posted on January 1, 2026
aXcess: Lay Leadership Development Throughout Thailand
This ministry trains Thai pastors and church leaders to use the Center for Leadership Development (CLD) curriculum to raise up lay leaders in their churches. It is essential to have well-trained leaders for the Great Commission to be fulfilled. CLD has a vision to see churches across the country of various denominations utilize a proven process for training and multiplying effective lay leaders. You would receive training in language and culture for two years and then begin ministry with CLD.
Position Type
- International worker (IW)–aXcess –Clergy Track
- Single or couple
- Discipleship, theological education, leadership development, evangelism
Responsibilities:
- Disciple new believers
- Be intentional about sharing the gospel in a Thai context
- Lead a CLD group in a local church
- Work with the CLD ministry team to develop and promote the program and conduct training for leaders of new groups
- Participate in overall team life (team gatherings, prayer meetings, etc.)
Ministry Location Information:
CLD is headquartered in Khon Kaen city in northeastern Thailand, which is an area that has several modern, growing cities with shopping malls, grocery stores, Western restaurants, and more. Internet and cell phones are readily available. The Thai people are friendly and gracious, but they are still bound by the appeasement of evil spirits and the practice of the majority religion of Buddhism. Applicants could live in Khon Kaen city or other areas depending on their needs. The Alliance first entered Thailand in 1929, and the national church is less than 1 percent of the population. In a country with freedom of religion, CLD openly serves an important and strategic role in developing biblically sound lay leaders for evangelical churches.
Characteristics of International Workers:
- Spiritual maturity
- Holistic health
- Confirmation of call
- Ministry experience
- Education and work experience
- Cross-cultural awareness
Required Qualifications:
Clergy (Consecration & Ordination) Track
- Completion of Alliance ordination/consecration
- Completion of at least 30 hours of Bible/theology/ministry
- Completion of Alliance Polity course
- Minimum of two years successful Alliance Licensed Ministry Experience
- Completion of 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
- A recognized bachelor’s degree
- A minimum Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT) score of 60
Preferred Qualifications:
- Competent in teaching, especially in informal settings
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.
Workers will receive one year of intense language classes and cultural acquisition. The second year will emphasize opportunities to use the language in different settings and grow in proficiency. Learning the language should be a lifelong goal. This will greatly enhance ministry and ability to impact people for Christ.
Health Considerations:
Thailand has good health-care facilities and well-trained doctors, and most medications are readily available and inexpensive.
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.
The applicant’s spouse is expected to learn the language and engage meaningfully in fulfilling ministry objectives based on his/her gifts, training, the team’s needs, and their family’s needs.
Children’s Education:
There are various schooling options depending on the location of housing—including international schools, homeschooling, and bilingual schools.
Compensation Package
The successful applicant(s) will receive a full compensation package with the expectation that, once appointed, efforts will be made to raise a portion of support costs through the applicant’s network of friends, family, local church, or other resources. Information on support costs will be made available upon application. Training and/or coaching in fundraising is available.
Whole-Life Health
As part of an evangelical denomination, we are committed to biblical holism, which is modeled and reflected through our work. Due to this commitment, part of the required qualifications includes optimal emotional, spiritual, and physical health. These will be assessed during the application process.
Important Clarification
Applicant(s) should be aware that serving in the international world often requires a higher degree of grace and flexibility. For example, overseas teams can be suddenly and unexpectedly impacted by illness, government decisions, financial realities, team changes, or other factors beyond the team’s control. The challenge for applicants is that these factors can sometimes necessitate the sudden redefining of a position, which may take place before, during, or after the application/interview process has begun or is completed.
Questions?
Please email the IPO office at [email protected].