If you're looking at this page, you certainly know that the path to becoming a missionary starts with lots of questions. We're hoping to help answer some of those questions. Not every mission agency is right for each ministry and missionary. Our answers are intended to help you determine if FIM is the right one for you.
Please select a question of interest to you to see the answer.
FIM's educational requirements are somewhat situational, but we require a minimum number of hours in bible training in a undergrad setting or equivalent training approved by us. Various ministries may require other types of preparation such as training in biblical counseling, childcare or well drilling.
The local church is an important part of a successful ministry. You can learn about how your church will be an important partner in ministry in our Operational Distinctives page.
We have some paperwork that will take you through your vision. It is a mandatory part of the process of being a missionary with FIM. You can find the document Developing a Personal Mission Statement in our Learn About Missions portion of the website if you would like to get a head start.
You will be asked questions that we have designed to stimulate you to think deeply about various aspects and help draw out your thoughts into a more organized package that will help you understand your vision more clearly. Once you've completed this we'll be asking your more questions along the way. When you come to Candidate Orientation you will learn to share that vision with others.
Mission agencies are extremely varied in their approach, procedures and objectives. At FIM we are concerned primarily with your call and understand that not everyone is called to do something that FIM is excellent at. Many agencies excel in certain areas of ministry such as bible translation, tribal ministry and children's ministry. Others are excellent in certain parts of the world, understanding the culture and challenges related to those ministries. If you can find an agency that is able to support you doing what God has called you to do and provide focused support on your type or location of ministry, we encourage you to consider them.
FIM excels in providing a platform for launching missionaries into ministries that God has called them to, but can not find that focused support structure. Many times, missionaries on a field with another agency will feel the tug away from the expertise of their agency and will find FIM to be a good place to land. Other times the style of operation can become a hurdle for certain types of ministry. We fill the gaps between the agencies that excel in their specific areas, making sure you are able to serve as God has called you.
If you'd like to dig into more aspects of what can make an agency fit you, you may found our document How to Choose a Mission Agency helpful. It will step you through many more considerations.