FAQ

What is BCM Summer Missions?

Summer Missions is a volunteer program that offers college students an opportunity to work alongside a career missionary in North America or internationally. Most appointments are for a 4-10 week period during the summer. The Louisiana Baptist Collegiate Ministry and the Division of Collegiate Ministry of the Louisiana Baptist Convention cooperate with the North American Mission Board (NAMB) and International Mission Board (IMB).

Who pays my expenses?

You don’t have to pay them out of your own pocket. BCM Missions is a student-sponsored program, which is supported by the State Collegiate Missions Fund. Each campus sets a missions goal. Students do various fund raising projects and make personal contributions to meet their campus goals. These funds pay various expenses related to summer missions.

  • If you are appointed by NAMB you will receive:
    • NAMB provides trip transportation, meals, lodging, local transportation and insurance while serving.
    • BCM will pay your expenses related to the Missions Cross-Cultural Training and a miscellaneous expense stipend of $55 per week.
  • Students appointed by IMB can receive:
    • A max $1000 towards the cost of your trip through the BCM. The additional cost will be your responsibility. The actual expense of each trip varies but $2500 is a fairly consistent average.

Who will be my daily supervisor?

A representative from the Louisiana BCM will always be available for you. However, throughout the summer you will work directly with missionaries who live on the field.

NAMB – Usually, the field supervisor will be a career home missionary, associational director of missions, or a local pastor. You will also be responsible for reporting to a state supervisor and to the Louisiana Baptist Convention Division of Collegiate Ministry.

IMB – The field supervisor will be a career international missionary. You will also be responsible for reporting to the International Mission Board and to the Louisiana Baptist Convention Division of Collegiate Ministry.

How do I decide where I want to serve?

You will be directed to the needs lists that are posted on the North American Mission Board or International Mission Board web sites.

  • Pray about where God wants you to serve.
  • Go to the appropriate web site.
  • You indicate your top 3 choices on the application.
  • If your application is approved, you will be notified by the appropriate agency (NAMB or IMB).

How are appointments determined?

To apply you will:

  • Fill out an on-line application,
  • Fill out and distribute on-line references forms,
  • Schedule and complete a local interview through your local BCM.
  • Your appointment will be finalized by NAMB or IMB. You will receive notification from them when your assignment is made. They make appointments once all your information has been submitted to them.

Who will handle the travel arrangements?

Travel to and from the field will generally be by commercial airlines.

  • NAMB will send you the information that you need to contact the appropriate travel agent.
  • If you are appointed internationally, IMB will instruct you on how to make your reservations.

Will I have a partner?

Most likely, yes, you will have a partner. In some instances there may be a team of students assigned together. A few positions are without a partner. If you do not want to serve alone, do not select a position only requesting 1 student.

How do I get more information about my appointment?

The agency that makes your appointment (IMB or NAMB) will give you the contact information that you need to get in touch with your supervisor and make your arrangements.

What kind of training do I need?

Our Missions Cross-Cultural Training event is held at Tall Timbers Baptist Assembly in Forest Hill, Louisiana in May. It is required for ALL missionaries in order for financial assistance to be given. It prepares you with the general skills and information you need to serve.

Additionally, a local orientation is planned when you arrive on the field. They provide you with specific information and skills you will need.

Will I stay in one location or move often?

The field of service will be responsible for missionary living arrangements for the summer. These vary with location. The most common living arrangement is with church families in the community of one’s service. Some students live in the home of their supervisor. Students should be prepared to move at least occasionally.

My parents will want to get some questions answered, what do I tell them?

Send them to the PARENT’S PAGE on the www.go2serve.org web site.

Are visits by parents, family members or friends permitted while I am on the field?

Visits to the field of service by parents, family, or friends are discouraged. Ten weeks is such a short period of time that visits to the field would be a distraction to the work of the student missionary. Any planned visit to the field should be cleared by the Louisiana Baptist Convention Division of Collegiate Ministry as well as the local field supervisor of the student summer missionary.

 For other questions, who do I contact?

Talk to your local BCM Director. They can answer any other questions.