The work of the American Mission for Opening Churches requires sacrificial service, strength, and careful training. Every Applicant to AMOC must fully realize and be ever mindful that he goes out depending upon the Lord for help and strength, not on his own abilities.

The Council of AMOC realizes there are definite spiritual and educational requirements which must be met in order to successfully conduct a ministry of establishing a New Testament church. Prayerful consideration of experience and qualifications is given each application. The Council seeks to identify those whom the Holy Spirit has called into this work. The responsibility for church planting requires each missionary pastor to be well prepared and equipped in the whole person.

In missionary work, nothing takes the place of Christian character as evidenced in a whole-hearted consecration, a love for lost souls, and a deep passion to preach and teach the Word of God.

The Council of AMOC has established the following standards for those desiring to serve under AMOC.

A. Spiritual Standards

1. Personal salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. Consistent Christian life and Character.
3. A definite call to the ministry of church planting.
4. A love and concern for the unsaved and a passion to lead them to Christ.
5. Acceptance of the trustworthiness and the authority of the Scriptures.
6. Consistent daily prayer and Bible study.
7. Experience in Christian work and evidence of God's blessing of this ministry.
8. A refraining from those worldly habits and pleasures which would be a hindrance to personal ministry and to the ministry of AMOC.

B. Educational Standards
Each Applicant should have Bible School, Bible College, or seminary training. The Council is aware that some Applicants may not meet this standard and yet be well qualified. Experience and background will be considered and the guidance of the Holy Spirit sought when making an evaluation.

C. Physical Standards

1. General good health.
2. Emotional and mental stability.
3. Neatness in personal appearance and habits.

D. General Standards

1. Humility and willingness to serve people.
2. Adaptability to situations and problems.
3. Conscientiousness in work and spiritual life.
4. Patience and perseverance under trial.
5. Cooperative spirit; ability to work with fellow missionaries.
6. Tact and wisdom in dealing and working with others.
7. A sense of humor - optimism rather than pessimism.
8. Submissive to policies and procedures of AMOC
9. Home life to be exemplary of the principles found in I Timothy 3:2-5
10. Only married couples will be considered for missionary service. Divorced persons cannot be considered.
11. Willingness to raise financial and prayer support.

Application Procedure
Preliminary Application forms will be sent to an Applicant upon request. BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE must complete these forms.

Preliminary Applications will be examined by the Church Planting Director. If the Applicant appears to meet the standards of AMOC, Final Application forms will be sent. These include a general and medical questionnaire and a doctrinal statement. BOTH HUSBAND AND WIFE must complete these forms. If the Applicant is contemplating marriage, the future spouse is also asked to complete the forms.

When the Final Application has been approved, the Applicant will be invited to AMOC Headquarters with the family to be interviewed by the Council.

The Applicant may withdraw from the application process at any time without prejudice.