53 Missionary Interview Questions

Missionary interviews are an essential part of the process for those feeling called to serve in cross-cultural ministry. These interviews provide an opportunity for both the candidate and the organization to assess compatibility, preparedness, and the heart behind the calling. Whether you’re preparing for a missionary interview or conducting one, it’s crucial to cover a wide range of topics.

53 Missionary Interview Questions

This includes personal testimony, cultural adaptability, family dynamics, and spiritual growth. By asking thoughtful questions, organizations can help ensure that missionaries are well-equipped to face the challenges of international service while staying rooted in their faith and mission.

Personal Background

1. Can you share your testimony of how you came to faith?
2. What has inspired you to pursue missionary work?
3. How long have you been considering becoming a missionary?
4. What are your spiritual gifts, and how do they relate to missions?
5. Can you describe a time when God answered a significant prayer in your life?
6. How do you maintain your personal relationship with God daily?
7. What role does your family play in your missionary calling?

Calling and Motivation

8. What led you to feel called to serve as a missionary?
9. How do you discern God’s will in your life?
10. Why do you feel called to serve in the specific region or country you’re interested in?
11. How do you handle uncertainty in your calling?
12. What excites you the most about missionary work?
13. Have you experienced any doubts or fears about being a missionary? How have you dealt with them?

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Cross-Cultural Experience

14. Have you had any prior cross-cultural experiences? Please describe them.
15. What challenges do you expect when adapting to a new culture?
16. How do you plan to build relationships with people from different cultures?
17. How do you handle culture shock or homesickness?
18. What is your experience with learning new languages?
19. What steps are you taking to prepare for the culture you’ll serve in?
20. How do you plan to communicate your faith in a different cultural context?

Family and Relationships

21. How does your family feel about your decision to become a missionary?
22. If you are married, how do you and your spouse handle making decisions together?
23. How do you plan to balance family life with ministry responsibilities?
24. If you have children, how will their education and well-being be managed in the mission field?

Ministry and Service

25. What type of missionary work are you most interested in (e.g., church planting, teaching, medical missions)?
26. Can you give an example of how you’ve served others in your local church or community?
27. How do you plan to work with the local church in the area where you’ll serve?
28. How will you address the spiritual and physical needs of the people you’re serving?
29. What do you think is the most effective way to share the Gospel in your mission field?
30. How do you plan to handle opposition or resistance to the Gospel in your area of service?

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Practical and Logistical Questions

31. What is your fundraising strategy for your missionary work?
32. How do you plan to manage your finances while on the mission field?
33. What support structures (mentors, sending agencies, church) will you have while in the field?
34. How long do you plan to serve as a missionary?
35. What is your long-term vision for your missionary work?
36. How do you plan to handle health care needs while overseas?

Theology and Beliefs

37. How would you explain the Gospel to someone unfamiliar with Christianity?
38. What is your understanding of the Great Commission?
39. How do you view the role of the Holy Spirit in your missionary work?
40. How do you approach discipling new believers?
41. How do you handle theological disagreements with other believers?
42. What is your understanding of the importance of the local church in missions?

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Conflict and Resilience

43. How do you handle conflict, especially in cross-cultural settings?
44. Can you describe a time when you faced a major challenge in ministry and how you overcame it?
45. How do you manage stress or burnout, especially in high-pressure environments?
46. How do you handle criticism or rejection in your ministry?
47. What is your approach to resolving disagreements with other team members?

Health and Safety

48. How do you stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy?
49. What measures will you take to ensure your safety in the mission field?
50. How do you plan to cope with loneliness or isolation?

Vision and Goals

51. What do you hope to accomplish through your missionary work?
52. How do you measure success in your ministry?
53. What legacy do you want to leave in the community you will serve?

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A successful missionary interview goes beyond logistical details, delving into the heart of the candidate’s calling, faith, and cross-cultural readiness. By asking the right questions, both the missionary and the sending organization can ensure a fruitful partnership in advancing the Gospel.