Choosing an Agency: Key Areas to Explore

Selecting a mission agency is a single decision with numerous long-term implications. The organization you choose can greatly impact your experience on the field, from the training and support you receive to the ministries strategies you’ll use to the resources available to you when you retire.

Choosing wisely involves prayer and seeking counsel from your church leaders and other mature believers. Doing both things well entails learning about the agencies you’re considering so you can pray more intentionally and ask for more specific input. Below are key areas to consider when exploring mission organizations.

Beliefs

Examine the organization’s doctrine closely to be sure it is biblical and clear and that it aligns with your beliefs. In addition to what it includes, pay attention to what is not defined and to the areas where the agency allows for varying interpretations of Scripture. Be sure that differences in any of these gray areas wouldn’t prevent you from serving well alongside a teammate with a differing view.

Christar’s doctrinal statement

Focus

Where do workers with the organization primarily serve? Among whom? What is it seeking to accomplish among them? Look for an organization whose ministry goals are similar to the vision God is giving you.

Christar’s goal of establishing churches

Methods

Learn how the agency seeks to accomplish its goals. What methods do its workers use and what core principles do they follow? How do teams determine the strategies they will use? And how much do ministry approaches vary according to context?

How Christar establishes churches

Values

Make sure that the values of the organization align with your own. Many agencies publicly state their values. However, consider the implied values you hear and see as you interact with representatives from an agency and browse its website. What do they talk about a lot? What don’t you hear? It’s also wise to learn about an organization’s history and see how it has adapted to new ideas, changing needs, obstacles and ministry trends.

Christar’s core values

Finances

How does the agency handle money? Look at its annual reports and learn about its funding model. How does it cover administrative costs? What happens if your support drops? Do new workers receive training in raising support? How do they handle things like health insurance and retirement? Make sure you have a clear understanding of an organization’s financial policies and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Christar’s annual reports

Leadership and Structure

How does the organization make decisions? What’s its leadership structure and what is the role of the board? Learn how it views authority and accountability, as well as about those in leadership roles.

Christar’s leadership

Training

Investigate how the organization equips workers for effective ministry. What kinds of pre-field orientations and training programs does it require, and what additional preparation does it recommend? What support does it offer as new workers prepare?

Pre-field preparation at Christar

Qualifications for New Workers

Find out what the organization looks for in potential members, not only to see if you’d be a good fit but to learn about the people with whom you’d be serving. Many organizations require certain training or experience, such as biblical education, vocational training and experience in the local church. However, most also look for qualifications that aren’t as easily quantified through a diploma or internship, and it’s important to learn how much an organization stresses the value of things such as individual prayer, Bible study and service.

Member Care

Living and serving cross-culturally is hard! So, it’s important to know how the organization supports its workers in day-to-day challenges and in times of crisis. What resources does it offer? Are member care staff available in each of the places where workers serve? How does the agency partner with churches to care for those who are sent?

Member care at Christar

Relationships With Other Organizations

Research how the agency partners with like-minded organizations. Does it cooperate with others to further the spread of the gospel? Does it demonstrate a spirit of teamwork or a sense of competition toward other agencies? In addition, how does it interact and collaborate with local churches—especially those that send and support workers?

Placement Decisions

Find out who would be involved in deciding where and how you will serve. How will your gifts and abilities be assessed and considered? What assistance and information would they give to help you decide? How would you be placed on a team?

As you consider these areas, try to talk with a few people who currently serve with the organization to give you perspective beyond the official policies listed on the agency’s website. And know that this process takes time! Deciding on an organization is a major step, so keep asking questions, seek counsel and above all, bring it before the Lord in prayer! You can trust God to guide you in this, just as He has in each step of your journey so far.