particularly passages related to God's heart for the lost, such as Psalm 67, Isaiah 6, Matthew 28, and Acts 1.
• Local Church Involvement: A missionary is not a "lone ranger"; they are sent out by their local church as an extension of its ministry. Get deeply involved in your church. Serve faithfully, lead a small group, and begin sharing your sense of calling with your pastor and elders. Their affirmation and guidance are a critical part of confirming your call.

Step 2: Understanding the Qualifications

While every missionary role is different, mission agencies look for several core qualifications in candidates. These are not about being perfect, but about having a solid foundation for a life of demanding, cross-cultural ministry.

• Spiritual Maturity: A deep, personal, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ is the absolute foundation. This is demonstrated by a solid understanding of Christian doctrine, a consistent prayer life, and the fruit of the Spirit in your character.
• Emotional & Relational Health: Life on the mission field can be stressful. Agencies look for candidates who show resilience, self-awareness, adaptability, and the ability to work well as part of a diverse team.
• Practical Skills & Ministry Experience: This is where your unique, God-given talents come in. It can include professional skills (like teaching, healthcare, accounting, or IT) or practical ministry experience gained through serving in your local church and community.

Step 3: The Role of a Mission Agency

While the local church is the sender, a mission agency provides the essential infrastructure, expertise, and support for effective, long-term ministry. At SEND International, we see ourselves as a bridge, partnering with churches to handle the complex logistics of sending and sustaining missionaries in the world's most difficult places.

Our comprehensive support infrastructure is designed to empower you to thrive, not just survive:

• Strategic Training and Preparation: We have a rigorous 12-18 month preparation process covering fundraising, cultural assimilation, and ministry effectiveness.
• Complete Protection and Crisis Response: From comprehensive insurance to a unique worldwide security team that provides emergency extraction, we are committed to your safety and well-being.
• Family-Centered Care: We provide robust educational and emotional support for missionary children (Third Culture Kids) and comprehensive care that sustains the entire family through decades of service.

Step 4: The Application and Preparation Process

Once you connect with an agency like SEND, the process becomes more formal. It generally involves a detailed application, interviews, and assessments to ensure you are well-prepared for the field. If approved, this leads to a personalized 12-18 month preparation plan where we walk alongside you and your church as you build your prayer and financial support team, equipping you for the journey ahead.

Ready to Explore Your Calling?

The journey to the mission field is a significant one, but you don't have to walk it alone. To help you discern your next step, we've created a practical self-assessment tool. Download our "Missionary Readiness Checklist" to prayerfully consider where you are in the process.

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