FAQs

Learn more about BIMI through our frequently asked questions.

About Missions

  1. How do I choose the right mission board?

    Choosing a mission board that reflects or accommodates your doctrinal position, outreach methods, goals, and preferences concerning financial policy, administration, and separation will alleviate many unnecessary tensions and frustrations before and after you arrive on the field. Friction on such issues saps the energy, robs the joy, and diverts the focus of a missionary away from the ministry. For more information, read Choosing a Mission Board on the BIMI website.

  2. What is a sending church?

    Every church should pray for and, in every way possible, take care of their missionaries. But, practically, how can that be done? You can find practical suggestions and biblical examples for the sending church in The Sending Church on the BIMI website.

  3. What is "faith missions"?

    Missionaries must trust God through their own personal faith to provide the financial support needed to go to the mission field. Missionaries are not guaranteed support by the international headquarters. They receive faith commitments from churches who agree to undertake their financial and prayer support.

About our Mission

  1. How did BIMI begin?

    BIMI had humble beginnings. In 1960 seven missionaries from the former Congo Gospel Mission joined with Baptist International Missions in addition to eight other missionary candidates. Since then the work has steadily matured as a testimony to God's faithfulness and grace. Over 8,500 local churches currently support more than 1,000 missionaries now serving in over 90 countries around the world. The result of this missionary endeavor will only be known in eternity. We rejoice in reports of many thousands of lives changed by the Gospel of Christ. Over 3,000 churches have been established in various parts of the world. These churches operate day schools, youth camps, and Bible schools and colleges that reach and train nationals to lead tomorrow's church.

  2. What do BIMI missionaries believe?

    As an independent Baptist mission board, BIMI and its missionaries not only hold to the fundamental doctrinal beliefs historically held by Baptists, but also to the Baptist distinctives and take a separatist stand against Neo-evangelicalism, the Ecumenical movement and the Charismatic movement. You may read our full Doctrinal Statement in the About Us section of our website.

  3. Why do missionaries choose BIMI?

    Choosing a mission board that reflects or accommodates your doctrinal position, outreach methods, goals, and preferences concerning financial policy, administration, and separation will alleviate many unnecessary tensions and frustrations before and after you arrive on the field. Friction on such issues saps the energy, robs the joy, and diverts the focus of a missionary away from the ministry. For more information, read Choosing a Mission Board on the BIMI website.

  4. What makes BIMI unique?

    Church Relationship: BIMI is an independent Baptist mission serving independent Baptist churches. As a Baptist mission, it is expected that all missionaries and missionary candidates must be scripturally baptized in a Baptist church. All missionaries and missionary candidates are to be members of and sent out by independent Baptist churches.
    Bible Translations: In the English speaking countries of the world, our missionaries preach from the King James version of the Bible.
    Faith Missions Principle: Missionaries must trust God through their own personal faith to provide the financial support needed to go to the mission field. Missionaries are not guaranteed support by the international headquarters. They receive faith commitments from churches who agree to undertake their financial and prayer support.

  5. I know I am called to missions but I do not know where. Do I need to know a country before I contact BIMI about becoming a missionary?

    No. Often prospective missionaries will contact the BIMI World Missions Center or one of the BIMI Directors to find out more information on potential mission fields so that they may pray more specifically as they seek God's direction and leading.

About Our Mission Fields

  1. In which countries does BIMI have a presence in Africa?

    View the map in the Where We Are section of our website.

  2. What if I believe God is calling me to a country in which BIMI is not already active?

    BIMI exists to assist the sending church and the missionary to fulfill God's plan, wherever that may be, as long as it is purposed to plant indigenous, independent Baptist churches. Please contact one of our directors for more information.

  3. What ministry opportunities are available other than church-planting?

    BIMI is a church-planting mission board. This means that every missionary, in some aspect, is involved in establishing indigenous, independent Baptist Churches. Many missionaries, after first establishing a church, are led by God to establish ministries to expand the outreach of that church and to prepare future church planting opportunities. Some of these ministries include Bible Institutes and Colleges, Christian day schools, radio stations, medical clinics, orphanages, aviation ministries, Bible and tract printing ministries, and Bible translation projects.

About Our Missionaries

  1. How can I find out more information about a BIMI Missionary in Africa?

    View the list of missionaries in each country's profile on the Where We Are section of our site.

  2. How can I contact one of the directors for BIMI in Africa?

    Please use the form on the Contact Us page.

  3. What are the procedures and qualifications for becoming a BIMI Missionary in Africa?

    The general qualifications for missionary candidates to be accepted for appointment under Baptist International Missions, Inc., (BIMI) are the following:

    • Salvation through the person and work of Jesus Christ
    • A testimony of a separated, consistent Christian life
    • A definite missionary call from God
    • Membership in an Independent Baptist church
    • Adequate training in an approved institution

    It is imperative that candidates subscribe to the published Doctrines & Standards statement in its entirety. For more information, please visit the Procedures and Qualifications page on the BIMI.org website.

  4. What is the sending church's role in sending a BIMI Missionary?

    Every church should pray for and, in every way possible, take care of their missionaries. But, practically, how can that be done? You can find practical suggestions and biblical examples for the sending church in The Sending Church on the BIMI.org website.

  5. How do you determine the amount of support needed to be a BIMI Missionary in Africa?

    The amount of support a missionary needs is determine by the Board and the field directors based on the cost of living, tax obligations, insurance, ministry expenses, retirement, and other needs unique to each missionary's intended place and type of ministry.

  6. What skills and education are needed to be a BIMI Missionary in Africa?

    Education requirements are graduation from high school and an approved Bible school, college or seminary. Occasionally, upon recommendation of the Candidate Committee and approval of the Board of Trustees, higher education requirements will be waived in lieu of specialized training or life experience.

    God uses people of all backgrounds to further His Kingdom. BIMI missionaries in Africa come from varied backgrounds. Some have a Bible Certificate from a Christian college, others have earned Doctoral degrees in Bible or Theology. Other missionaries come with what is often considered a secular degree such as communications, engineering, medicine, or education.

  7. What services and security does BIMI offer its missionaries?

    Faith missions require the missionary to present themselves and their chosen field of service to local churches in order to raise support. This method demands faith from the missionary and the local church. Both trust God with mutual responsibility in accomplishing the Great Commission. The mission board insures that all support designated for a missionary goes to that missionary. Adequate monthly support must be secured before departure for the field is approved. BIMI does not guarantee the salary of any missionary. This pre-field ministry of deputation strengthens one's faith in God and His provision for the Great Commission.

    BIMI's longevity and experience enable us to provide missionary candidates with information, statistics and services including the following:

    • Group life, health, and cancer insurance
    • Group retirement program
    • Income tax preparation and aid in IRS matters
    • Literature & printing, audiovisual and web presence services
    • Guidance in securing vehicles, furniture, appliances, etc.
    • Assistance in securing loans when needed & approved
    • Stateside bill paying services
    • Helps for families who choose to home-school their children
    • Support through the avenue of a Field Director to advise and encourage
    • Training through the avenue of Candidate School
    • Refreshment through the avenue of Enrichment Week Seminars

    It is imperative that candidates subscribe to the published Doctrines & Standards statement in its entirety. For more information, please visit the Procedures and Qualifications page on the BIMI.org website.