FAQ and Answers

How much financial support must each candidate raise?

A budget will be determined at the outset of the program for support raising purposes.  The budget will include support that needs to be raised for ministry preparation components, including the 12 week Children's Ministries Institute diploma program, and the two summer missions assignments.  The total of these one-time needs ranges from $10,000 - $15,000. 

The budget will also include the monthly needs that the candidate will have once he or she is placed as an intern and then a full-time CEF missionary on the mission field in the USA or overseas.  The need varies depending on the mission field and each candidate's circumstances, but typically, a single CEF missionary will need to raise between $4000 and $4500 per month, which includes missionary salary, benefits, and ministry expenses. 

What will the salary be during internships?

A single missionary is eligible to receive a base salary of $1500/month (as of 05/2007) if adequate support has been raised.

How much will field internship (year 3) cost?

Field and ministry expenses vary according to the internship location and the circumstances involved.  A budget will be set for each candidate and the candidate will need to raise 100% of this budget before starting his or her field internship.  The budget will include salary, applicable benefits, and ministry expenses. 

Where will financial support be sent to?

All financial support for FTM missionary candidates is sent to the CEF World Headquarters in Warrenton, Missouri, where each candidate has an account.  As support is raised, it is held in the candidate’s account and distributed as needed to cover ministry expenses, CEF training expenses, salary, and benefits. 

Will health insurance be included?

All FTM candidates need have health insurance coverage.  If candidates cannot be included on their parents' insurance plan, they can enroll in a plan through CEF.  If enrolled in the CEF plan, the premiums are deducted from the candidate's account, and the candidate will need to raise enough support to cover the monthly charge (between $500 and $600 for single missionary candidates). 

What other financial information should I know?

Free room and board is offered during the CEF World Headquarters internship.  Salary is available during summer assignments, CMI training, WHQ internship and field internship provided there are adequate funds in the candidate's account.  Salary can also be paid to candidates during their year of Bible college, provided they minister with CEF outside of their academic activity and there are adequate funds in their account. 

What if I have already completed some of the components? What if I've already been to college?

The usual order of completing the program will be:

a) Missionary Candidate School (2 weeks) 

b) Bible College (2 semesters)

c) Summer assignment

d) CMI (1 semester)

e) HQ internship (1 semester)

f) Summer assignment

g) Field Internship (2 semesters)

The program is individualized to meet student needs and the order may vary. However, field internship cannot come before CMI.