by Dr. Bob Green

The weeks preceding the June meeting of the Board of Trustees and Candidate School are always very busy. This is, without doubt, one of the most exciting times of the year for us here at the World Missions Center of Baptist International Missions, Incorporated. There is always great anticipation over the arrival of the new applicants. This year was no exception.

The Lord blessed with a total of 35 candidates. Africa will have 15 new missionaries from the group. Several were approved for service in South America, 1 for USA ministries and 1 for South East Asia. The military ministries had 3 couples approved. We are thankful for each of these new missionaries.

The application and approval process begins when we received a formal application and notarized authorization to request references. Applicants must receive a positive recommendations from their sending pastors. We look at their church affiliation and involvement (independent Baptist), educational preparation, physical and emotional condition, personal testimony and the valued references that are sent to us. Applicants are sent copys of BIMI’s doctrinal statement, standards and policy booklets. When they sign the application, they are stating that they agree. It is interesting to note that several candidates responded to the question concerning why they chose BIMI by stating that they appreciate BIMI’s high standards. If during the process of reviewing the information provided by them and their references, we do not see any “red flags,” we invite the applicant to attend Candidate School.

The first year candidates start their schooling on Saturday with an introduction to BIMI and our financial policies. These classes are taught on Saturday because the business office workers are free from their normal responsibilities. Candidates attend the church of their choice on Sunday. Monday begins with devotions, followed by a doctrines exam. After lunch the candidates are presented to their individual screening committees. These committees are made up of the following: field directors with whom they will work (if approved), other additional directors, a local pastor, and the applicants sending pastor (if available). Usually we have at least one lady on each committee to make the female applicants feel more at ease.

The screening committee asks questions that help determine if the applicant possesses the spiritual and emotional maturity, stability and calling to be effective in the proposed ministry. It allows the committees to be better acquainted with the applicants and for the applicants to becaome more familiar with BIMI. If the committee gives its approval, the candidate is then recommended for presentation to the Board of Trustees. The trustees meet for this purpose on Monday evening. Each applicant gives a very brief personal testimony to the men that make up the Board. Most of these men are pastors. They have the final word as to whether a candidate is approved to serve with BIMI.

Once the screening and approval process is complete, the candidates feel more relaxed and can better enjoy the remaining classes taught in preparation for deputation and ultimately going to the field. The new missionaries are encouraged to begin deputation as soon as is practical. Most BIMI missionaries are able to raise the needed prayer and financial support in a timely manner, in part due to the training they receive in Candidate School. Many of the classes or sessions are taught by the directors of BIMI and their wives. These are men and women who gained valuable experience while serving on their various fields. It is important that they share with the new missionaries their passion, knowledge and practical experience.

The applicants are no longer candidates, they are fully approved missionaries. They leave BIMI’s headquarters eager to get started ... to get to the place and to the people to which God has graciously called. They will travel many miles, visit many churches and minister to multitudes of people as they go about deputation. They will make new friends, find new prayer partners, become known by their supporting churches, lead people to Christ, and even have others surrender to serve the Lord as missionaries. There will be many pleasant experiences and some not so pleasant, but these new missionaries are the answer to our prayers. Is it not true that we have prayed to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers?

Yes, Candidate School 2004 is now a part of history. As we reflect on the new missionaries and the potential they possess to win souls and plant indigenous New Testament Baptist Churches, we realize that they are making history. Here at the Mission we often mention great missionaries like William Carey, David Livingston and others, that according to history, were blessed of God. It is thrilling to think that each of the missionaries with BIMI has the potential to be just as blessed. Each has the potential to reach a people for Christ. History may record the deeds of these that are entering into His service today as it has those of the past.