Serve with ABWE
Who Should Apply?
Spiritual maturity, quality education, and ministry experience are all vital components of preparation for missionary service. ABWE sets specific qualifications for missionary candidates.
We desire to help you meet those qualifications. If you believe God is directing you to pursue missionary service, we would like to work alongside you. Allow us to help you set long range goals and guide you through the completion of your education and gaining of ministry experience.
Missionary service demands a commitment to excellence. The qualifications for vocational missionary candidates are listed below.
Citizenship
Citizenship must be of the USA or Canada, regardless of ethnic or national background. Legal immigrants (alien residents) who have resided at least four years in the USA or Canada and have applied for citizenship are also eligible.
Education
Educational requirements are determined by the type and location of ministry.
Church Membership
Membership in an independent Baptist church whose doctrinal position and practice is compatible with that of ABWE. ABWE defines a Baptist church as a church that holds to and practices the historic Baptist distinctives as stated in our doctrinal statement. These distinctives must be reflected in the church's constitution or its doctrinal statement.
Principles & Practices/Doctrine
In order to create a harmonious team committed to the Baptist distinctives, it is necessary for all candidates to be in complete agreement with ABWE's doctrinal statement and Principles and Practices.
Testimony
Candidates must evidence that they are truly born again and reflect the essential characteristics of Christian testimony as found in Acts 11:24. This passage describes the qualities of Barnabas, a church planter of wisdom and spiritual stature, sent to Antioch. He was a "good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith."
Ministry Experience
It is important for candidates to be involved in local church activities. Experience in personal evangelism, discipleship, and preaching/teaching God's Word is essential.