Sometimes called “medium termers,” OMF Associates serve in cross-cultural ministry for a period of 1-3 years. The Associates program is designed to give people a taste of what it’s like on the mission field. Like long-term missionaries, Associates learn the language and culture of the area they are serving. The Associates program is often a stepping stone to career service.

Opportunities

• Experts in various fields to teach or do research
• English teachers
• Students to do graduate studies or to study a selected number of Asian languages Replacing missionaries going on home assignment for one year in a number of support ministries: teachers at MK schools, dorm supervisors, administration/computer personnel, etc.
• Those considering a career in missions to explore God's direction for future ministry
• Those considering a career in missions to do an apprenticeship
• Teachers for MKs

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Christ as Lord and Savior
• Evidence of a maturing relationship with Christ
• Good physical and emotional health
• Ability to build relationships
• A sending church
• Prayer and financial support

Steps to Service

OMF’s application process is designed to facilitate getting you to Asia and assure you of a meaningful ministry role with ongoing accountability for your work. We wish to act in your best interests – however, we also need to balance these with the needs and desires of the Asian church as well as submit to the wisdom of OMF field leadership.

We strive to find you a place of service which is compatible with your interests, personality, background, and sense of calling. This is done by interacting with field leadership who are the ones who extend an invitation for you to come and join them in their ministry. We work on the principle that it is the field that extends an invitation for new people to come and work with them on their team, so together we will need to interact with them regarding your future placement.

Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Fill out the Long Term First Steps Form online OR Complete the Long Term First Steps Form (Word doc 75KB)
2. Later, complete the Second Steps application which we will send to you. This form will vary depending on how long you are going for.
3. Have three references completed and sent into our national office.
4. Get medical checkup from your doctor.
5. Obtain cross-cultural orientation and training. For Serve Asia OMF will provide most of this training. For longer term service we will help you plan your training for missions.
6. Receive acceptance by OMF.
7. Raise prayer and financial support.
8. Leave for Asia

Finances:

The amount of financial support needed varies from country to country. We will work with you in developing a personalized budget.

Contact us to become an Associate member!