Responsibilities: 

• Learn the French language and culture 
• Build a community of faith where Christ is worshiped and served 
• Be engaged in evangelistic outreach through creative connections, building relationships, and coordinating events 
• Mentor and train local leaders in serving 
• Contribute to the growth of the national French Alliance 

Required Qualifications: 

• A recognized bachelor’s degree 
• Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry and 15 hours of intercultural studies 
• Spouse must hold a recognized bachelor’s degree and have completed at least 18 hours of Bible/theology, 12 hours of missions/ministry studies (with a minimum of 6 hours in cross-cultural or missions studies) 
• Completion of Alliance Polity course 
• Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration 
• Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience 
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 50 

Biblical Characteristics Desired: 

• Kingdom-minded 
• Biblically grounded 
• Spirit-dependent  
• Competently skilled 
• Self-aware 
• Self-disciplined 

Timeline for Deployment: 

Summer/fall 2025. All appointees are required to attend a cross-cultural and language acquisition program and pre-field course/experience prior to deploying. 

General Information: 

French people are very proud of their language and appreciate those who can communicate well within their language and culture. Bordeaux is the sixth largest and one of the fastest growing urban areas in France with the goal of having one million residents in its greater metropolitan area by 2030. It is home to the University of Bordeaux (four campuses with 82,000 students) as well as private professional schools. Two major local industries are aerospace manufacturing and wine production. A young, diverse population lives in the heart of this busy city where there are limited opportunities to encounter the gospel. 

World Factbook – France 
Joshua Project – France 

Language Expectations: 

Language is an essential part of ministry. Those who do not know the language will attend a language study program. The goal will be to speak, read, and write the language at a functional level in order to mentor, teach, and train others. 

International workers do two years of intensive French language and cultural study with the goal of CEFR C1 by the end of the first term (effective operational proficiency). 

Health Considerations: 

France has modern health-care facilities with well-trained doctors. Health care is generally significantly less expensive in France. There are some notable differences in care between France and the United States. If there are specific health concerns, please discuss them with the team on the ground. 

Expectations for Spouse: 

Spousal roles vary based on the spouse’s gifts, training, and abilities as well as the needs of the team. It is expected that both spouses will be meaningfully involved in meeting ministry objectives depending on the nature of family roles, children, etc. 

Children’s Educational Plan and Options: 

French schools work well for students with no special educational needs. Students who have individualized educational plans (IEP) may struggle in-country, in which case, a consultation with the Alliance regional education consultant (REC) is advised. Homeschooling is not an option under French law. Bordeaux has several private schools that offer classes in English and French that could accommodate third culture kids. Some could also accommodate an IEP. We do not recommend that children learn in an English-only context. Black Forest Academy in Germany is an easy and relatively inexpensive direct flight (to Basel/Mulhouse) from Bordeaux.