LIFE STAGES
These stories are about people just like you – professionals with a heart for the unreached and God’s glory among the nations. These are our alumni or current associates on the field.
Single Professionals
Empty Nesters
Married Professionals
Young Families
Students
The Decision Process
Some of us may be called to leave our secular careers to serve God in full-time ministry. But many more of us may be called to serve God through our careers, which are God-given gifts for spiritual influence. Tentmakers are called to use our education and professions to fulfill God’s purpose in global missions.
Considering
You need to get a job. But do not jump at the first job that will take you overseas. Think about your long-term career. The position has to be viable in terms of work and ministry.
Be prepared for a significant pay cut due to cost of living adjustments, and expect a different work culture even in multinational companies. Where jobs are modest in pay, e.g. teaching at state-run universities or working in an NGO, partial fundraising may be necessary for health insurance, children’s education, international travel, etc.
About half of GLS associates come to us with their own jobs. To others, we provide career counsel and referrals to employers, headhunters and fellow professionals on the field. We would love to talk to you about your vision and connect you to opportunities.
Going
Some prospective tentmakers are dedicated to their profession, and it is secondary where they go in order to serve. Others are happy with any job as long as they can support themselves and have a witness among the unreached. But most people find themselves somewhere in between.
As a tentmakers network, we understand the challenges. We can help you explore your options, provide career counseling and ministry guidance as you seek the Lord and prepare to go overseas.
We keep our association dues low so that it should not be an obstacle for anyone—$1,100 for singles and $2,000 for couples.
Ready to Go?
Here are some next steps to going on mission with GoLiveServe.
#1
Contact US
Contact us for a preliminary application, followed by a get-to-know-you call with our team.
#2
Meet with the gls directors
Send us your full application, including references. We will set up an interview and evaluations.
#3
connect with Church and teams
We partner with your home church to facilitate fund/prayer raising and commissioning. We also connect you with teams on the field in your destination city.
How We Can Help
We offer pre-departure orientation to prepare our tentmakers as well as year-round field support so they can be fruitful in both work and ministry.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Daily life and work in your destination Nation
Realistic expectations regarding adjustment in cross-cultural living and work
History of Christianity in the region and implications for the Gospel today
Religious policies and need for sensitivity
Year-Round Field Support
Two retreats for spiritual renewal, continuing education, fellowship, rest and recreation
Two pastoral visits in spring and fall
Regular contact with our care team by email, phone or other secure platform
Professional counseling and coaching
Peer support and monthly prayer fellowship in the same city
Year-Round Home Support
GLS intercessors pray for tentmakers from daily prayer emails written by our care team
Monthly prayer meetings give updates on tentmakers and their ministries
GLS channels your support and provides tax deduction receipts to donors.
Career Guidance, Professional Networks & Referrals
Career development impacts a tentmaker's sustainability and effectiveness on the field.
GLS Partners, who are seasoned professionals on the field, are available to offer work-related counsel, networking and assistance.
Re-Entry Debriefing
Returning home after a season of service overseas may happen as planned or unexpectedly.
The challenges of relocation and reverse culture shock are often underestimated.
We help returning tentmakers process their journey and prepare for the next stage of life and ministry.
Long Term FAQs
Q: Are people who join assigned to serve GLS projects?
A: We do not take a cookie cutter approach and assign tentmakers to places and ministries. We counsel and connect tentmakers to jobs and ministry opportunities, but they enjoy considerable freedom in choosing what they do and where they serve.
Q: If I am open to serving as a tentmaker but unsure about my calling, what should I do?
A: If you’re unsure of your calling, or haven’t been to the region before, explore by first going on a short term programs. If you have been to a Nation before and sense God's prompting, then we suggest setting aside at least two years to explore. Why two years? Our experience has shown that it takes about a year to adjust to living and working in your new culture. By the second year, you would have made some friends, engaged in some form of ministry, and be in a better position to consider the viability of staying longer. We will help you in the discernment process.
Q: What if I want to go but have yet to choose a career or am open to a career change?
A: Many people consider teaching as an entry point. Teachers are employable around the world. Universities prefer to hire teachers with MA degrees in education or a related field of study, some also hire Bachelors degrees in any field.
Tentmaking is not just about getting a work visa to stay overseas and support yourself. It is about being an effective witness at work where people spend most of their waking hours. Carefully consider how God has shaped and gifted you, and prayerfully choose and develop your vocation.