Am I Ready?
Here are the qualities we're looking for in missionary candidates:
Conversion
Have you had a definite experience of salvation through Christ? The gospel is at the core of everything that we do, so it is essential that you are personally following Christ and know Him as your Savior and Lord.
Active commitment to the church
Are you actively participating in a local church or Christian faith community? Preparation for cross-cultural service must first start by serving in your own culture. Have you served in your local church? Do they know you? Are they committed to sending you out as their own? Will you share your ministry with them?
Consecration
Do you recognize Christ's lordship in every area of your life? Missionary service requires a commitment to Christ-like living Monday through Saturday, not just on Sunday. Are you humbly asking God to continually transform you so your life reflects Christ? Do you demonstrate repentance and reliance on Christ as you fall short? Do you look to the Bible to guide how you live your everyday life?
Servanthood
Are you willing to be a servant leader? Are you willing to humbly identify with the cultures and peoples of Latin America? Do you have a servant attitude? We want to see the Latin Church setting the agenda for ministry, outreach and goals, not just taking the agenda we bring to them. Are you ready to put your own agenda aside and humbly serve with your Latin brothers and sisters?
Character
Who do your friends and family say you are? Do your church, friends and colleagues consider you a person of integrity and good character? Would they want you serving by their side?
Adaptability
Do you have a flexible attitude? Are you willing to serve even in humble circumstances or situations? The only sure things in missions is that plans will often change. Are you ready to hold loosely your plans and dreams and trust God to guard and protect them?
Call
Do you feel personal responsibility for making Christ known? For some, there was a moment when they felt or "heard" clear direction from God. For others this is a growing awareness, or a general leading in their heart. However it has happened, do you feel this pull?
Doctrine
Can you give a wholehearted acceptance of the basic doctrines of the Christian faith as expressed in the LAM statement of faith? As an interdenominational ministry, we try to focus on the essentials, but are you comfortable agreeing on these core beliefs?
Preparation
Do you have adequate preparation for ministry in general as well as your specific assignment? We look at all types of preparation, regardless of the country, language or setting.
Bible Training
For long-term missionaries, ideally we are looking for 30 hours of Bible and ministry training, but we don't require this to all be completed prior to application for missionary service. Basically, we look at each candidate to see if you have a sufficient foundation of Biblical knowledge. Missionaries may continue to work on this during their deputation, language school and early ministry. In fact, we encourage everyone to continue learning and growing, especially in our knowledge of the Bible.
This may include:
- Undergraduate Bible and Religion courses (such as New Testament, Old Testament, Theology, Philosophy, etc.)
- Bible or ministry school programs
- Bible Study Fellowship (= 3 hours per semester)
- Perspectives Program (= 6 hours of training)
- Other group Bible studies or study programs
Professional/Academic Training
For most jobs, this would require a minimum of a university or technical degree, or comparable experience and/or training. Specific opportunities will list those requirements. For example:
- Teaching (undergraduate): B.A. or B.S. in applicable field
- Teaching (seminary): MA or M.Div.
- Youth Ministry: Bible school degree, BA in Bible or ministry, etc.
Would you like to explore missionary service?
