Is God calling you overseas?
No one is called by God to build his Kingdom alone. We are always sent by God as a community of people.
NZCMS partnered with our first Mission Partner back in 1883 to Japan. Since then hundreds of Kiwis have found the missions community they need in NZCMS as they follow God’s call overseas.
Deep relationship is in our DNA and we have a whole team of people with the passion, skills and experience needed to send and support you.

Pathways
From doing formal missions focused study to becoming a long-term global Mission Partner, NZCMS has a whole host of partnership options.
We’ve split our pathways into two categories – Young Adults Pathways and Mission Partner Pathways.
The first is for young people who want close, 1‑on‑1 mentorship and guidence as you discern God’s invitation into global mission long term.
The second category is for those who are ready to consider becoming a committed Mission Partner in an overseas community.
Mission Partner Pathways:

Short Term Mission Partner: 3 — 12 months

Long Term Mission Partner: 2+ years
Young Adult Pathways:

Moments: An Apprenticeship in Global Mission 3 — 6 month overseas placement

NZQA Missions Internship
1 — 2 year NZ based study
At NZCMS everything is done through relationships. We want to meet you face to face. We want to know about your faith background, your church and discuss the relationships and experiences you already have with an overseas community.
Together, we’ll take the time to discern what the best pathway is for you.
Mission Partner Application Process
These steps are for those who have chosen one of our two Mission Partner pathways. Depending on which pathway best suits you, this application process will look slightly different, but the following steps are the standard process we begin with.
This process enables all parties involved to carefully consider the will of God step by slow, intentional step as we get to know each other and discern God’s calling for you.
The priority for us is that you are set up to succeed and are supported in the best way possible from the very beginning.
Step One: Inquiring
Step One is all about getting to know you! We’ll meet over a number of conversations in person or on Zoom, so we can get to know each other. Our Personnel Managers are the ones you’ll be discerning with and they’ll talk about what opportunities there are that might fit the person God has created you to be and the life circumstances you are in. Well discuss the qualities and training you’ll need to have and the steps you’ll need to take to prepare before your formal application.
This is an obligation free process, won’t be rushed and will allow lots of time for relationship building, questions and prayer.
Step Two: Application
If it seems there’s a good fit between us, we’ll ask you to complete a formal application. This will include name and contact details of referees who know you well. For long term Mission Partner applications, we will include more formal assessments which include a medical exam, a police check and a psychological assessment.
If that sounds intimidating don’t worry! These processes will all be clearly explained in Step One during inquiry and nothing will happen without your full permission. This process is set up for your benefit and the benefit of the overseas community you’ll be serving in and will better help NZCMS understand how to prepare and support you.
Step Three: The Discernment Day
This is the culmination of the mutual agreement to move forwards together after Step Two. We’ll set a time for you to meet with our National Director and our Personnel Managers. This is all about formally hearing your story, sense of call and where we all feel God has best prepared you to serve. Through spending this day together, we seek to formally discern the way ahead.
Step Four: The Recommendation
Following our face-to-face discernment day, we’ll make a recommendation to the NZCMS Board. Our recommendation may be accepting you as a partner, exploring matters that arose during the Discernment Day or suggestions for further training or preparation to serve overseas. At this stage there may be a clear place of service and timeline to leave New Zealand, but not necessarily. We are committed to walking with you through every step in pastoral care and concern.
Step Five: Getting you There!
This is the final step! Everything is ready – you know where you’re going and have a clear timeframe. To make your acceptance official, we will send you a Partnership Agreement Form for you to sign. Then it is all go in getting the practicalities finalised. For long-term Mission Partners this will include, preparing a budget and linking you to supporting churches to connect with them. This is then followed by NZCMS specific training completed prior to departure, potentially inclusive of a five-month, global mission training school in Melbourne. If you’d like to read through the in-depth application process we have you can download the full PDF here. Insert Download “Is God Calling You Overseas” PDF button.
Our commitment is to support you through every step of the process through supportive relationships and this continues while you are overseas and when you return home. At each stage of your service we will walk with you and help prepare you for what comes next.
Let’s get a coffee!
Significant relationship leads to significant partnership. We want to meet you. We want to hear your story. We want to share the whakapapa and vision of NZCMS.
You don’t need to have the details sorted or decisions made, there are no expectations for now. This is a journey we walk together.
So, let’s grab a coffee and have a chat. Our shout!


Short term
Looking to test the waters of cross-cultural mission? Our Short-Term Mission Pathway offers a meaningful 3–12 month self-funded placement where you’ll work alongside established ministries and experienced missionaries.
Short-term mission with NZCMS is more than a missions trip—it’s an immersive experience tailored to your unique situation. Whether you’re recently retired, fresh out of university, between jobs, or simply exploring God’s call, we help make your time overseas count.
We add significant value to your journey through orientation, strategic placement, practical support and ongoing prayer backing. When you return, our thorough debriefing process will help you process your experience and discern next steps.
For some, short-term service is a complete chapter in itself. For others, it becomes a regular commitment, serving several months every year or two in the same community. Many discover that it is preparation for long-term service, providing crucial experience before making a deeper commitment. Whatever your path, we’ll walk alongside you, helping transform your short-term experience into lasting impact—for both the communities you serve and your own faith journey.

Long term
Ready to make a significant impact in God’s global mission? Our unique model enables us to place you in indigenous ministries in almost any country.
When you become a Long Term Mission Partner, you’re committing to comprehensive training and at least three years of service, with many partners choosing to extend well beyond that. What’s the key to long-term success? Being thoroughly trained and well supported so that you flourish by taking each period of service one at a time. This deeper commitment allows you to immerse yourself in language, culture, and relationships—creating lasting transformation in the communities you serve.
Our foundational values—rooted in our whakapapa, faithful to the whole Gospel, deeply relational, kingdom-visioned, and wholehearted—guide every step of the journey. Together, we’ll help you discern, prepare, find financial support, and reach the place God has called you to serve.