Road Map toward International Ministry

The process of becoming an Alliance International worker follows four basic phases: explore, prepare, placement, and deployment. Clergy track candidates are ready to be considered for placement after completing academic and ministry (Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience) requirements. Following connection and exploration steps below, vocational track candidates will work with their candidate developer to identify the right time to request consideration for placement.

Explore. . .  Is God calling you to invest in Kingdom change? We want to help connect your passion with God’s purpose.

  •  Complete the “Next Steps” form to begin a conversation with one of our regional Candidate Developers
  •  When you connect with your Candidate Developer, share both your story and your dream.  Together you will explore how you sense God is leading you and talk about practical steps to get there.

Prepare. . .  Preparation is foundational to successful life and ministry.  Together with your Candidate Developer you will formulate an intentional plan in three major areas to grow personally and develop professionally. 

  • Personal Growth: Preparing for International Ministry with The Alliance starts with your personal growth. Discovering your identity in Christ and intentionally investing in your personal growth is essential for effective life and ministry. Whether you are just exploring your options for international ministry or already an international candidate, your personal growth through a coaching relationship  is foundational.  Here are the steps to start in the coaching network.
  • Academic Preparation: Each Alliance global position has different educational requirements based on the responsibilities of the position. Your Candidate Developer will be available to guide you as you map out your educational plan. Here are some of the basic qualifications for candidate’s education. 
  • Professional Development: Before going oversees you will need to have a proven track record of professional experience before applying for a position. Your Candidate Developer will assist you in creating a professional development plan to gain valuable experience and to reach the general qualifications for the desired position. Most international positions will require 2-3 years of experience prior to applying.

Placement. . . As you approach the end of your preparation, your Candidate Developer will begin a conversation with you about applying for one or more of the global openings that are posted on the Alliance employment page each January

  • Apply for Open Position. Open ministry positions are regularly posted in the form of Ministry Opportunity Descriptions (MODs) on the employment page of The Alliance Web site (www.cmalliance.org). Candidates are encouraged to monitor this page during the development phase, seeking to identify a role which best fits their sense of calling, demonstrated gifting, and background in terms of academic and ministry experience. Regional developers, in consultation with the International Placement Director, will assist candidates in this identification process. Once a role has been identified and stated requirements have been completed, candidates may apply online for any open position. Each posted MOD will contain an “apply now” button. Candidates are encouraged to consult with their CDO regional developer prior to making application.
  • Interview. Once application has taken place, the candidate will begin working directly with the International Placement Office. The IPO oversees the interview stage. This stage is designed to insure that applicants are fully prepared to make an effective and productive transition to a new culture and ministry role. This stage involves: (1) Completing any outstanding application materials. (2) Background check. (3) Full personality assessment. (4) At least two interviews.
  • Appointment and Medical Clearance. All applicants for overseas service with The Alliance are provisionally appointed by the Board of Directors of the C&MA awaiting medical clearance for final appointment. Provisionally appointed candidates schedule complete physicals and the results are sent to The Alliance medical advisor for review and approval.

Deployment Phase

  •  Orientation. Following final appointment, all are registered to attend Pre-Field Orientation (PFO) as well as Second Language Acquisition (SLA) training. Depending on the ministry assignment, some appointees may receive additional training.
  • Deployment. Appointees depart for their overseas assignments as soon as possible after pre-field orientation and SLA training. Therefore, all matters relating to health, passport, visa, and other documents should be attended to immediately after appointment. In preparation for deployment, appointees will be assisted to complete additional paperwork related to registration as an employee of the C&MA, shipping, visas, and ticketing.

Click here for a chart highlighting the International Worker Development Roadmap