How to Be a Missionary

Becoming a missionary is often a life-changing decision, and the details involving the preparation of your mission can be daunting. Fortunately, most mission organizations provide extensive guidance and mentoring provided you meet their qualifications and are committed to your project.

Things You'll Need

• Passport
• Personal identification (birth certificate, social security card, driver's license, etc.)
• Personal and religious references

Instructions

1. Determine that you are ready to go on a mission. Missions are often taken to deprived countries with little comforts, and the conditions may be unsanitary. You may need to leave your job, so you need to determine if your family will come with you, and, in the event that they will not, if they will have what they need to support themselves until your return.

2. Apply for your passport. Since getting a passport can take six weeks or more, get your application in as soon as possible.

3. Speak to your church leader about your desire to become a missionary. Some churches, particularly churches with large congregations, have entire departments devoted to mission services. In either case, you will be directed to speak to someone about the specific requirements. Often, you will also be assigned a mentor who is experienced in mission work. The mentor will help answer your questions and provide general guidance and support.

4. Fill out any necessary applications. These are extensive and usually very personal in nature. Since a missionary is meant to be an example of faith, churches usually choose only those individuals with stellar religious and personal references and those who have demonstrated a solid devotion to the letter of the faith. For some Christian ministries, divorced individuals, homosexuals and those with a history of substance abuse are automatically disqualified based on church doctrine, but other ministries may be more lenient. If you feel that you should not be disqualified based on one of these or other factors, consider looking into another church within your religion or denomination. Requirements can vary dramatically between organizations.

5. Choose a country or region to which you would like to be a missionary. Churches host missions all over the world. Keep in mind that many missions take place in regions that are volatile and possibly dangerous.

6. Take any courses your church requires of you. These often include courses in religious studies, the language of the region you are visiting and first aid.

7. Visit your doctor. You will need to be medically cleared for your mission, and you may need certain vaccinations.

8. Get to know other people who are missionaries. If there are others who will be traveling with you, spend time with them. You will be in difficult situations together. Be understanding and supportive of each other.

Tips & Warnings

• Do your own research on the country you will be visiting. Research the history, politics, laws and local religions.

• If at any point during the process you realize that you are not ready, just back out. You may not want to, but the alternative is being stuck in a foreign country in a very difficult situation. You can always apply again later.

References

• Four Steps to Becoming a Missionary; North American Mission Board