Categories of Service

Our missionaries come from many backgrounds and fill a wide range of needs. We focus most on discerning who God is calling, then deal with the specific ministries later. There are a number of different categories of service open to you depending on your commitment, stage in life and training.

Project Team 1–4 weeks Hands on, short-term

Project teams are great ways for a church to work together to make an impact on the mission field. Construction, children’s VBS and medical outreach are some of the possibilities. They give an intense opportunity to expand your world and to grow your understanding of God and His people. For more information go here, or contact teams@southamericamission.org.

Read stories of recent project teams

Intern 1–6 months Ministry exploration by immersion

Our internships provide a hands on ministry experience and real exposure to missionary work. They are ideal for young people looking to understand God’s call on their life. Because we are a small organization, we can work with qualified individuals to custom build an internship. We also offer summer internships to college students.  Countries of service will be determined by year end.  We are currently accepting applications from individuals 19 and older, demonstrating a strong relationship with the Lord. To find out more or to request an application, e-mail mobilization@samlink.org.

Read stories of recent interns

Brenda Burney - Bolivia, 2005

Tiffany Koon - Bolivia, 2004

Special Service Personnel 6–12 months Fill a need now!

The SSP program is designed to get qualified individuals to the field quickly to fill a particular need. These missionaries are often missionary kid teachers, technology specialists, aircraft mechanics, etc. As employees of the mission, they receive a basic salary to cover their living expenses. SSPs have a great opportunity to make a real contribution while learning the language and culture and to grow spiritually as they are mentored by more experienced missionaries.

Associate 1–3 years A season of service

Associate Members are missionaries who make up to a three year commitment to serve the Lord in South America. Associates participate in our annual Candidate Orientation and receive language training according to their ministry assignment. They are directly involved in key ministries, including life on life discipleship. The Mission is committed to the ongoing development of Associates as they consider a lifetime of service.

Member 3 years or more Build the future

Members are our core personnel. They have demonstrated a clear call to mission work and have received specific academic training to help make them effective in cross-cultural ministry. Member Missionaries, along with Associates, prayerfully set the direction of our ministries and provide the stability and vision to make us effective.

Who can be a missionary?

We enter the new century with a real desire to take new initiatives and to grow in our effectiveness. Towards that end, we are asking the Lord to send workers into His harvest field to serve with us. Here are some of the main things we look for as we explore calling with missionary candidates.

• A vibrant relationship with and love for God.
• Healthy interpersonal relationships characterized by love and godliness.
• Spiritual gifts and calling demonstrated in a lifestyle of ministry.
• Commitment to and support from a local church body.
• Humility and teachability.
• Passion for God’s glory.

There are, of course, other qualifications for specific roles and ministries (a complete list of requirements is available in “Principles and Practice of South America Mission”). However, we want to see people surrendered to Christ first. With that as a start we build on the particular skills each person brings.

Our personnel work together to make South America Mission effective in the work God has entrusted to us. Each person contributes through their particular spiritual gifts and talents. Our more experienced personnel bring perspective and theological soundness. New missionaries bring energy and dreams. We find that the new generation of missionaries is especially passionate about relationships. Together, we work to obey God and bring Him glory.

For a more extensive discussion of calling and qualifications, please read “The Marks of a Missionary” or request a copy by e-mailing mobilization@SouthAmericaMission.org.

Steps to Service

Discerning God’s purposes for his people involves a lot of prayer and reflection. The Discovery Process is designed to help us explore God’s calling together with candidates. The process is not simple, but we do think it is helpful. Here’s an overview of the process.

1. Preliminary Information Form…

The first step is to submit a “Prelim” online. This gives us some basic information about you, your background and your interest in ministry.

2. Contact your Church

Once we’ve followed up on your prelim, we make a decision together about whether serving with South America Mission is something worth exploring. If it is, we contact your pastor or other spiritual elder before proceeding. We really believe that the local church is a critical in sending missionaries. If your church is excited about proceeding…

3. Application, Section 1

The next stage goes a little deeper into the facts about you. We especially want to learn more about your background in ministry and what you hope for in a relationship with a mission agency. This is also the time that we ask you to supply references – not just people who think you are great, but people who have witnessed God’s working in your life.

4. Application, Section 2

Is the Spirit still tugging at your heart? After we’ve prayed with you through Section 1 and contacted your references, it’s time to decide again to take the next step. Section 2 is the get to know you stage. We ask you to share your life story, talk about your faith and provide a theological defense among other things. This is usually the most valuable section for candidates as they reflect on God’s faithfulness and consider His person. (SSPs complete an abbreviated version and are appointed after this stage)

5. Candidate Orientation (Associates and Members)

Candidate Orientation is the final step to appointment as missionaries for Associates and Members. We spend two weeks learning about the ministries and vision of South America Mission, worshipping and fellowshipping together. It’s a time of decision… but also a time of celebration and fellowship.

Remember, we are not looking for perfect people. We are serving a perfect God! No matter how God leads, we want the applicant to know Christ more deeply through this process. We also want to experience God’s grace together as we see how He uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes. Click here to get started in the process.