Logistics coordinators, doctors, occupational therapists, accountants, counselors – these skills are in high demand on the mission field.
While many missionaries step away from careers when they move overseas, the International Mission Board needs missionaries who will bring and utilize their expertise on the mission field.
Scott Ray, IMB’s senior director of field personnel deployment, says many people don’t realize how their skillset and current careers can be effective mission tools overseas.
“There are a lot of people right now in the church who have the idea that they can’t be missionaries because they don’t see themselves as a church planter,” Ray said.
“They see themselves as a nurse, a doctor, a businessman, an accountant, an IT worker. They don’t feel called to throw out the experience and education that God has allowed them to have over the years. We want them to know they can take that with them to the mission field and use it for the furthering of the kingdom and for addressing lostness.”
All IMB missionaries are sent out to do the core missionary task: evangelize, disciple believers, start churches and train leaders so that churches can reproduce and fulfill the Great Commission. Missionary support roles make it possible for other missionaries to devote 100 percent of their time to solving the world’s greatest problem, lostness.
Ray said the IMB must have missionaries who live among the people they are called and commissioned to serve. To have longevity on the mission field, missionaries must have things like health care, transportation, knowledge of visa requirements and technology.
If missionaries were responsible for all these tasks, Ray said, much of their time and focus would be taken away from their evangelistic and training work. This is why support roles are so crucial.
Missionaries in support roles minister and serve alongside a local IMB team. They are actively engaged in sharing their faith, discipling and planting churches.
Support positions include roles in health care, human resources, member care, logistics, education for children and finance.
Missionaries to fill logistics and medical roles are in high demand. Without them, Ray said his team must make difficult decisions about whether they can send missionaries to certain areas.
Brandon Warner, a managing logistics director, said logistics services consultants have the incredible opportunity to support and empower fellow missionaries, while simultaneously joining them in side-by-side ministry.
Warner invites career professionals to imagine being a part of a team that not only helps missionaries navigate the complexities of obtaining visas, housing, purchasing and maintaining vehicles, and managing both owned and rented properties, but also creates a space for them to share the love of Christ with those they encounter.
“This role offers you a unique platform to be a witness for Christ,” Warner said. “As you perform your job responsibilities, you’ll have the chance to share the transformative message of the Gospel with those you meet in addition to the communities around you.”
Anita Collins, the IMB’s director of medical care, said missionaries who serve as field medical coordinators (FMC) support the IMB’s mission by assisting in the medical care of IMB personnel and their children, especially those living in locations where medical care is less than optimal.
Collins explained that FMCs develop a strong knowledge base of medical care options in their assigned region, including assessments of the adequacy of local and regional medical care and available facilities for testing, labs and other medical procedures.
“Our goal is that missionaries thrive in their ministries,” Collins said. “FMCs are invaluable in their role of assisting in the medical care of field personnel to support and enhance their wellbeing, capacity and longevity.”
Melody Swinton utilizes her background as a nurse to support missionaries as an FMC in Central Asia. She said the most fulfilling part of her job is walking alongside other IMB missionaries, often on their worst days.
“I get to give medical support and care, using my giftings, while simultaneously praying for them, reminding them of the Gospel and the unchanging character of Christ and helping them fulfill their God-given call on their lives,” Swinton said.
Providing support may include helping the missionary stay in their place of service or having them travel for medical care. Other times, she supports the missionaries through a transition to another country or back to the U.S. for care.
Prior to serving in her current position, Swinton and her family had to make a move based on a recommendation by a missionary in a support role. She can empathize with missionaries when she must make a similar recommendation.
“The responsibility and privilege of walking alongside them in whatever God has ordained through a medical challenge is humbling and a position I don’t take lightly,” Swinton said.
Collins said her team is looking for people with the following qualifications: licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (CRNP), physician’s assistant (PA), doctor of osteopathy (DO) and medical doctor (MD).
Doreen Baker, IMB’s director of education for missionary kids, said her team’s goal is to support IMB families so they can thrive on the field where the Lord has called them.
The global team of education consultants facilitate educational needs for IMB families, whether it is finding the best homeschool curriculum to fit a child’s specific needs or vetting national or Christian schools. Consultants walk alongside families whose children need additional help with educational testing, special needs or gifted and talented services.
Baker said her team currently operates without the appropriate level of staff to accomplish their mission and maintain the health of their team. She said they need qualified individuals to serve as education consultants, teachers, administrators and occupational therapists.
Chris Martin, IMB director of member care, said missionaries are also needed to fill roles that provide care and counseling.
“Missionaries routinely experience challenges that can cause significant stress,” Martin said. “IMB member care consultants provide pastoral care and counseling support needed to help missionaries remain spiritually, emotionally, relationally and mentally healthy in order to thrive in their field assignments.”
Missionaries who fill support roles go through the same process as other missionaries but are not required to have a seminary education. Job requirements include having skill in their area of service.
Warner gave a charge to anyone considering how the Lord might use their skills on the mission field.
“Join us in this life-changing mission, and let’s make a difference together,” he said. “Your service, dedication and faith will not only support your fellow missionaries but also contribute to addressing the world’s greatest problem, lostness.”
Learn more by visiting https://www.imb.org/go/, using our “Chat Now” feature or calling us, (800) 999-3113.
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