Responsibilities:

• Definitive calling to serve in Mongolia
• Commitment to communicate and cooperate with others
• Ability to use personal strengths, skills, and training in meaningful and impactful ways
• Equip, encourage, and empower local believers with a view to personally “work yourself out of a job”
• Work with the team towards team established goals 

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 60

Preferred Qualifications:

• Flexibility
• Take a vision trip early in the process to familiarize yourself with Mongolia by visiting the country

Biblical Characteristics Desired:

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

Timeline for Deployment:

 Summer/fall of 2024. Following appointment, and once fundraising goals and other qualifications are met, the appointee is required to attend a cross-cultural and language-acquisition program, and pre-field orientation prior to deploying.

General Information:

The population of Mongolia is a little 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 with the high steppes experiencing bitterly cold winter temperatures and hot summer temperatures. It’s 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 live 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.

Homes for IWs are typically apartments in more urban areas. Mongolia has changed significantly in the past ten 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.

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.

Health Considerations:

Health care access 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 illness as there are limited emergency medical services. Chronic conditions or dietary restrictions are more difficult to deal with here, which will require 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 do not have elevators.

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 Educational Plan and Options:

Home or online schooling is the primary means for children’s education if located outside of Ulaanbaatar. Darhan has a well-stocked children’s library with home school curriculum. In UB, there is an option for an international school as well. It is recommended that high schoolers pursue studies outside of Mongolia (i.e., Black Forest Academy). The leaders will work with the family to develop an educational plan that works best for them as it is a decision of the parents and family.