Applying to CMS - Long-term
So how do you become a CMS missionary?
1. Get involved
Become an active member of CMS and start finding out about current areas of ministry and the realities of serving as a missionary. Contact your branch about getting on the distribution list for prayer letters from missionaries or subscribe online here.
2. Be Informed
Come and chat with the General Secretary or State Director of your branch, even if you are still completing your studies. At this point you may want to fill in a Preliminary Information Form. It is often helpful to have a number of consultations over the course of several months or even years. You can ask all your questions and get more information about serving with CMS.
3. Be qualified
Usually you need to
- be already qualified in your area of work
- have some work experience in your work or ministry field
- have at least one year of training at a Bible or theological college.
CMS can assist you in choosing an appropriate college or course if necessary.
4. Apply
When you have some certainty that missionary service in partnership with CMS is for you, prayerfully fill in the CMS application form, providing:
- self assessment
- basic information about your Christian experience and beliefs
- the names of several referees
- you will need to give permission for a Federal Police check
- the Screening and Lifestyle Questionnaire
5. Health check
Being a missionary candidate with CMS requires health evaluation. You will be invited to undergo an examination by a doctor of the Society and a psychological assessment.
6. Branch interviews
Having applied to CMS, interviews are then conducted by members of your Branch Candidates Committee. Interviews are with: individual members, then the whole Committee. The aim of the procedure is to arrive with you at a conviction that God is calling you to missionary service in partnership with CMS. You then become a Missionary Candidate of your Branch.
7. Federal Interviews
You will now be interviewed by the Federal Candidates Committee with a view to:
- being accepted as a Missionary in Training (MiT)
- determining a possible location
- considering any further preparation needed for missionary service
8. Build support
Once accepted as an MiT, the Branch staff will work with you in building a personal prayer and financial support base through a group of link churches and personal supporters. This will be an ongoing task.
9. St Andrews Hall
All MiTs take part in a residential course at the CMS Federal Training College, St Andrew’s Hall, in Melbourne (read more about St Andrews Hall), which provides full board and training. MiTs are asked to contribute to costs. Find out more about CMS training.
Further interviews with the Federal Candidates Committee will finalise your location, the nature of your work and the date of departure.
10. Home Assignment
After training you return to your branch as a Missionary on Home Assignment, and receive an allowance. You will then spend several months building your support base through:
- CMS promotional activities and events
- building relationships with link churches and personal partners
- summer conferences, camps and other meetings
As well as:
- preparing prayer cards and personal leaflets
- finalising passports, visas, vaccinations, packing
- saying goodbye at your Commissioning Service
11. Go
Tours of service are usually from 30 to 48 months followed by a six month Home Assignment, where you report back to your supporters and strengthen your partnership with them.
12. Study language
Language study is the important priority in the first tour of service, and is arranged by CMS. This is a vital investment for long-term ministry.
Want to find out more about long term opportunities with CMS? View current opportunities here!