Choosing a Sending Agency
You’ve prayed. You’ve sought wise counsel. Your pastor and church leaders are on board with your decision to pursue missions. It was a big decision which leads to another decision you must now make: with whom?
There are many factors involved in choosing a missions organization. Along with prayer, knowledge about a missions agency is vital in making a good decision. To assist you in the process, here are some questions you should ask as you evaluate various missions boards and determine if they fit with God’s leading in your life.
It is our passion to see Christ glorified – in the nations and in your life. We are committed to helping you make the decision that will bring God the most glory.
Questions to ask a missions organization
Who, what and where?
An important thing to consider in choosing a mission board is finding an organization that will give you the opportunity to minister as God is leading you. If you have a specific who, what and where in mind, look for an organization whose areas of ministry fit with God’s leading in your life. This may help to narrow down your choices.
What do you believe?
Missionaries work in teams, and teams that are in agreement theologically can function more effectively, with fewer conflicts. Find out how the mission’s doctrinal position lines up with your own. Examine it closely to determine if it is biblical and clear. Make sure you understand the mission’s position on sensitive issues such as the modern ecumenical or charismatic movements. Knowing and being in agreement with the mission’s doctrinal statement from the beginning can prevent tension on the field in the years to come.
What are your objectives and strategies?
Missions organizations vary greatly in their goals and scope of focus – from medicine, theological education, communication or relief to more of a general focus on church-planting, evangelism and/or discipleship. Look for an organization whose focus is similar to the focus that God is giving you. Learn about their history and find out if they are open to new ideas and sensitive to missions trends.
How do you handle finances?
There are three basic financial models that most missions organizations follow. Denominational missions often pay missionary salaries from denominational funds using an integrated budgeted system. Some interdenominational boards pool their funds, and each missionary receives an equal share of funds raised for the group’s support. Most independent mission boards, however, require missionaries to raise their financial support in partnership with supporting churches and individuals.
Speaking with the mission’s treasurer or accountant and looking at the mission’s most recent audited financial statement are both helpful in determining just how funds are handled. Questions to ask include:
- What kind of financial model do you follow?
- How are support levels reached?
- Are salary, housing and other expenses adjusted according to family size and the local economy of the field?
- Are living allowances reasonable? Both excessive and inadequate allowances can be a hindrance to effective, God-honoring ministry.
- How are mission-wide expenses raised?
- What percentage of each missionary’s support is used to finance headquarters personnel and expenses?
- Do you belong to an organization, such as the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), for financial accountability?
How do you approach leadership?
Every mission board approaches leadership differently. Find out how they make decisions and how they handle accountability. Questions to ask include:
- Are you directed by a board of trustees or by the mission administration?
- How much autonomy do missionaries on the field have?
- To whom are missionaries accountable?
- To whom are leaders accountable?
- How do you make policies and decisions?
Who decides on issues such as schooling for children and the balance between field ministry and ministry in the home for missionary wives and mothers?
How would you prepare me for the field?
Arriving on the field prepared is important to getting started in effective ministry. Learn how the organization will train and prepare you for a life of long-term service. Do they offer:
- Hands-on experience before arriving on the field, long-term?
- Adequate knowledge about mission fields and people groups?
- Training in raising support?
- Guidance concerning financial requirements?
- Language training?
Many missions organizations require missionary candidates to attend an orientation and training period. This training period may enable you to become familiar with the mission's history, its emphasis, its members and its fields. Candidates often use this information, coupled with prayer and counsel, to reach a decision about where they will serve. These training times also enable those in the mission to become better acquainted with you.
What is expected of missionary candidates?
Find out what the organization looks for in potential missionaries; this will tell you a lot about the mission’s priorities and focus. Many organizations require various types of training or experience, including formal biblical training, technical training and experience in the local church. However, qualifications for missions run much deeper than classroom time or experience, and it’s also important to learn how much an organization stresses the value of individual prayer, Bible study and an attitude of servanthood.
What are your missionaries like?
Learn about the people who minister with organizations that you’re considering; they will provide the most accurate glimpse into what life within an organization is like. Find out why they chose their particular missions agency, and why they are still serving with them. Ask them about their goals and find out what makes them tick. Are they in agreement with the mission as a whole? Are they in agreement with one another? Learning about the people behind the policies is vital to understanding what an organization is really all about.
How do you work with other missions agencies?
Find out how the organization relates to other like-minded agencies. Are they willing to cooperate and share efforts with other organizations to further the spread of the gospel? Is there a spirit of teamwork or competition toward other agencies?
What kind of relationship do you have with churches?
Missions organizations relate differently to churches. Your local sending church will likely be your strongest supporter in prayer and financial support, and a good relationship between them and your missions board is important.
How are missionaries placed on the field?
Find out who would be involved in deciding where and how you will serve. Would the gifts and abilities God has given you be assessed and taken into consideration? What assistance and information would they give to help you in making decisions about where and how to serve? How would you be placed on a team?