Step 1 – Discern

Pray about it.  Talk to your pastor, friends and family.  Then contact us to explore the different ways you can serve.  Interserve looks for people who have confirmation from others about their desire to serve the Lord overseas.

Check out our CALL - Encountering Purpose & Mission section.

Step 2 – Prepare

Overseas, you’ll encounter people, environments and experiences that will challenge you physically, drain you mentally and tax you spiritually.  Preparation is a critical part of facing these challenges.

As a Long Term Partner, you will need to be qualified and experienced in your chosen profession or trade and be active in your home church.   It’s important that you know who you are as a follower of Christ and are have a strong relationship with God that is well integrated with your life.  We recommend Partners undertake a minimum of 1 year theological training.

For On Trackers, your cross-cultural service is packed within a six week to year long experience.  We’re looking for passionate followers of Christ who are active in their faith and engaged with their home church - of course some kind of Bible training would be useful!

Step 3 – Apply

You can apply at any time.  The application process is different for Partners and On Trackers, but generally applications involve the filling of some forms, compiling your CV, arranging references, completing medical and psychological tests (long term) and attending interviews.

Step 4 – Support

Interserve will work with you to build a healthy support base of financial contributors, prayer partners and personal support team – the people who have your back.  You will never be alone (unless you want to be that is!)  We will help you build a strong network of fellowship, prayer and care through our Team Support program, our seconded agencies in host countries and your sending church.

Step 5 – Ready

You are about to undergo a major transition in lifestyle.  To prepare for this, Short Termers receive general orientation at their local office.  Long Term partners will attend a transition course, Interserve orientation and language learning courses.  

The practical essentials kick in at this point – we’ll help you get your passport, vaccinations, and visa.  
You’ll have the chance to attend Interserve gatherings and gain a broader sense of what to expect as you move to a new country.

Step 6 – Overseas

Once on the field, you will receive further orientation, including cultural and language training for our Long Term Partners.  

As you serve, actively living out your faith, you will learn a lot about God and about yourself.  We support you through this process which can be both exhilarating and disorienting.

As you complete your term of service, you will receive an on-field debriefing to prepare for your return to Australia.

Step 7 – Return

The “return” phase is just as important as any other.  We want to ensure that your return is a positive re entry experience.  You will have experienced life and faith in a way that friends and family may not easily comprehend.  Your return debrief is a good opportunity to process your experience with people who have also ‘been there, done that’.  It is also a great time to share with your home church and others who have been supporting you while you’ve been away.