So—you’ve said yes to God’s call to missions.
That’s huge. Congratulations.
Now comes one of the most important decisions you’ll make before heading to the field: choosing a mission board.
Just like choosing where you’ll serve, choosing who you’ll serve with will directly impact your joy, effectiveness, and long-term faithfulness. When the sending church, the missionary and the mission board share doctrine, values, and goals—ministry thrives. When they don’t, frustration grows, energy drains, and focus shifts away from the purpose for which God has called you.
Below are seven key things to think through as you prayerfully choose a mission board.
1. Doctrinal Position
Doctrine matters—deeply.
A mission board should have a clear, unwavering commitment to the authority of Scripture. A firm belief in the verbal, plenary inspiration of the Bible establishes the foundation for both life and ministry. When experience or human reasoning replaces God’s Word as the final authority, confusion follows.
Doctrinal unity among missionaries flows from a shared conviction about the Scriptures. Take time to carefully read a board’s doctrinal statement—and observe whether it actually lives by what it teaches.
2. Financial Policy
Mission boards handle finances in different ways, and each approach shapes a missionary’s experience.
Some denominational boards provide a set salary, reducing the missionary’s role in support-raising. Others use a shared or pooled system where funds are distributed across the mission as a whole.
Among Independent Baptists, the most common approach is the faith-based deputation model. In this model, missionaries personally present their ministry to churches and trust God to provide monthly support. All funds designated for a missionary go directly to that missionary, and full support must be raised before approval to leave for the field.
While deputation takes time and effort, it strengthens faith, builds partnerships with churches, and deepens trust in God’s provision. BIMI follows this deputation model.
3. Baptist Distinctives
If you and your sending church are Baptist, Baptist identity matters.
Some boards describe themselves as “Baptistic” but do not plant Baptist churches. Often, this label reflects a desire for Baptist support without a commitment to Baptist doctrine or practice.
Baptist distinctives include:
• Biblical Authority
• Autonomy of the local church
• Priesthood of every believer
• Two Ordinances of Believer’s Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
• Individual Soul Liberty
• Saved church membership
• Two Offices of Pastor and Deacons
• Separation of church and state
If these convictions matter to you, serving with a Baptist mission board is essential.
4. Understanding the Mission Task
What is missions really about?
While humanitarian aid, education, and medical work can be valuable, the core mission task is church planting. That includes evangelism, discipleship, and training national leaders to shepherd local churches.
Nothing should distract a missionary from this purpose. Choose a board whose primary focus is planting churches and training believers—rather than one where church planting becomes secondary.
5. Administration
Healthy missions requires both leadership and freedom.
A mission board must have enough delegated authority to establish standards, provide accountability, and resolve issues that could damage a missionary’s ministry. At the same time, it must allow room for missionaries to be led by the Holy Spirit—the true Commander-in-Chief of missions.
BIMI seeks to maintain this balance. Our delegated authority is not concentrated in one individual but exercised through a Board of Trustees made up of Independent Baptist pastors. Field directors also provide guidance, support, and counsel on the field.
Submitting to a structure that aligns with your convictions prevents unnecessary heartache down the road.
6. Outreach and Track Record
Experience matters.
Ask questions like:
• Does the board have established ministries in multiple countries?
• Is it already working in your desired field?
• Is it willing and able to open new fields if God leads?
BIMI has served missionaries and local churches since 1960 and currently has 700+ missionaries on 100 fields. With a commitment to Mark 16:15, BIMI stands ready to enter new fields as God opens doors and missionary personnel respond in obedience.
7. Separation
Biblical separation protects testimony and usefulness.
A mission board should practice both ecclesiastical and personal separation, grounded in discernment and doctrinal conviction. Holy living honors the Lord and strengthens ministry impact.
BIMI maintains personal standards for its missionaries and does not cooperate with movements such as Ecumenical Christianity, Neo-Orthodoxy, Neo-Evangelicalism, or the Charismatic Movement.
Conclusion
These seven considerations are essential—but they aren’t the only things to think about when choosing a mission board.
Beyond what’s outlined here, BIMI offers practical support in areas such as:
• International insurance and emergency evacuation
• Candidate School and specialized church-planting training
• Visa and government paperwork
• Banking, donor receipts, and bill paying
• Tax preparation and wire transfers
• Printing and communication services
If you’re exploring mission boards, we encourage you to learn more, ask questions, and seek wise counsel. Choosing the right mission board is a major step toward a faithful, focused, and joyful missionary ministry.
Jason & Mary Ritchie