Missionary Candidate Seminar

Candidate Seminar is held at the ABWE International Administration and Training Center in Harrisburg, PA. All candidates for career missionary service are required to attend the seminar.

Upcoming Candidate Seminar Date(s)

March 11-19
July 5-19

Those who choose the March Seminar will come back in July for Recognition Service on July 13, Good Soil Evangelism and Discipleship training July 14, 15 and Missionary Enrichment Conference July 16-19. (Children are welcome to attend the ME Conference with their parents.)

Purpose

The purpose of the Candidate Seminar is fourfold:

  • To instill into the candidate a growing understanding of, and identification with, the ABWE spirit and philosophy of ministry
  • To complete the screening of potential ABWE career and short -term missionaries
  • To discover/confirm God’s direction concerning choice of field
  • To equip them for the next step of pre-field ministry

Seminar Topics

Many topics are covered during Candidate Seminar, such as: financial policies and procedures, marriage and the family, field presentations, ABWE history and distinctives, etc. Interviews are scheduled for candidates to meet with field administrators, Mobilization personnel, the mission counselor, medical director, etc. The seminar is a time of bonding with other candidates - with others who have like goals and aspirations and who have surrendered their lives to serving God on the mission fields of the world. What a blessed time of learning and sharing! Each candidate presents his/her testimony during the first day of the seminar. Many of the administrators also share their testimonies. It is truly a blessing to see how God works to bring so many people to the place He has chosen for them to serve.

Recognition Service

The Recognition Service is the formal ceremony of induction for new appointees into the ABWE family. It will take place on July 13th. Relatives and pastors are encouraged to attend this meaningful service as the candidate officially begins his/her missionary career. We praise God for His goodness in providing us with these choice servants who will pierce the darkness with the glorious message of salvation.

Attendee Information

Application Dates

The application cut-off dates for the 2012 Candidate Seminars are February 12 and June 7.

Board Interviews

Toward the end of Candidate Seminar, candidates meet with the ABWE Board. The Board interview consists of the candidate's testimony, followed by questions. After the interview the Board votes regarding acceptance and appointment to the chosen field of service.

Housing & Meals

Candidates stay in a local motel. Lunch and dinner are provided at the ABWE headquarters. Candidates are the guests of ABWE with no financial responsibility for room, board, and training. Travel expenses to and from Harrisburg are the candidate's responsibility.

Children

We are unable to accommodate children of candidates during Candidate Seminar. Candidates are expected to make arrangements for the care of their children during this time, unless they bring a full-time sitter. In these cases the candidates must provide for the room and board of the sitter and children. Nursing infants less than one year old may be brought to the classes. A nursery will be provided.

For more information regarding the ABWE Candidate Seminar, contact Donna Ritchie (Ext. 2352) or Linda Griffiths (Ext. 2395) in the Missionary Mobilization Department. Our toll-free number is (877)636-5478.