Join The Team

Is the Lord leading you to a life of missions? If so, we might have a place for you at The Brook. Please review the steps below and prayerfully consider where God is calling you.

Steps to Joining The Brook Ministries Team

Overview

The policies and procedures outlined here are not criteria for judging a person’s relationship with God or their worth in the church. Instead, they are meant to evaluate if a person is ready, and is a good fit, for ministry as part of the team at The Brook Ministries (TBM).

If you believe God is leading you to serve with TBM, please follow these steps and submit all information requested along the way.

Step 1 – Introduction

  • Submit your resume. Please include work history, education, ministry experiences, life experiences, church attendance, and level of Spanish proficiency. If a couple is applying together, each individual should submit their resume. Please include all details about any and all marriages and divorces.
  • Submit your testimony. Please share a brief (1 page) testimony of how you came to faith in Jesus Christ, and what has led you to this point in your journey. Include why you specifically feel called to full-time, foreign missions in Costa Rica.
  • If applying for a pastoral training position, submit a doctrinal statement.
  • Schedule an introductory meeting. When submitting your resume, ask to schedule a meeting (in person, phone, virtual) with the Executive Director. The purpose of the meeting is to introduce yourself and share why you are applying to be a missionary with TBM.

Step 2 – Church Approval

  • Schedule a time to meet with your local church pastor and share with them your desire to pursue ministry with TBM.
  • If your pastor agrees with your calling to ministry, ask them to write a letter of recommendation expressing your good standing with the church and fitness for ministry with TBM.

Step 3 – Background Check

  • Submit names and contact information for the following referenced: 1) current or previous employer; 2) a ministry leader you have worked with; 3) two friends who can speak to your character (not family members).
  • Submit school transcripts.
  • Submit background/credit check permission form (provided upon request). Any significant indebtedness or past bankruptcies should be shared.

Once the first three steps have been completed, your file will be presented to the Board of Directors with a recommendation from the Executive Director on your fitness to serve at TBM. The Board will then vote on whether to invite you to become a Missionary Candidate with TBM.

Missionary Candidates will continue with the following steps.

Step 4 – Field Interview

  • Working with the Executive Director, the Missionary Candidate will schedule (at their own expense) a one-week trip to The Brook Training Center in Costa Rica. The Candidate will be exposed to all aspects of ministry at TBM and will have extensive time with the leadership team.
  • If relevant, the Candidate will be given opportunities to speak and serve. Spanish language proficiency will be assessed by local volunteers.

Step 5 – Invitation

  • Depending on the Field Interview experience, the Missionary Candidate (or couple) will either be dismissed, invited to serve as a mid-term missionary (1 year or less), or invited to serve as a long-term missionary (more than 1 year).

Step 6 – Preparation

  • The Missionary will be deputized to raise support. TBM can provide donors tax-deductible receipts for all donations given to TBM through the Missionary’s efforts. However, these donations are only tax-deductible if TBM retains control over the funds. Donors may and should identify their “preference” that the funds are for the Missionary’s support, but they may not restrict the funds to support the individual Missionary.
  • The Missionary must raise 100% of their support (or 85% plus sufficient reserves to cover any deficit for one year) before they begin work at TBM. The amount of support required will be determined at the time of employment and will include: housing allowance, healthcare costs, and salary.
  • The Missionary will complete either: 1) Perspectives on the World Christian Movement course; or 2) a pre-approved “Introduction to Missions” course from a college or seminary. The cost for any and all training courses will be covered from funds raised by the Missionary.
  • If necessary, the Missionary will begin language training at a pre-approved institution.
  • If necessary, the Missionary will be asked to take additional courses to address any deficits identified during the interview process.

Step 7 – Deployment

Upon successful completion of all previous steps, the Missionary will say goodbye to family and friends, and transition to a new life and culture as part of The Brook Ministries team.