We have basically two types of international workers: "Vocational Missionaries/ International Workers" and what are often termed "Tentmaking Missionaries/ International Workers."

What is the background on these two types?

It is helpful to return to the first century and see what is pictured for us in the book of Acts. God was building His church and His people were speaking throughout the known world at that time to accomplish His purposes.

We see people like Paul, Barnabas, Titus, and Timothy travelling to various places and serving in the beginning of new Christian communities of faith. Often they were supported by other churches and people so that they were able to devote 100% of their time and energy in these efforts. Sometimes Paul and Barnabas needed to earn their own income in order to support themselves.

Aquilla and Priscilla were a first century couple whose business was to make tents - a growth industry in the first century! These skills not only provided financial support but also provided them the means to travel extensively and gain access to places where no Christian community existed.

We see the great value in following the model God used in the first century. Ideally an international worker should be freed to devote 100% of their time and energy towards God's purposes. Receiving financial support to do so makes this possible. However, this is not always feasable or advisable.

Many of the most hostile contexts in the world (Creative Access Countries) require that we send "tentmaking" type international workers. Using marketable skills, couples and individuals build relationships and promote the Kingdom through demonstrating professional excellence. There is also room in "non-Creative Access Countries" for people who are tentmakers to join the team.

At the C&MA we are committed to sending both types of international workers .