Frequently Asked Questions

EBM believes that the Local Church is responsible for sending out missionaries. At EBM we often state, “We do not send out missionaries. The local church does. We facilitate the church’s completion of its biblical responsibility.”

While most mission agencies state that the local church is in charge, not all take as many safeguards to make sure that the Church stays in the “driver’s seat.” People who own full-sized van sometimes commit the unsafe practice of changing drivers while the vehicle is moving. The same thing can happen with churches and mission agencies as the former sends out people to the mission field. Though the church starts out in the driver’s seat, somewhere along the way, the church relinquishes the “driving” to the mission agency. Only later does some one ask, “When did that happen?” At EBM we strive to help the local church lead the way in missions.

No , it it not necessary to work through a missions agency, but it is very helpful. Nowhere in Scripture do we find an agency sending missionaries to evangelize around the world. Biblically this is the responsibility and priority of the local church. So why do mission agencies exist? Are they necessary? Service is paramount in today’s culture. As the world has become increasingly more sophisticated, and complex, responsibilities seem to exceed the 24 hour days and 7 day weeks. Service is the key to time management and helping us to focus on priorities on the field. EBM assists with financial, administrative and supportive means. Donors can rely on the agency to properly handle the donations they make and issue proper receipts compliant with IRS regulations. Missionaries can know that funds will be sent to them in secure and safe ways. EBM staff and on field directors and regional coordinators assist in getting missionaries and short term mission teams on fields through travel and visa assistance from the office as well as help to set appropriate support levels for a family to live on the field and minister. Technology is key to communication and EBM is moving forward in both the home office and with the missionary family in providing better, cheaper, quicker and more secure means of communicating everything from financial information to encouraging notes, to necessary paperwork for renewal of visas in host countries. EBM representatives present personnel and project opportunities in churches and schools and provide counsel and help for those seeking God’s direction in their lives. The missions agency provides a family which encourages one another around the globe.

Missionaries need to be born-again, growing Christians who are passionate about their faith in Jesus Christ and desire to serve Him in His work anywhere. EBM believes that God has given authority to the local church to send out workers, so it is absolutely necessary for those coming to EBM to have a strong relationship with their local church. Click these links to learn more:

• How Can I Join the EBM Family?
• Recruitment Home Page

Education requirements will vary depending on the missionary assignment. There will be some required work in specialty areas. For most ministries, some formal Bible education is required.

Frankly, it’s not easy, yet even in today’s weak economy, missionaries are raising support and leaving for the field. Raising support is often a time of learning, “Can I really trust God for everything?” God never abandons His work and if He calls someone to join Him in His work, we can trustingly do our part of presenting the support needs and seeing God work through His people.

God has made us all differently and given us various gifts. To begin the steps to know what God wants you to do with the life He has given to you is to begin serving within your church. Talk to your pastor and find a godly mentor who can build Biblical guidelines and accountability in your life. Spend time reading God’s word…and then listen to Him speaking to you as you meditate on the Word and discover opportunities where He is working and you can join Him in His work.

• How Can I Join the EBM Family?
• Recruitment Home Page

You can either mail a check to EBM or set up an electronic funds transfer (EFT) or give online. Once the donation is received, EBM will place the funds in the designated account and issue a receipt to you. Click here to learn more about Ways to Give.

. Yes, but you will need to contact the EBM finance department. You may contact them by phone (317-872-4488) or email finance@ebm.org for information on how to do this.