You can search and apply for specific opportunities here: Search Service Opportunities.
HOW TO BEGIN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS
INITIAL INQUIRY FORM
Not sure where you’d like to serve? All volunteers should first complete an initial inquiry form related to their interest. We will then contact you to begin your discernment process and discuss next steps, information about dates, forms, and other details. After discussion, agreement, and payment of the registration fee, you may log into your portal to obtain, complete and submit the necessary registration forms. We will also be in constant communication with you throughout the registration process. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at volunteers@internationalministries.org.
GROUPS please complete the online inquiry form.
INDIVIDUALS without a specific area or ministry in mind, please complete the online inquiry form.
We are here to help facilitate the process of responding to God’s call to serve cross-culturally. All adult volunteers, (18 years and older) will be required to process a background check as part of the online registration process with the Short-Term Mission (STM) Office. Any young adults and youth, ages 16 – 29 years old, curious about opportunities to serve cross-culturally, should send inquiries to Minister Nicole Cox, Associate to Short-Term Mission and Emerging Leaders at elc@internationalministries.org.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
FEES
Please note that since February 1, 2020, a $45 per person non-refundable registration fee is required from all volunteers who decide to register with the Short-Term Mission office, before they travel to serve alongside IM global servants and/or partners. This registration fee is an important step to be completed as part of the registration process. It will be due before any forms can be submitted. The process needs to start as early as possible and must be completed (fee and all forms submitted and approved) 30 days prior to departure. This registration fee and process provides pre-trip orientation sessions, post-trip debriefings, assistance with trip planning, organization and budget planning, free background application, cross-cultural preparation, spiritual accompaniment, medical evacuation and repatriation insurance, in country logistics and the assurance that a sending agency is part of the safety net in an ever-changing world.
INSURANCE
Please note that the medical evacuation and repatriation insurance IM’s Short-Term Mission is able to offer to registered volunteers only covers children older than 9. Children under the age of 9 traveling with parents are not covered. Trips to Afghanistan, Russia-North Caucasus, Iran, Iraq, Israel (West Bank and Gaza), Libya, Pakistan, Somalia are not covered by this insurance. Volunteers need to purchase separate emergency insurance. COVID-related medical issues are not covered by this emergency insurance. Another insurance can be suggested for you to purchase, at minimal cost.
If you have already joined a team, you can process a payment using this link: Make a payment
Please know that as of January 1, 2023, we have a new policy regarding payments, deposits, and refunds.
- Deposits for IM-sponsored trips are nonrefundable.
- When IM needs to cancel scheduled trips, team members will be offered two options:
–Refund of money received, with the understanding that the nonrefundable deposit is forfeited.
–Money is kept at IM to be applied to a future scheduled IM trip. - Fees paid by team members that cover the cost of IM-sponsored trips are not considered tax-deductible donations. Therefore, IM will not issue a tax receipt. We recommend that all team members consult a tax advisor for other ways in which mission-sponsored expenses may qualify as itemized deductions.
FORMS
After the completion of an initial inquiry form, discussion with STM staff and payment of the registration fee, you may log into your portal to obtain, complete and submit the necessary forms. These forms are also linked below for your convenience.
Application – Groups
Application – Individuals traveling alone
Legal Waiver Form (English)
Legal Waiver Form (Spanish)
Volunteer Medical Release/Emergency Contact Form (Construction work only)
Volunteer Medical Release/Emergency Contact Form (Non-Construction work only)
Minor Travel authorization form
Volunteer Code of Conduct
Background Check Application (adults 18+ only)
After clicking the link, click “Proceed”. You will need your passport handy to complete the process. The secure online application will time out at 40 minutes. If your church has processed a background check on your behalf within the last two years, we will accept those results.
Individual Volunteer Reference Form
Volunteers traveling alone must submit 3 references. These must be completed by individuals who know you well and can attest to your character; ministry experiences but are not family members. One reference must come from your pastor or regional executive minister
SPECIAL FORM FOR VOLUNTEERS HEADING TO CHINA
Amity SEP Application
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Log In: To view your Application Status
Resources for Short-Term Mission Trips
Learn about upcoming Virtual Mission Trips