Become a Missionary
Serve in Global Missions
Are You Called To Be A Missionary?
ABWE (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism) is a global family of ministries working alongside local churches to carry the gospel around the world. We are committed to clear gospel preaching and sound doctrine, grounded in our Baptist roots. Our mission centers on sharing Christ, making disciples, planting healthy churches, and training local leaders to lead them.
Why We Exist
According to the Joshua Project, a research initiative that tracks the progress of global missions, there are more than 7,000 unreached people groups — more than three billion people — who have not yet heard the gospel. If you have a heart for these communities and feel called to serve them, ABWE provides the training, support, and partnerships you and your church need to make that calling a reality.
How We Can Help
For nearly a century, ABWE has been sending missionaries around the world. Today, 923 ABWE missionaries serve in 92 nations, and over our history we have planted more than 5,000 churches. In 2025 alone, our missionaries planted 432 new churches, trained 2,667 students, brought healthcare to 148,137 people, and celebrated 709 baptisms. Whether you are looking at a short trip or a lifetime of service, our six pathways give you a clear way forward. We also have more than one hundred opportunities around the globe designed to match your education and professional background.
Multiple Ways to Get Involved
Missionary work isn’t only preaching. You can serve through aviation, information technology, education, healthcare, construction, and more.
Explore Our Missionary Pathways
Long-Term Missionary Opportunities (More Than 4 Years)
“I know I want to be a career missionary.”
The Long-Term track is for people who have recognized a clear calling to career missions and are sent by their church to serve until the task is complete, engaged in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting on a team in a lead or support role.
Mid-Term Track (About 1 to 4 Years)
“I want a serious apprenticeship experience, to see if long-term is right for me.”
Mid-Term is designed for people desiring an apprenticeship experience or seeking to complete a limited duration assignment who are serious about missions and may be open to long-term service but may not have determined their long-term calling.
Associate Track (More Than 1 Year)
“I’m self-funded and I want to serve alongside a missionary team.”
The Associate track is for people serving long-term or mid-term who have a clear calling to missionary work as part of a church-planting team, affirmed by their church, and meet the standard ABWE mid-term or long-term missionary requirements, but who need little or no financial support or employment status. This could include tentmakers, business as missions (BAM), itinerant theological educators, retirees, and more.
Short-Term Track (About 2 Months to 1 Year)
“I want to see if missions is right for me.”
Our Short-Term track is for people who want to meet a particular, temporary need on the field or explore their fit for missions—supporting the church-planting team on the ground.
Intern Track (About 1-6 Months)
“I want to explore ministry as a current student or recent graduate.”
Our Intern track is for current students or graduates who want to pursue missions while still in school or early in their career, receive mentoring from veteran missionaries on the field, and meet tangible needs on the team.
Volunteers and Trips (1 Week to 2 Months)
“I want to volunteer and help wherever I can.”
Our missions trips are for individuals or teams who have a particular ministry role to fulfill for a special event, outreach, project, or need facing a field team or missionary supported by their church.
Our Shared Commitment
The local church is God’s plan for the nations. That is why missions organizations like ABWE must share the same commitment to sound doctrine that is so vital to the health of the church.
Why Partner With a Missions Agency?
As you begin your call, you won’t have to do it alone. Our team offers:
- Theological resources and training
- Mobilization and recruitment support
- Medical missionary care
- Financial support and retirement plans
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am called to be a missionary?
A missions calling is discerned through Scripture and the affirmation of your local church — not from a single moment or feeling. Start by reading God’s Word with missions in mind, and bring the question to your pastor. Our Guide for the Journey blog series walks through this in more detail.
Should I involve my pastor or church?
Yes. ABWE expects missionaries to be sent by their local church. Your pastor and church leaders know you well and can help you discern your calling. Our post 8 Questions to Ask Your Pastor When Considering Missions is a helpful place to start.
Do I have to be Baptist to serve with ABWE?
Yes. ABWE is grounded in Baptist doctrine, and our missionaries serve from churches that share those convictions. Our Statement of Faith lays out what we believe.
Do I need seminary training?
It depends on the role. Long-term missionaries usually have some formal Bible training — seminary, Bible college, or another accredited program. Short-term, intern, and volunteer roles have lower training requirements. Talk to us if you are not sure where you fit.
How is missionary work funded?
Most ABWE missionaries raise their own financial support through partnerships with local churches and individual donors. Our team helps you build that support network through training, coaching, and church connections. Associate missionaries serve in a self-funded capacity — through retirement income, a job overseas, or personal savings.
Can I serve with my spouse or family?
Yes. Many of our missionaries serve as families. We work with you to find a fit for your situation — including children’s schooling, family care, and team structure.
Take your next step
Not sure where to start? Talk with one of our mobilization coaches. Ready to begin? Start your application today.