How to become an Assembly of God missionary

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• How to become an Assembly of God missionary

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WHAT MUST I DO TO BECOME A MISSIONARY?

• This question is asked every day - by teens,
  college students, children, pastors, and even
  grandparents.

Where do I start? Who do I ask? How
do I know if I have a call? What steps should I
take?
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THE FIRST STEP IS TO MAKE YOURSELF AVAILABLE TO
GOD

• Making yourself available is not a call.
• It only means that you are willing to obey
  God in whatever He calls you to do.

Remember when God asked, Whom shall I send? And
who will go for us? Isaiah responded, Here am
I. Send me!
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LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT THAT
GOD IS CALLING YOU TO BE A MISSIONARY

• After Isaiah made himself available, God called
  him saying, Go and tell this people

Confirm your call through prayer and reading good
literature about missions and missionaries
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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MISSIONARY?

• Missionary means one who is sent.
• Although we are all called to be witnesses (Acts
  18), not everyone is called to be a missionary.
  (Romans 10)
• A missionary is normally sent to
• Another people
• Another culture
• Possibly to another country and language

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IT WILL INCLUDE
THE MISSIONARY CALL MAY COME IN A VARIETY OF
WAYS.

• A growing concern for the lost
• An increasing interest in the needs of the
  mission field
• A definite conviction that God wants you to
  commit your life to helping meet those needs

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TO BE A MISSIONARY YOU MUST

• Be properly equipped
• Be adequately trained
• Be sufficiently experienced to do the job God is
  calling you to do

God weaves into a life the qualities, gifts, and
abilities that are especially suited to a
particular task.
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MINISTERIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
MISSIONARY CANDIDATE

• Should be ordained
• Should have at least 2 consecutive years of
  pastoral experience
• Must have district endorsement
• Should have an undergraduate degree (Preferably
  in Bible/Missions)
• Must have a proven ministry

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MISSIONARY CANDIDATE

• Must be in good health
• Must have minimal debt
• Age is a factor but not a roadblock
• Size of family and ages of children living at
  home are a consideration
• Must have the ability to raise a budget

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THERE MAY BE EXCEPTIONS TO THESE GUIDELINES

• A young licensed minister may qualify for
  approval as a Missionary in Training
• Professional specialists such as doctors or
  nurses, teachers, publishers, or business
  administrators will be expected to have the
  equivalent credentials and experience

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SHARE YOUR BURDEN WITH A GODLY, TRUSTED FRIEND

• Make sure it is done in confidence
• Dont make it generally known that you think God
  is calling you
• Wait until your call has been validated by your
  leadership before making it public
• This could save embarrassment to you and your
  family

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TALK TO THE LEADERS OF YOUR DISTRICT

• District leadership will want to know you, sense
  your burden, and review your ministerial
  experience
• In order to receive missionary appointment with
  the A/G you must be endorsed by the district and
  hold credentials with that district
• Some districts have a screening committee for
  missionary applicants

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CONTACT THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT OF THE DIVISION
OF FOREIGN MISSIONS AND SHARE WITH THEM
YOUR BURDEN

• They will inform you more specifically about
  requirements to fit your particular situation.
• If appropriate, preliminary forms will be sent to
  you

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COMPLETE AND RETURN THE PRELIMINARY FORMS

• The regional director of the area of your choice
  will review them
• District leadership will be asked for an
  endorsement
• If both responses are positive, the FMC will
  study your file
• With their approval, additional forms will be
  sent to begin processing your application

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ATTEND THE WEEK-LONG INTERVIEWS AND ORIENTATION
WITH THE FOREIGN MISSIONS COMMITTEE. YOU WILL

• Meet with the director of your intended area
• Take language aptitude and Bible content exams
• Receive a general orientation about policies and
  procedures
• Interview with the FMC

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IF APPROVED, YOUR FILE WILL BE PASSED ON TO THE
FOREIGN MISSIONS BOARD

• These leading officials and pastors will review
  the records and recommendations
• If approved, you will be notified immediately
• The whole process will take a minimum of 4 to 6
  months

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CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW AN APPROVED
CANDIDATE. YOU MAY NOW

• Make an orderly withdrawal from your current
  ministry
• Begin raising required pledges to go on monthly
  allowance
• Begin scheduling services
• Prepare stationary and prayer cards

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ITS TIME TO HIT THE DEPUTATION ROAD!

• Most candidates itinerate from 12 to 15 months
• You will travel tens of thousands of miles and
  preach in scores of churches
• You may be separated from family for weeks at a
  time
• Your body will grow tired and your call will be
  tested

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MISSIONS IS ALL ABOUT FAITH

• Faith to accept Gods call
• Faith to believe God for the needed support
• Faith to learn another culture and language
• Faith to take your family into the unknown

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FAITH TO TAKE LIGHT INTO THE DARKNESS