Purpose
Missionary Orientation exists to initiate long-term, mid-term, and associate missionary applicants into the ABWE family, inform new missionaries about how to navigate prefield missionary life moving forward, and inspire them to embrace our philosophy of ministry and bold vision.
Content
Missionary Orientation lasts about one week, and takes applicants and new appointees through a journey including:
- Completing the appointment process to join ABWE
- Gaining a detailed understanding of ABWE’s global ministry
- Understanding ABWE’s approach to evangelism and church planting
- Equipping for raising financial support, if applicable
- Exploring benefits, support requirements, and other services available to you as a missionary
Recognition Service
As part of the biennial Missionary Enrichment (ME) Conference, recent appointees are introduced to the ABWE family in a recognition and celebration service. All new missionaries are strongly encouraged to attend ME not only to participate in this recognition but also for the benefits of all conference elements during their first years of appointment.
Missionary Appointments
On Tuesday of Missionary Orientation, applicants give their testimony of how God called them into missions as well as answer the question, “How does my planned ministry fit into the ABWE vision?” before the staff, Executive Directors and Senior Leadership Team members. After appointment, the entire staff joins together to celebrate what God has done in calling ABWE’s newest missionaries.
Housing & Meals
Hotel accommodations are provided by ABWE at no cost to the applicant. All lunches and most dinners are provided at the ABWE headquarters. Applicants are the guests of ABWE with no financial responsibility for room, board, and training. Travel expenses to and from Harrisburg, PA are the applicant’s responsibility.
Children
ABWE strives to embody a biblical family atmosphere at its International Headquarters and on all of its fields. We at ABWE love families and children! We will do everything possible to reasonably accommodate your kids during this exciting transition in life.
An Orientation program for children and teens will coincide with the summer Orientation events in July. We encourage families with children 5 years and older to pursue the summer Orientation.
For families with children 4 years of age and under, our on-site nursery facilities are available at no charge to parents, or parents may elect to bring a family member or other caregiver to assist them during the week. For more information, email us.
Attendee Information
For more information regarding Missionary Orientation, contact Mobilization at 877.636.5478 or mobilization@abwe.org.