Belonging to
God’s mission
How long can I serve?
There are Short term, Long term and team exploration trips to consider.- Short Term (3 months – 2 years): Designed to support an ongoing ministry and introduce you to what cross-cultural serving is like.
- Long Term (2 years +): Allows for lasting ministry impact through building trust relationships in the community where you serve.
- Teams (2 – 4 weeks): Join others to explore missions, support SIM workers, and learn about the local culture.
- Medical Electives (up to 6 weeks): Enrich your medical training in another country and share your passion for Jesus.
What skills can I use?
There are many location-specific or skill-specific opportunities availableSome key areas to serve in:
- Education: Use your skills as a teacher or lecturer to reach the next generation.
- Health & Medical: Placements for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals in SIM and partner hospitals.
- Trades & Engineering: Use practical skills to serve communities and support infrastructure.
- Arts & Music: Use your creative gifts to build bridges and share the gospel.
Which ministries can I join?
SIM has established ministries across the globe focused on particular needs to reach people with the gospel.- For Freedom: Anti-trafficking and exploitation ministries serving vulnerable communities.
- Sports Friends: Using the platform of sport to build relationships and share Jesus.
- Engaging the University: Reaching students and future leaders through academic engagement.
- Hope for Life: HIV and health ministries focused on care and education.
- Trauma Healing: Providing care and restoration for those who have suffered deep loss.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a pastor or have a theology degree?
Not necessarily. SIM is looking for people willing to cross barriers and make disciples, and this includes people from all walks of life. We have specific ministries for business, health, sports, and teaching. However, if you are going for more than 9 months, a doctrinal assessment will take place as part of your preparation.
Next step: Consider how your professional skills or personal passions could be used to connect people to Jesus.
How is my service funded?
Mission workers are funded by building a network of supporters. Once you become an Appointee, a cost estimate will be prepared for you, and we will coach you on how to raise this support effectively. Your support target must be reached before travel arrangements are made.
Next step: Begin praying about friends, family, or church members who might partner with you in this journey.
What if I don’t know where God is calling me?
Prayer is a vital part of discernment as you consider the location and ministry that coincide with God’s leading. You don’t have to figure it out alone; a mobiliser will help you explore what God might be laying on your heart. If we can’t find a mission-match for you within SIM, we will direct you to an agency that can.
Next step: Reach out to a mobiliser to have a chat and share your story.
Can I serve for a short period to try it out?
Yes. If you are seeking clarity on whether long-term service is for you, short-term opportunities (3 months to 2 years) are a great place to start. We also offer team trips of 2 to 4 weeks that act as eye-openers to mission as a vocation.
Next step: Look at our short-term opportunities to see if there is a role that interests you.
How long can I serve for and what are the options available?
A big consideration towards mission work is knowing how long to serve for. Prayer is an important part of this discernment as you consider the time commitment to the ministry opportunity and the location that best coincide with how God is leading you.
- Teams (2 to 4 weeks): Join with other individuals and explore missions together. The team will go support and assist SIM workers, gaining exposure to the ministry and learning about the local culture. These trips are eye-openers to mission as a vocation.
- Medical Electives (up to 6 weeks): Enrich your medical training in another country and share your passion for Jesus in the community you step into. We can help you find a placement in SIM and partner hospitals in Africa, Asia, and South America.
- Short Term (3 months to 2 years): Designed to support an ongoing ministry and introduce you to what cross-cultural serving is like. If you have never done ministry overseas, or are still seeking clarity on the length of service, short-term opportunities are a great place to start.
- Long Term (2 years +): The most effective ministries come from building trust relationships in the community where you serve. It allows for lasting ministry impact towards God’s kingdom as you work alongside, share Jesus, and invest in them.
Next step: If you are not clear and still seeking clarity, consider embarking on a short exposure trip with us to discover if long term is for you.
What role does my church play in the process?
We believe it is essential that you are connected to a local church. We involve them early by contacting them for references, and eventually, a partnership agreement is formed between SIM, you, and your church. The process often concludes with a commissioning service at your church before you leave.
Next step: Invite your church leaders into your discernment process early on.
What does the application process involve?
The initial step is to connect with a mobiliser or send an enquiry form. From there, the process includes reference checks, an interview, and health and police checks. For longer placements, psychological and doctrinal assessments ensure you are healthy and ready for the challenges of mission life.
Next step: Fill out an enquiry form today to start the conversation with our team.