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How old do I have to be to join OM?

You need to be 18 years of age or older to work with OM. We hope to be able to offer some short-term options for younger teens soon.

What qualifications do I need?

You need not have any formal training to join us. OM does provide on-the-job training for its workers. However, OM also welcomes people who have formal qualifications – we have many opportunities where professional training and experience (eg. accounting, marine qualifications, IT, etc.) are desirable.

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How much will it cost?

In OM we look to the Lord to supply our needs, both as individuals and as a mission. Depending on your country of choice, you will have to raise a monthly support figure that is set by each country. As a guide, this may range anywhere from NZ$770-$1600 per month. Then there are extra costs like conference fees, application costs, airfares, medical and travel insurance, and in certain countries, set-up costs.

Will I be able to find financial support for myself?

Yes, we believe that raising personal support can be achieved – thousands of missionaries have seen God provide for them over and over again. Seeing support coming in can also provide a very definite confirmation that we are in God's will. We will be happy to help you learn how support is raised, and will provide you with some valuable tools to do this.

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How long can I join for?

  • Short-term trips (Global Challenge) vary from 1 week up to 6 months (with an average of 3 to 4 weeks including training conference). Attention! Many people join for a month but end up staying for many years!
  • For long-term trips (Global Action)  the standard commitment is between 1 and 2 years, dependent on the field to which you apply.

What countries can I go to?

OM works throughout Europe, Central and South Asia, Middle East, Africa, the Americas – about 110 countries in all! We also operate an ocean-going ship: MV Logos Hope.

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What do I need to join?

You can join OM if you...

  • are 18 years of age or older
  • know the Lord Jesus as your personal saviour
  • have a desire to serve Him and reach people with the Gospel
  • are sent by your local church
  • satisfy the application process, including being able to read, write and speak English fluently

There may be other requirements depending on the field to which you will go and the work you wish to do. Please contact us for more details.

What part does prayer play?

Prayer is an important part of OM team life. It is prayer time that forms the basis of our work and evangelism. We want you to live in the reality of intercession as you see God's power transform lives and remove obstacles.

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What training is given while on OM?

Training comes in many shapes and forms over time. It all usually starts with orientation then through training that will be specific to the particular ministry or country (or field) that you are involved in. You will also have time set aside each week (or each day) for study. Times of study will vary from team to team, depending on your individual programme.

Study Programme
Most OM teams give several hours each week to a Bible study/discipleship programme. Study materials include our own Global Action study book. Most teams use our specially developed Global Action Study Guide which will cover major themes like these. Some study you will complete on your own; other subjects will be covered in group discussion.

  1. Bible Survey
  2. Introduction to Hermeneutics
  3. Knowing God
  4. Understanding Ourselves
  5. Discipleship and Team Life
  6. World Mission
  7. Evangelism
  8. Communication
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What orientation is given?

Orientation starts before you leave New Zealand. Books like Operation World can give basic facts on the area / country where you will be working. It also gives prayer points, so that you can start changing things before you go! You can also read guides like the Lonely Planet. You may want to start language learning or try meeting people from that country.

Your entry point to OM will be at one of the Global Action GO conferences held in Europe in September and January. At the conference you will have the opportunity to meet others joining your team and some of the leaders who you will be working with. There will be more orientation given during this time.

Field-based training is to equip you for effective service through language study, ministry training, etc. This is an ongoing part of your time on OM and will take the form of both formal teaching and daily mentoring.

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What kind of work is done in OM?

  • Action Evangelism Teams
    Evangelism, especially among the unreached in the Middle East, South and Central Asia and Europe. There are options throughout the world plus of course the many possibilities for serving on one of our two ships. Wherever you are in the world, you will use evangelistic methods including drama, open air meetings, friendship building, literature distribution, videos etc. You may also be part of a long-term church-planting situation, or in some cases work in a "tentmaking" role in order to spread the Gospel.
  • Special Ministry Teams
    Serving people in special need by combining evangelism with practical help through development projects, work among the poor, ministry to refugees, etc. Please note: Opportunities in this track are limited to a small number of OM fields. Preference will be given to those considering longer-term service on those fields. Other candidates may be asked to consider another track.
  • Vital Support Teams
    Increase the effectiveness of OM's global ministry by joining an OM "home office" resource team or a support team on an evangelistic field, and serve through administration and secretarial work, media and graphics, recruiting and pastoral care, financial development and accountancy, technical services including computer people, professional seamen for the ships, mechanics and maintenance people.

 

 

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How do I find out more about OM?

There are a few ways...

Give us a call, email us, or drop in for a coffee. We'll do our best to answer any questions you have.

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