The IMB focuses the majority of the new missionary assessment process on the following areas: spiritual, medical, lifestyle and wellness, family/children, financial, and background.

Spiritual
We are looking for people who are called by God, affirmed by their church leadership, and eager to engage in the missionary task. Applicants should be sharing their faith, making disciples, and in alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message.

Medical
Medical clearance is required of all applicants and their immediate family members (spouse and children). Due to the unique challenges of overseas service, we want to identify and address any health- related issues that could potentially impact timing, placement, ongoing treatment, and access to good medical care. The medical evaluation process will be thorough because our desire is for those we send to be successful in their service and confident in their care.

Lifestyle/Wellness
We are not looking for perfect people. We know perfect people do not exist! But we are looking for people who are emotionally healthy, make wise lifestyle choices, and have strong relationships. Due to the unique challenges of overseas service, we want to identify and address any lifestyle- and wellness- related issues that could potentially impact timing, placement, and access to good support systems.

Family/Children
We often send families with children. Children are active participants on missionary teams. We want them to flourish spiritually, emotionally, developmentally, and academically. As a result, children will be part of the assessment process in relation to the areas mentioned above. This could potentially impact timing and placement.

Financial
Southern Baptists generously support missionaries sent by the IMB. This frees up team members to focus on the missionary task. As a result, we will evaluate any current debt and conduct a credit check.

Background
IMB conducts a thorough background check on all missionary applicants.