Ans. We consider an FLM missionary to be a believer who has experienced the Holy Spirit’s leading to proclaim the gospel to the unchurched and who has previously demonstrated a willingness to labor together with us by:
participating in short-term missions;
engaging in evangelism efforts (street preaching, personal witnessing, discipleship, mentorship, etc.);
distributing FLP literature;
presenting the FLP/FLM ministry overview seminar.
All of our missionaries are certified under the auspices of FirstLove Missions after the requisite training and a sufficient demonstration period.
Quest.What are the minimum qualifications for submitting an application as an FLM missionary?
Ans. The non-negotiable starting point for anyone considering submitting an application to serve as an FLM missionary are the three “be’s”:
be a born-again Christian (John 3:3-7);
be a member in good standing with a local church (Heb. 10:25); and,
be able to obtain a letter of recommendation from your local pastor.
Quest.I meet the minimum qualification standards. Now what?
Ans. The next step in the process to becoming an FLM missionary is to fill out the online application form found here. Please note that this application should be completed in one sitting and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Quest.What can I expect after I submit my application?
Ans. Once your application has been received, it will take approximately 1-2 weeks before you should expect to receive a reply from us.
Quest.If I am invited to join the FLM missions team, what happens then?
Ans. The Bible tells us, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily” (1 Tim. 5:22). The principle to be gleaned here is that we do not certify people as missionaries without first cultivating a relationship, witnessing firsthand the work of the Spirit in the believer’s life, and understanding their own abilities to serve as FLM missionaries. Practically speaking, what this means is that you will join us in the mission field at home and abroad as time and opportunity permits as a provisional FLM missionary until you have demonstrated your ability and willingness to be an FLM missionary through labor and action, which includes completing the required missionary Level I training.
Quest.What are the required levels of training for FLM missionaries?
Ans. Our formalized training process consists of two levels: one in order to be certified as an FLM missionary and the other as on-going training for deeper appreciation and understanding of how God used missionaries and evangelists with high ideals and character throughout the church age. Please note this coursework does not result in a pass/fail or a grade. The completion of the coursework serves a twofold purpose: (1) it will tremendously help you grow in grace, truth, and knowledge of our Lord Christ Jesus, and (2) it will confirm your Spirit-led decision and demonstrate to us your desire to engage in the work of missions with us.
Level I: This training is considered the missionary certification process and culminates in a “Certificate of Ministry.” To achieve satisfactory completion, we require the following coursework to be completed within six months of starting.
Book 1: The New Testament Missionary (Cliff Hellar) and Study Guide
Book 2: The Minister as Shepherd: The Privileges and Responsibilities of Pastoral Leadership (Charles E. Jefferson) and Study Guide
Book 3: A Catechism on Biblical Doctrine: With Commentary (W. R. Downing) and Study Guide
Level II: This training is considered on-going, spiritual coursework. Level II training is for certified FLM missionaries to foster the knowledge of God’s dealings with men in ages past. This level follows a similar pattern of coursework in that three books will be read and an accompanying study guide will be completed.
Book 1: George Muller biography and Study Guide
Book 2: Hudson Taylor biography and Study Guide
Book 3: George Whitfield biography and Study Guide
All coursework and materials will be provided free of charge once accepted to join the FLM missions team.
Ans. No. All of our missionaries serve on a volunteer basis and participate in at least one short-term missions trip each year. This is in addition to on-going local evangelism efforts and ministry opportunities during the year as one’s schedule permits and also continuing personal education through our training program.
Quest.If missionaries are not paid, does that mean they must find their own financial support for missions trips?
Ans. No. None of our missionaries will candidate or solicit funding or donations for the work of missions. We are solely a faith-based ministry, which means we trust the Lord will provide the necessary resources for us to proclaim His gospel throughout the world. No missionary is expected to pay for the work of missions.
Quest.Do you accept women to apply for the position of an FLM missionary?
Ans. The Bible nowhere restricts women from sharing the gospel. We, in fact, encourage that and support those who are willing. However, we require our missionaries to exercise authority over men through shepherding and pastoring as necessary. For that reason we cannot in good conscience forsake the clear teaching in Scripture that prohibits women from engaging in pastoral ministry (1 Tim. 2:11–12). We do, though, encourage women to serve with us as missionary workers.
Quest.What if I want to serve, but I do not feel led to engage in the public speaking or pastoral aspect of missions and evangelism?
Ans. We fully understand that God has equipped each of us for different aspects of ministry and evangelism. “But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift . . . He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:7-12). For this reason, we encourage those who cannot fulfill the basic duties or qualifications of an FLM missionary to consider joining us as FLM missionary workers.
Quest.What is an FLM missionary worker, and how does it differ from an FLM missionary?
Ans. Whether applying for an FLM missionary or missionary worker position, the basic character requirements remains the same. All believers are required to “adorn the gospel,” as it is our life and actions that will portray to the world the only hope there is to be found. Beyond this, we are all one team working together to bring glory and honor to Christ. The FLM missionary work will work and function as part of the team in the same way as a missionary with the exception of preaching, teaching, and pastoral counseling. If, however, a missionary worker possesses a truly special gift or skill such as photography, videography, sign language, etc., we will utilize that worker to maximize the gift God has given.
Quest.Are missionary workers required to undergo Level I or Level II training as well?
Ans. We strongly encourage everyone on the FLM missions teams to develop their own understanding of the Bible and church history through the completion of Level I and Level II training, but we do not require missionary workers to complete any formal training through FLM.