Mid-Term Missions: Why, How, When, For Whom

Mid-termers are people who go into a cross-cultural ministry for 6 to 24 months, and who consider this a vital step in preparing for a missionary career or life at home as a World Christian. Most often goals for short-termers include serving God in the ministry of missions, learning first-hand what missions really is all about and determining if God is calling them into full-time Christian service.

Requirements for Mid-Termers

• Active and obvious commitment to Jesus Christ.
• Willingness to serve as a career cross-cultural disciple-maker, if God so leads.
• Member of Bethlehem at least one year prior to date of departure.
• High school graduate. Those not yet college graduates are strongly urged to participate on a team (either Bethlehem or non-Bethlehem) or in a ministry with a current Bethlehem missionary.
• Proven ministry experience commensurate to the proposed mid-term assignment.
• Proven competence in specific area of assignment.
• Personal and spiritual maturity sufficient to the proposed assignment.
• One-on-one consultation with Pastor Erik Hyatt to discuss preparation plans. This should take place at least 6-12 months prior to planned departure.
• Strong recommendations from church leaders in his/her area of service.
• Acceptance by a mission agency approved by Bethlehem.
• Pre-field orientation and preparation from the agency and/or church.
• Formation of Bethlehem-based Barnabas support team.
• Completion of the Nurture Program for Missionary Candidates at least one year in advance.

Read the full mid-term missions policy document.