ExT missionary candidates must, of course, meet certain requirements to qualify for service, such as education, experience, etc.  But first comes first: considerations of the heart.

-We're looking for believers who are grateful. Our love for Jesus and His Kingdom purposes is often expressed most as we understand the depths of our own "lostness" before He found us. A thankful heart offers self-denying service at the discretion of the King who extended pardon.

-We're seeking those who understand their responsibility to be global Christians. These are followers who embrace the biblical mandate to make disciples of all nations; recognize their personal responsibility and accountability for that mandate; and are willing to take intelligent, strategic, Spirit-guided action toward fulfilling that mandate.

-We're searching for believers who are missional and who participate in gift-oriented ministry in their local congregations. Passion for the glory of God and those outside the family of faith cannot simply be "turned on" once a person arrives in a foreign country ... if you don't have it here, you likely won't have it there.

-We are interested in balanced, Spirit-filled Jesus lovers. Love for Jesus is not only contagious, but it is also the foundation for any effective ministry. Though they are not always perfect, balanced people – under the influence of the Holy Spirit – are on a growing path, finding an increasing level of emotional, social, spiritual and physical wholeness. This is the kind of faith-life we want to help reproduce!

-We are in quest of prayerful, dependent disciples – ferociously loyal to Jesus, zealous for God's glory, considerate, gracious and committed to our mission team. Just as human effort can never fix human sinfulness, neither can human leadership fix human lostness. Human strategy can never fix human aimlessness, and human counseling can never fix human brokenness. Human reason can never fix human confusion, and human excellence can never fix human boredom. Our missionaries, like those called to mission here in North America, must completely understand the need for the transforming power of God – not the devices and plans of man – for life's solution.

-We are praying for those who understand that all believers are called and are convinced that the best thing they personally can do with their life (given their gifts, abilities, passions and resources) is to invest it in communicating love to the billions who still need Jesus – to join the Lord of the Harvest in His Kingdom passion.

Some Further Considerations ...

Here are a few additional things to think about if you are contemplating a possible calling to minister overseas.  These thoughts are offered not to dissuade you from missionary service, but to give you some important points to consider as you prayerfully seek God for your future. 

Health: If you have a health issue which may present a challenge while living overseas, it is important to consider if such service is right for you.  Possibly the choice of field will be affected by your medical needs.  All FMWM ExT missionary candidates must receive medical clearance from our physician (a travel medicine specialist) before being approved.  Discuss any such medical concerns beforehand with your own physician, pastor and FMWM advisors.

Culture Shock:  The process of moving to a new country with a different culture, language and way of life affects all expatriates and causes them to go through a period of adjustment known as culture shock.  Issues such as mental and emotional conditions and/or marital and family discord that affect the ability to adapt to and live in a new place (often with a lower level of support and resources than at home) should be carefully and prayerfully considered.

Children: Many agencies will not send missionary families to the field who have children over the age of 12.  Why?  Because of concern for the young teen's development being negatively affected by the difficult process of culture shock and adaption at a sensitive life stage.  FMWM does not have any kind of age requirement for missionary children, but does ask parents to carefully consider this issue and make it a matter of prayer before moving forward.  Special physical or educational needs for children are also a big issue - we advise you to discuss such concerns with your pastor and FMWM advisors.

Debt: FMWM normally asks that all ExT missionary candidates be debt-free, or at least conclusively demonstrate that they can cover any outstanding obligations while on the field.  A missionary's support is intended to cover their needs and should be adequate to do so, but is not usually enough to accomodate payments on debt.  FMWM realizes that adjustment to a new country and culture, as well as cross-cultural service, is in itself a challenge, and it is unwise to add the stress of financial debt.

Intrigued?  Read about specific qualifications.  Take the third step. 

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