Responsibilities: 

• Have a definitive call to serve in Mongolia  
• Commit to communicate and cooperate with others 
• Use your strengths, skills, and training in meaningful, impactful ways 
• Equip, encourage, and empower local believers with a view to “work yourself out of a job” 
• Work with the team towards goals established together  

Ministry Location Information: 

We are looking for someone willing to consider living in Darhan, the second largest city in Mongolia, located north of Ulaanbaatar. Homes for IWs are typically apartments in more urban areas. Mongolia has changed significantly in the past 10 years, although some “comforts” of life abroad are not available consistently. Groceries are available at large open markets, small neighborhood shops, and a few larger chain stores. Food offerings vary with the season and import availability. Individuals interested should demonstrate the ability to function in difficult or remote situations doing many daily tasks on their own. Generally, the population of Mongolia is a bit over three million in an area twice the size of Alaska, making it one of the lowest population densities in the world. The country has a climate of extremes. The high steppes experience bitterly cold winter temperatures and hot summer temperatures. It is windy and extremely dry in most seasons, with frequent dust storms and icy winter conditions. The population is largely concentrated in cities, although about half the population lives a nomadic lifestyle. Only Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, is a large city; Mongolia’s second and third largest cities each have around 100,000 people. 

Characteristics of International Workers: 

• Spiritual maturity 
• Holistic health 
• Confirmation of call 
• Ministry experience 
• Education and work experience 
• Cross-cultural awareness 

Required Qualifications: 

Vocational Track  

• Completion of the World Perspectives Mission Course (minimum of certificate level) or equivalent  
• Minimum of two years of ministry experience 
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience  

Clergy (Consecration & Ordination) Track  

• Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration   
• Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry 
• Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience  
• 15 hours of intercultural/missions studies  
• If married, one spouse must meet the clergy track requirements, and the other spouse must meet either the clergy OR vocational track requirements 

Both Vocational and Clergy Tracks 

• Completion of Alliance Polity course 
• A recognized bachelor’s degree  
• A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 60 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Degree related to working with people with disabilities 

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. 

Language learning is done in a small classroom setting (two to three people and one teacher), with five four-hour lessons per week for a minimum of two years. Mongolian also requires a lot of speaking and listening practice outside the classroom. During language study, international workers are expected to use public transportation rather than having a personal vehicle. It is also normal to walk more than drive for daily activities. This creates opportunities to interact more with local people and to use growing language skills. 

Health Considerations: 

Health care access in Mongolia can be a challenge, and many Western medicines are not available. Health care in Ulaanbaatar has been increasing but is not easily accessible if living outside the city. Applicants should be familiar with first aid and comfortable treating basic illnesses. There are limited emergency medical services. Chronic conditions or dietary restrictions are more difficult to deal with here, thus requiring consultation with someone who understands the situation. The country can be a very physical place for moving around and living. Road conditions are currently very bad, though improving slowly. Many apartments require taking stairs.  

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. 

Roles for ministry will be established through the team and team leaders. Spouses are expected to take part in full-time language study.  

Children’s Education: 

Homeschooling or online schooling would be the primary means for children’s education if located outside of Ulaanbaatar. Darhan has a well-stocked children’s library with homeschool curriculum. In UB, there is an option for an international school as well. High schoolers are recommended to pursue studies outside of Mongolia; a Christian boarding school is available.  Education is a decision of the parents and families. We would work with the family to develop an educational plan that would work best for them.