Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to talk first with my Home Church?
Certainly! International Teams places strong emphasis on a partnership between you as a missionary, your sending church and International Teams as the facilitating agency. Before giving you application papers we should be talking with your church leaders so they know about International Teams and indicate their support for you to proceed with an application.

Who determines where I will be placed?
Many applicants have already decided upon their choice of location. This is usually done through consultation with staff at our National Office and your home church. Some are still "undecided" but apply anyway, realizing that as the process continues, they will gain clearer direction. You are not placed arbitrarily, but in cooperation with our staff and your church in light of your abilities, giftedness, interests, and the field need.

Do I have to be a Bible College graduate?
No. But you do need to have a good understanding of God's Word. Many times this comes through being involved in church and/or campus ministries. The more biblically prepared you are, the more effective you may be in ministry. Additionally, a strong relationship with your home church is essential.

What training is required to serve with International Teams?
There are three modules required before you may serve as an Australian missionary with International Teams. You may do these modules in any order.

International Teams Australia ACCESS Missionary Training. A two-week course (first week residential) conducted at the office of International Teams in Sydney, usually in April.

Missions Interlink Transition Training. A three-week course in preparation for living and working in another culture. The course is conducted each year in January, July and December in Sydney, Wyee (NSW) and Melbourne.

Partnership Development Workshop. A five-day workshop conducted by Wycliffe Bible Translators near Melbourne each February and July.

How much does it cost?
There are certain costs you can expect to face before you head to the field. Following is our current best estimate. We shall always seek to keep you informed of other costs that may arise. These costs are current as at January 2007. Please feel free to contact the office if you have any questions about fees.

Application Fee
Paid when application submitted to ITA office.
$100 single, $150 couple for short-term placements
$50 single, $75 couple for Summer Teams
$100 single, $150 couple for long-term (over 1 year)

Required after application submitted

Medical Examination
Your expense

Psychological Testing
A number of written tests and interview $85 per person

Training
Missions Interlink Transition Training: $1,100
IT ACCESS Missionary Training: $950 single, $1650 couple (training only)
Wycliffe Partnership Development Workshop: $170 single $340 couple (training only)

Other Costs
In addition there will be costs associated with support raising and preparing to depart for your place of ministry.

The cost in your place of ministry varies by location. We'll be happy to supply current budget figures for any given location. Expenses are incurred for travel, set-up and monthly personal and ministry needs.

We believe it is critical all missionaries have sufficient funds before they begin their ministry. Therefore while a missionary is able to book airline tickets before departure, they must not pay for their ticket until 90% of their estimated income has been pledged. For us this is a matter of pastoral care and is done in consultation with our personnel department.

Will I be paid?
No, there are no salaries. Each missionary looks to the Lord for provision of his or her finances. It has been our experience that He generally supplies sufficient funds through the missionary's home church, relatives, friends, and others who have a heart for the missionary or their ministry.

You mean I have to "raise my own support"?
Yes. And although that may sound scary, remember that you are not trusting in yourself. You are trusting in the God of creation, who supplies for all those He sends. Thousands of others before you have had the same fears...and have had wonderful experiences of seeing the hand of God in the provision of their needs. In addition, we'll supply you with a practical "how to get started" manual to launch you on the path to your personal support discovery.

OK. I'm still a bit shaky, but I sense God directing me to step out and trust Him.