*Note, the online version of this document is for your own evaluation.

Download the Qualifications for Missionary Service Document

Qualifications for Missionary Service (General Information)

1. Spiritual. These factors are to be considered:

• Testimony of Conversion, Baptism, Membership in a Free Will Baptist church within the National Association of Free Will Baptists. Must believe in the doctrinal position of our denomination. Must agree to observe the ordinances set forth in our Treatise.
• Should be a mature Christian. The candidate's reputation must be above reproach in every way. The fruits of the spirit should be evident in the candidate's life. Should show maturity regarding financial responsibility.
• The missionary candidate must be an ordained Free Will Baptist minister in good standing
  with his local church and association.

2. Physical and Psychological

• The missionary candidate should be of good health. Should be free of any impairment that would be an impediment to competent service.
• The missionary candidate must be psychologically stable without a history of psychological malfunction.
• Coming to the Home Missions Department must not be because of poor success in the pastorate or some other traumatic experience.

3. Marital Status

• The Free Will Baptist Home Missions Department chooses not to send out single missionaries.
• Married couples should share similar convictions and dedication. Candidates must be qualified according to scriptural standards (1Timothy, etc.). Divorced persons will not be considered.

4. Education

• The candidate must be a high school graduate or required equivalent.
• The candidate should be a graduate of a Free Will Baptist College with a degree in Bible, pastoral training, or mission studies. In certain cases, extended pastoral experience with success will be considered in lieu of formal training.
• In conjunction with formal studies he must have two years of experience as pastor of a Free Will Baptist church.
• The candidate must have experience in soul winning and visitation. He must have learned in the pastorate how to build an indigenous church or be willing to acquire these skills through internship.
• He must understand the structure and organization of a church so as to organize and build his own congregation.

5. Raising Support

• The missionary must hold itinerate services raising cash and faith promises until he has $20,000 cash in his account and faith promises of one a half of his total salary package.
• lf the missionary is to be a joint-project with a state mission board, there will be certain requirements of financial support that will be discussed and fulfilled with the candidate and the state board.

We trust that individuals wishing to become a missionary will have developed in the area of "people skills." He should have high standards and should be a self-motivated person. Above all, the candidate must have experience in "soul winning." He should have developed a philosophy and methodology of how to plant a Free Will Baptist church. Thank you so very much for your inquiry. If you wish to continue the process, please move forward to the Questions to Ask Yourself. We are delighted with your interest. If I can help you, please do not hesitate to call.

In His service,
Larry A. Powell

General Director