SIM partners with churches to place followers of Jesus among the least-reached. Our Alternate Pathways program focuses on engaging as Christian witnesses in countries where missionaries are not allowed.
We help professionals, entrepreneurs, and students navigate living and working among the least-reached—for the sake of the gospel.
Why Alternate Pathways?
Billions of people are living and dying without the good news of Jesus in countries that missionaries cannot legally access.
Most unreached people live in places where traditional missionaries aren’t allowed. Alternate Pathways reflects SIM’s commitment to sending Christian witnesses into these nations and communities.
These Alternate Pathways workers serve through everyday roles in local workplaces and institutions—education, business, healthcare, humanitarian work, and development. They seek the good of their communities by living out the gospel through faithful presence, excellent work, and meaningful relationships. Their calling is to join God’s redemptive mission and help their host communities flourish.
How Can I serve God Where Traditional Missionary Work is not Allowed?
Take a job overseas in your chosen vocation. Integrate your faith and work as you become part of the community, build relationships, witness to the gospel, and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Impact individuals and communities economically and socially by demonstrating Jesus through your work.
Start a business overseas in a place with limited gospel access. Use your entrepreneurial skills to build an organization that will have both kingdom and economic impact. Glorify God in the way you conduct your business and point people to Jesus as you provide local jobs and benefit the community.
Most countries accept international students into degree programs that are beneficial both locally and globally. Build relationships with fellow students and have gospel conversations during a stage in life when many people are open to new ideas and have questions about their faith.
What Training Do I Need To Work or Study Overseas?
SIM provides the training and support needed to successfully engage overseas as a professional, entrepreneur, or student. Our resources include:
- Job connections through recruiters and missional businesses
- Hands-on business training—from idea to launch
- Mentorship and investor support for new ventures
- Practical training on living out your faith in the marketplace
What Does It Look Like To Live Out My Faith in Countries Closed to Traditional Missions?
Get a glimpse into what regular, everyday life is like as a Christian professional overseas.
Physical Therapy in the Middle East
Although she lives in a largely unreached country, Marie’s life looks surprisingly ordinary. During the week, she studies Arabic and works at a local clinic, using physical therapy as her mission field. She meets regularly with other Christians for worship, fellowship, and prayer. She spends time in coffee shops with Muslim friends, visits their families, and takes weekly hikes to spend time alone with the Lord.
Marie’s story reveals a beautiful truth about how God is working through alternate pathways today. Not everyone who goes into the world to share the gospel does so through traditional missionary work. Increasingly, Christians like Marie enter creative access countries through regular jobs, such as healthcare, business, education, and more.
Ready To Explore Opportunities?
We can answer your questions, provide you with resources, and help you discern your role in God’s plan of redemption for the world.