Expectations:

Active in BSU on a Mississippi campus or in a Baptist or evangelical church.
A growing follower of Jesus Christ.
Spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Committed to verbally sharing the gospel.
Between 18-25 years of age.
Committed to raising any necessary financial support required for service.
Complete at least 24 semester hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale by May.
Complete the application and interview process outlined by Mississippi BSU.
Participate in Missionary Learning Retreat.
Students serving outside the U.S., including Canada, must complete Sentinel Training.
All students must complete MinistrySafe Training.

Christian Character:

Student missionaries are expected to maintain a lifestyle consistent with biblical standards, bringing glory to the Name of Jesus. This requires the highest standards of integrity and conduct. Behavior that could call a student’s integrity into question or hinder their Christian witness includes use of alcohol, tobacco, pornography, inappropriate language, and disrespectful behavior toward supervisors, team members, or locals.

Dating:

Dating or the forming of exclusive relationships is not allowed while on the field. It is never appropriate for a student missionary to date a teammate or to develop an exclusive relationship while on the field. Your commitment to serve is your priority and personal relationships should not distract you from that. Visits from boyfriends/girlfriends are also not permitted while you are on the field. Violations will result in the termination of your assignment.

Family & Friend Visits:

Visits from parents, family members, and friends are strongly discouraged. If a parent or guardian must see you while you are on the field, you must receive approval in advance from your field supervisor and your supervisor in the state BSU office. Visits must never interfere with ministry responsibilities.

Trips Home:

You are expected to complete your full term of service on the field. Trips home are not allowed except for emergencies in the immediate family. If emergencies arise, you must inform your field supervisor and your supervisor in the state BSU office. Trips will be made at the student’s expense.

Cell Phones:

Cell phones must be turned off during work hours and ministry activities. Explain to family and friends that you will not be available 24/7 to talk or text. They can expect to hear from you one time each week. Provide them with your supervisor’s contact number in case of emergency.

Internet/Social Media:

Internet/social media use must be kept to a minimum. It is a tremendous distraction to the work you are there to do. Field supervisors will have specific guidelines in place. Email and blogs are wonderful tools to share what God is doing but they can also consume precious time and energy. Make it a goal to email a newsletter to your family and prayer network once per week.

Use of Time:

You are expected to use your time wisely, be diligent in your work, and resist any activity that turns the focus away from the ministry you have been called and commissioned to do.

Personal Vehicles:

Personal vehicles may not be taken to the field unless authorized by the state BSU office.

Supervision:

You are expected to accept and submit to the leadership role and authority of your supervisor and fully abide by his or her decisions as they concern your assignment.