5 C’s: Character
Character is the traits and qualities that remain constant in an individual in good times and bad. The
most prominent characteristics in a missionary candidate should be those that honor the Lord. We want
to send our best. The character of a church planter will have a large impact on the churches he/she
helps plant. God-reliance, humility, servant-orientation, and heart for the nations should be the
foundational qualities of a person you want to send.
Key Verses: Romans 12:1-2, James 1:19-20, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Galatians 5:16-24, Titus 2:7-8, 1
Timothy 6:11.
Teachable, Humble, Flexible
● Key Quality 1: Demonstrates a pattern of emulating Christ in emptying himself for the sake of
others.
● Key Quality 2: Shows an understanding that as a follower of Jesus, one’s own rights have now
been surrendered— not living in patterns of complaining or entitlement.
● Key Quality 3: The candidate realizes he does not have everything figured out. Rather, he has an
attitude that wants to grow and is open to receive from others.
● Key Quality 4: Has a clear attitude of “learning” (i.e. reading books, asking questions, being
patient with the process, etc.).
● Key Quality 5: Seeks to understand the culture in which he is working, and strives to
respectfully present the gospel in the most appropriate and gracious way.
● Key Quality 6: Shows the ability to be flexible in various types of situations and transition.
Key Questions
● Are you struggling with any unconfessed sin: such as pornography, same sex attraction, or
substance abuse? If these are parts of your past how are you fighting temptation? Are you
experiencing victory over these struggles?
● Describe your work ethic? How do you work?
● What are two of your strengths? What are two areas you are developing?
● How are your finances? Do you struggle to honor God with your money?
● What has been your best and most challenging example of working with someone from another
cultural background?
Green Light
● Mature in their faith and are bearing fruit
● Teachable and works well with others (even those with different priorities and cultures)
● Appreciates the interview process and views it as an opportunity to grow
Red Lights
● Prideful or unteachable; resistant to tough questions or wants the last word on each question
● They are living in a lifestyle of any kind of unconfessed or perpetual sin (lust, anger,
discontentment, discord, etc...).
● There are things in their past that could continue to be emotionally or spiritually harmful if not
dealt with before going.