How do I “Go” with SIM? Part Two: The SIM USA Process to becoming a missionary

Like a lot of places, SIM has a lot of unique acronyms and lingo to describe our processes when it comes to becoming a missionary. In the progression of going with SIM, we have different categories or stages to describe a person’s status in the process of becoming a missionary with SIM.

1. Applicant
2. Candidate
3. Appointee
4. Active Missionary

Our Connect Event is one of the first steps in getting to know SIM. This event is hosted at SIM USA for those interested in becoming a missionary. People who attend are ready to hear more about how God is using His people in life-changing, kingdom-building work around the globe in cross-cultural missionary work. Connect is a great chance to hear from SIM staff about their ministry experiences and meet like-minded individuals also considering cross-cultural ministry work. Click here to learn more about the Connect Event, and sign up today.

When people are first checking out SIM, they are probably asking a lot of good questions:

• Is SIM the right missions sending organization for me?
• How do I apply to SIM?
• How does SIM prepare me to become a missionary?

We call individuals in this stage “Applicants.” SIM has dedicated staff called Applicant Coordinators, who walk alongside Applicants and help them complete and submit all the necessary information and required documents (Doctrinal Assessment, Psychological Assessment, medical forms, and staff interviews). We always say that this application process is a two-way street: SIM is praying through whether this seems like a good fit for the Applicant to join SIM at the same time that the applicant is praying through whether SIM is a good fit for them. We genuinely want you to be where God calls you, whether or not that’s with SIM! Becoming a missionary is an important process, and we are truly interested in God’s best for you.

After prayerful examination, a Review Committee meets to approve the Applicant to become a “Candidate.” At this time, we start working out the details of a cross-cultural placement. This process involves agreeing on placement, and this includes four different entities to be in agreement. These four different parties come together to confirm the placement of an individual serving cross-culturally as a missionary.
The four parties involved are:

1. The missionary or missionary family
2. The missionary’s church
3. SIM USA
4. The receiving SIM entity overseas where the missionary family will serve.

SIM USA wants to help in the right ways. We don’t go to a country thinking we have all the answers. We have missionaries worldwide who are praying for you…praying for more workers to join them in the harvest field. But they also pray that you will come willing to serve, be flexible, and be submissive to how they have prayerfully been doing ministry for many years. We send missionaries out who are willing to work under the Field Leadership.

When placement is settled, SIM USA gives you a new title for the next stage of the process in becoming a missionary, “Appointee.” Appointees have now been appointed to go to a specific location overseas. Appointees start working on various training tasks, including support raising, theology and cross-cultural awareness, to name a few. Some of these training courses are done in-person at SIM USA, some may be online trainings, and some in different locations. When Appointees have completed all the training requirements and have raised enough financial support, they are now ready to purchase plane tickets and launch to their chosen location as “Active Missionaries”!

You have now become a missionary! Your journey has just begun! SIM will continue to support you through your entire service as a cross-cultural missionary. We have an entire department dedicated to supporting and caring for Active Missionaries.

You have now become a missionary! Your journey has just begun! SIM will continue to support you through your entire service as a cross-cultural missionary. We have an entire department dedicated to supporting and caring for Active Missionaries.

Want to learn more about how to become a missionary? Fill out this form to speak with a missions coach and learn how to start your journey in cross-cultural missions.