What We Do
Short-Term Missions
Steps to Service
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Qualifications:
Spiritual maturity, measured in terms as:
- Conversion—a definite experience of salvation through Christ.
- Consecration—recognition of the lordship of Christ in every area of life.
- Call—conviction of personal responsibility for making Christ known in Latin America.
- Service—willingness to identify sensitively with the culture of Latin America and its peoples and have a servant attitude.
- Doctrine—wholehearted acceptance of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed in the doctrinal statement of the Mission.
- Character—as attested to by church, friends and colleagues.
- Adaptability—basic flexibility of attitude, willingness to minister in areas of service, even if humble circumstances or situations.
- Active commitment to the church and participation in a local expression of the Body of Christ.
- Servanthood—willingness to be a servant leader is the key to successfully integrating into Latin America. Having a servant's heart is essential.
Age and experience:
Those who apply should demonstrate an interest in service and give evidence
of being used of God in their own church in the past. Generally, those of
college age and older are considered for service for individual placements.
Younger people are often considered as part of a work team from a church.
Couples:
In the case of married candidates, both the man and the woman will be expected
to comply with all requirements, unless otherwise stated in advance when
service is discussed with the Short-term Missions Coordinator.
Candidate Procedures for Short-term Missions
- Preliminary Information
Form (PIF):
If you are interested in exploring opportunities for short-term service with LAM, you may write us for information and the PIF, or you may click the link above and apply electronically. This form will not obligate you in any way, but will help us to begin to explore your interest in short-term service. It will help us ascertain your skills, interest, and provide basic information. On the basis of your PIF, we will consider our ministry needs and match you up with your interests, gifts and abilities. If you match up, you will be contacted and encouraged to complete the rest of the application. - Formal Application:
The application consists of a questionnaire, a request for your personal statement of doctrinal conviction, a medical questionnaire, and a Statement of Conduct. You will be requested to get a police clearance, and obtain 3 references. At the time you mail in your application, you will need to send two photos and the application fee. - Acceptance:
Your application will be reviewed by at least two people. One other person may review it. Once it has been reviewed, you will be notified of your acceptance status by phone, e-mail, or in a formal letter. During the application process, the Short-term Missions Coordinator may explore ministry possibilities with you to pray about. A complete description will not be available until after your official acceptance. Once you are accepted, more detail of the ministries can be discussed. - Mailings:
Various pieces will be mailed, including an insurance form, an emergency contact sheet, a book to help you prepare spiritually, and a Preparation Handbook with practical information. Later as e-mail and calls increase, you will be given more information concerning your ministry, the dates for orientation and debrief, a list of costs, and how you should handle travel arrangements. - Orientation/Debrief:
All Short Term participants are required to attend an orientation & debrief session. These sessions usually last 3 days and can occur in Miami or on assignment. Orientation offers valuable information on the Latin culture and church, the language, and things you will need in order to function during your short-term experience. A time of debrief at the end of your experience helps you prepare to re-enter your home culture by processing the past, present & future. It is the final step of your short-term experience.
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