How do I become a mission worker?

From the first step of exploring mission opportunities to preparing for life in another culture, we will support, encourage and equip you to share the good news of Jesus in communities where he is least known.

Mission work isn’t just for pastors or church leaders, God calls people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re a teacher, an engineer, a musician, a student or anything else, your skills and passions can be used to share the love and good news of Jesus. If you feel called to mission work but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

Our teams all work in ministries which have a specific focus on a particular community where Jesus is least known. Many of our workers prayed for the Lord to lay specific people group or community on their heart before they joined SIM. We very much want to see our workers joining us to work as part of a ministry team, so it may that your skills, passions and gifts can be used in new and exciting ways.

From the first step of exploring mission opportunities to preparing for life in another culture, we want to walk alongside you. Below, you can click through each stage of the process to see how we support you along the way.

Become a Mission Worker

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Step 1: Explore mission

Browse and Discover

Explore current mission opportunities and learn how different roles can use your skills to serve others.

Connect and Ask

Reach out to our team with your questions and hear real stories from mission workers.

Pray and involve your church

Seek God’s guidance and talk with your church community as you discern your next steps.

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Step 2: Application process

Start the conversation

Fill out an enquiry form and chat with our team about your story and background.

Share your journey

Submit your application and tell us how your skills, experiences and faith have shaped your calling.

Prepare together

Through interviews and references, we’ll walk with you to ensure you’re ready.

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Step 3: Training and preparation

Get equipped

Receive training in cross-cultural ministry, spiritual preparation and working well with communities.

Learn and grow

Begin learning the language and culture to help build strong, meaningful relationships in your new context.

Stay supported

Work with your church and build a network of prayer and financial partners who will walk with you every step of the way.

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Step 4: Support along the way

You’re not alone

Receive ongoing support from SIM, your church, and a global community of mission workers.

Prayer and provision

Your church will help you build a team of people who pray for you and give towards your work.

Community and care

Stay encouraged through shared experiences and support from others serving alongside you.

Step 1: Explore mission opportunities

Before applying, take time to explore mission opportunities and consider where God may be leading you. Browse our mission opportunities, learn about different roles in mission work, and connect with our team to ask questions. Hear stories from mission workers , and pray about how your skills and passions could be used to serve others. As you explore, have conversations with your church community. They know you best and can help guide you, offering prayer and encouragement.

Step 2: Application Process

Once you feel ready to move forward, it’s time to begin the application process. This is an exciting step, and it’s all about getting to know you better and helping you get prepared for the next season of service.

  • Start by filling out an enquiry form. This is your first step in letting us know you’re interested.
  • Our team will set up a time to talk with you about your background, your story, and your interest in mission work. This is a chance for us to hear about your heart for serving others and how your church community has supported you in this calling.
  • You’ll submit an application where you share more about your experiences, education, and skills, and how they have prepared you for this work. We’ll also talk through your alignment with our Purpose, Mission and Vision and our Core Values.
  • We’ll walk through an interview and ask for references, including a recommendation from your church, to get a sense of your readiness and the ways you’ve been growing in your faith and mission calling.
  • Together, we’ll assess the emotional, physical, and spiritual preparation you’ve undergone. This isn’t about being perfect, but making sure you’re healthy and ready to take on the challenges and joys of mission life.

Step 3: Training and preparation

Once you’ve been accepted as an SIM mission worker, the next step of your journey is equipping you for the work ahead.

  • You’ll take part in training that covers cross-cultural understanding, working with communities, and how to navigate the spiritual challenges you may face.
  • Learning the language and understanding the culture of the people you’ll be working with is key to building meaningful relationships.
  • You’ll also learn how to build a network of prayer partners and financial supporters to help sustain you during your time of service.

Your church will continue to be a big part of your journey. They’ll support you in raising funds, praying for you, and keeping you grounded as you prepare for your time in SIM. They will be there to cheer you on and remind you that you are not alone.

Step 4: Support along the way

Mission work can be challenging, and it’s important to know that you’re never doing this alone. You’ll have the support of SIM, your church community, and fellow mission workers.

  • You’ll be supported both financially and through prayer. Your church will likely help you find people who believe in your work and are willing to support you.
  • You’ll also be surrounded by a community of other mission workers, sharing experiences, learning from each other, and providing mutual support along the way.

Step 5: Ready to start?

After your training is complete and you’ve raised your support, it’s time to serve God overseas. This is where all your preparation comes together, and you begin the exciting work of spreading the gospel in a community where Christ is least known.

  • We will help match you with the right ministry team and location based on your skills, passions, and where God has called you.
  • Once you arrive, you’ll undergo an orientation to learn about the culture, safety procedures, and the practical aspects of living in your new environment.
  • You’ll begin language studies and immerse yourself in the ministry, building relationships and serving the people around you.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”

Enquiry form

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Explore opportunities

Discover how your skills, passions, gifts and experience can be used to share Jesus with those who have never heard.

What is Mission?

We believe God's mission is summed up by the Great Commission in Matthew 28, in which Jesus tells his disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all na...

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Pathways to Mission

There are many routes into mission - and into a ministry which is seeking to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known...

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Churches

Could God be leading your church to inspire others into mission? Be part of the story God is writing around the world, by sending or supporting.

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