Individual Preparation U.S. International Ministry

Here are some things you can do to begin to prepare for US International Ministry:

  • Training in English as a Second Language (ESL) would be helpful. See if you can find training in your area. If not, volunteer with an ESL program through your BCM or local church.
  • Develop relationships with International students on your campus. Get involved in teaching ESL. Join the International club on campus. Become a conversation partner.
  • Read up on the predominant religion in your area to have a basic understanding of their beliefs. See our Spiritual Preparation portion of your handbook.  A good book that will help you understand other cultures is Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier.
  • Develop 4‐6 Bible studies that could be used with Internationals to explain the life of Christ and basic discipleship (assurance of salvation, baptism, quiet time, sharing your faith, place of scripture in new believer’s life).
  • Develop a clear presentation of the Gospel. Specifically keep in mind witnessing to people of other world religions.
  • Work on your testimony, practice communicating with International students on your campus, who use English as their second language. Develop a clear presentation of the Gospel. Avoid church words and phrases. Instead, think about what an International student will understand. For instance, if you use the phrase “walking the aisle”—that means nothing in other cultures or people who have never been to church, except going from one part of the building to another!
  • Work on your scripture memory.
  • The basis of your ministry will be building relationships through which you can share your faith. Read one of the books below to help you prepare for sharing through your relationships:

Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels

Becoming a Contagious Christian by Bill Hybels

Peppermint‐Filled Piñatas by Eric Michael Bryant

Questions to all of Your Answers by Roger Olson

Searching for God Knows What by Donald Miller

More Ready Than You Realize by Brain McLaren

God’s Blogs by Lanny Donoho

Getting Your Feet Dirty: A down‐to‐earth Look at Following Jesus by Don Everts

The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel

What’s So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey

  • Read a good book on Prayer Walking like: Prayer Walking: Praying on Site with Insight by Hawthorn and Kendrick or Walking the Talk by Dan Crawford and Calvin Miller. Or participate in prayer walking training or a prayer walk in your area.
  • Visit these websites to find out about your state or country and people group:

http://www.joshuaproject.net/index.php http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

http://www.infoplease.com/states.html http://www.peoplegroups.info/