We want men and women who are called by God and have had that call confirmed by their church family to be accepted as part of the UFM family.
UFM believes that the Biblical pattern is that the local church sends mission partners. Paul says in Romans 10 v 15 “And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
We will stand with you as you do the sending. We work with our insight and knowledge of mission to help in the testing process and will provide orientation, support and practical help to equip mission partners and their families so that they can thrive as they serve the Lord and seek to extend His kingdom.
Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:3
You will know your prospective mission partners better than we do. You see them day-to-day and week-to-week. You are walking with them closely on the journey of Christian life and service, as they are part of your local church.
Here are some areas to think about and assess as church leaders in your interactions with those exploring future service cross-culturally.
Attitude Are they teachable and humble?
Theological understanding Do they have a good grasp of theology and can they explain and articulate the major doctrines? Have they shown theological discernment?
Gifting What would you say their gifts are and have they been seen in church life? Will these transfer into a cross-cultural context?
Resilience We all suffer and have trials and challenges. Have you seen them bear up and stand firm in their faith through difficulties and disappointment?
Flexible How have you seen them show flexibility in their ideas and plans?
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
Team work How well do they work with others?
Health Do they have a good sickness record? Are there medical conditions that would make it particularly challenging to live and serve in the context they are hoping to go to?
Realism How do they balance idealism with realism? Are they visionary and yet practical?
Relationships If married, how do they relate as husband and wife? Do they both have an equally strong call? If they have children how will their proposed ministry impact their children? If single, how do they view their singleness?
Sexuality Have you been able to chat about these issues and any areas of temptation? Do they conduct themselves with integrity?
Perseverance Have they shown on-going commitment to God and his work over time and through opposition or when there are few results?
Identity Are they confident in who they are in Christ? How have you seen this?
Personal walk with the Lord Do they show consistency in their personal devotions? Are they able to encourage others with what they learn from God’s word and how they see answers to prayer?
Honesty Can they assess their own strengths and weaknesses? Are they ready to ask for help?
Love of the lost What motivates their service and evangelism?
Love of people Have you seen their care for others?
Self sacrifice How is this worked out in their weekly schedule?
Accountability Have they been in any discipleship relationship where they have looked for mentoring and help from others? Would this continue from a distance?
Support network How widely known are they in the church fellowship? Would they be well supported practically, prayerfully and financially or do they need to invest more time in your local church before going overseas?
Serving overseas Have they proved themselves short-term in a similar context to where they would like to serve long term? How was the experience for them?
Servant hearted How would you describe them to another Christian in the church who doesn’t know them?
Call Do they know with conviction God’s call to serve Him in mission? Is this something you have seen evidenced in prayer, speech, action and priorities?
UFM will build a relationship with you as church leaders, whatever your church size or situation, and also with the mission candidate. We partner together to seek to discover God’s will. Please do be in touch with us.