Candidate FAQ's
What does the typical UWM missionary do?
We do whatever is most appropriate and strategic in the context to help churches become more missional, and ultimately to plant and reproduce churches! Usually this means working alongside nationals on outreach initiatives, equipping believers for ministry, training church planters and leaders, and developing partnerships that empower churches to reach out with mercy and justice as well as contextualized evangelism and church planting. So we train, envision, model, listen, pray, disciple, and create.
Where are UWM missionaries working overseas?
We currently have approximately 150 missionaries living and working in 30 countries, with additional non-resident work in 5 other nations. We have another 35-40 missionaries in the process of raising support and pre-field training. We also have another 20+ missionaries working in the U.S.
Do you work in teams? What does that look like?
Our goal is to send people out in teams. Usually new fields are pioneered in teams and new appointees join existing teams. We also work in close partnership and “team” with nationals and missionaries from other organizations and nations.
What is the process for placing someone on the field?
This process happens through building a relationship with you. As we get to know you and your heart for serving overseas, we begin to identify opportunities that fit your interest, experience, and gifts. It all begins by connecting with one of our mission coaches HERE.
How long is the application process? How long does it take to get to the field?
Our process seeks to be flexible and helpful to your unique situation. Completing the paperwork for the application usually takes 1-2 weeks. Then you are invited to a Candidate Assessment and Orientation week at the UWM office in Charlotte, NC where you will be interviewed and hopefully accepted into UWM. The final stages of preparation are raising support and going through pre-field training. Some people are able to leave as soon as three months after being appointed. For others, this process can take up to a year or even two, depending on jobs, housing and family needs.
What are the educational requirements? Do I have to go to Bible school?
We don’t require Bible school or Seminary for you to join UWM unless your projected ministry role requires it or you haven’t had sufficient Bible equipping in the past through church, campus ministry, and other means. We do have a high value for ministry skills and experience that you have acquired along the way. As we get to know you and your background, we may make recommendations for additional training before heading overseas.
Does UWM provide training?
UWM has comprehensive pre-field training at the Center for Intercultural Training (CIT) in Union Mills, NC. CIT is a training base used by 40+ mission agencies to prepare missionaries for service overseas. To learn more visit
www.cit-online.org
How do members of UWM get personal and spiritual care while serving?
We provide missionary care in several ways. We work to proactively care for our people physically, emotionally, spiritually and relationally. We desire to create community and teams that help each other and focus on providing care that moves each member closer to God and healthy ministry. We work to create an atmosphere of mutual care, which includes friendship, hospitality, mentoring, and accountability. We also have a leadership structure that provides excellent care at all levels. If issues arise that are beyond our expertise, we have a network of professionals that can provide specialized care.
How are goals set, measured, and strategy developed? How are your results communicated to supporters/churches?
We have Area Directors in each area of the world that work with team leaders and teams to set annual goals and strategies for each team. Additionally, every missionary sets annual goals for their ministry that align with the team goals. There is an annual evaluation for every member involving a self-evaluation and team leader evaluation. This evaluation is very important to us and we share it with with your home church so that they are in the loop of what you are doing and how you are doing.
What is UWM’s view of debt? Can I serve on the field if I have debt?
UWM believes strongly in the biblical principle of stewardship. We do not encourage the creation of consumer debt, but we do understand the reality that people often have debt. We encourage missionaries to work hard to limit and pay off consumer debt before going overseas. We allow folks to be fielded while continuing to pay student loans.
Do I need to raise support? Why?
Yes! Prayerfully developing a team of financial and prayer partners is the main way we fund our ministries. It is a way to provide people the opportunity to be involved in advancing God’s Kingdom through giving to someone they personally know. Raising support is an incredible blessing as we see God work through others to supply for our needs. UWM provides training on how to build a support team and assigns you a coach to help you through this process.
How much support will I need to raise?
Each UWM missionary has a budget based on the cost of living within the host country. We work with the team leaders and Area Directors to establish a personalized budget for you that provides a moderate standard of living, appropriate health insurance, and ministry expenses.
