ZAP into Mission!

MAPPING YOUR OWN ZAP (Z to A Planning towards Mission)

1. Identify your long-range goals: When would you like to be on the mission field?

2. Select an agency: This is an important step and you should set a deadline for choosing an agency. Most agencies will require you to participate in an evaluation/orientation program. When will you do that? World Team requires that you attend RACE (Reciprocal Assessment Candidate Evaluation), a 9 day orientation and assessment process which is offered three times each year.

3. College/Education: Are you currently a full or part time student? Do you need any formal and/or informal Bible education?

4. Work: Are you currently working full or part time? When and how will you transition out of that position?

5. Ministry Development: What specific ministries do you need/want to experience in order to prepare yourself spiritually for the mission field? Your church should be involved in placing you in ministry roles, guiding your growth and developing your passion for missions.

6. Debt pay-off: This requires a strategy which includes finding a job that provides sufficient income beyond basic necessities and reducing your monthly expenses. It is very important to have a plan to pay down your debt. If you have no debt, develop a savings plan in order to set aside money for your future.

7. Courtship/Marriage/Kids: Although these may be unknown items, it is very important to think through relationships and contingencies in your plan - it is not generally advisable to go into intercultural ministry immediately after marriage.

8. Personal development: While ministry and personal development can go hand in hand, your walk with the Lord is a priority. Prayerful planning for spiritual growth is a very effective way to become more Christ-like.

9. Short-term trip(s): Taking time to “experience” missions is a highly recommended step in working toward your goal. Even if you are not traveling to a place you might stay permanently, a “taste of the field” is the biggest reason to go on a short term trip. This could also be a “field visit” to meet the people you could (or will) be working with on the field.

10. Other: These may not be “essentials,” but are things you might want to do before you arrive on the field. Some examples include running a marathon, a camping trip with your dad, a retreat with your mom, learning sign language, etc.