Key info and FAQs

We’ve put together all the key information and frequently asked questions below. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, contact us by e-mail at actionteams@bmsworldmission.org or by phone on 01235 517653.

2012-2013 Programme Dates

Application Deadline:

27 February 2012

Contact Weekend 1:

24-25 February 2012

Contact Weekend 2:

9-10 March 2012

Training:

September 2012

Overseas:

October 2012 - April 2013

Tour:

April - June 2013

How much? 

We ask for a contribution of £4,350.

How will I raise the money?

We know that one of the biggest obstacles to people coming on an Action Team is the cost. But we say don’t worry about that or let it put you off – we’ve never had a team member who hasn’t been able to raise the money before. We'll tell you more at the Contact Weekend about different ways of raising the money. See also our guide to raising support

What does the cost cover?

Team members are asked to raise a contribution towards the Action Team programme. BMS provides flights, visas, insurance, food and accommodation as well as specialised training and debriefing. You need to provide personal spending money and the cost of vaccinations, minor medical costs, any insurance excess and travel within the UK (not including the UK tour).

Who is BMS World Mission?

You can find more about us by going to the About us page, or get an introduction from the short video below.

What kind of people are BMS looking for?

• Committed Christians with a desire to share their faith in words and actions

• Team players who are willing to work in partnership with others

• Flexible when situations change at short notice

• Servant hearted and willing to work under the authority of supervisors overseas

Do I get to choose my location?

We’re really excited about our locations for next year and we hope you are too. We’d also like to add though that we think who you go with is probably more important than where you go, and it will certainly have a bigger impact on how much you enjoy the year.

Ensuring we send teams who are going to get along and work well together is our main priority when placing people on the programme. We also take into account health restrictions, gender balance, matching of appropriate skills, your personal preference and of course lots of prayer. This means that we can't promise to give people their first choice location. However, you don't have to accept your place on the programme until you find out where you are going. We'll explain more about all of this at our Contact Weekends.

How will I be supported?

Throughout your time with BMS World Mission there will be someone to support you.  You will not be left on your own.

• BMS UK staff will provide overall support

• Your in-country supervisor will offer English-speaking support

• Your team will be a crucial place to give and receive support

• Your church will be praying for you

My parents are worried! Anything I can tell them?

Over the past 20 years, BMS has successfully and safely sent hundreds of gap year students to a variety of overseas locations through our Action Team gap year programme. Find out more about BMS’ commitment to Action Team participants by reading the PDF below.

BMS’ commitment to Action Team participants

Do I have to be a Baptist?

No. While most team members are from Baptist churches, this is not a requirement. We welcome applications from people of all Christian denominations with a genuine, living and active faith in Jesus.

Does BMS operate under the Global Connections Code of Best Practice?

YES! BMS World Mission is recognised by Global Connections as operating under the Code of Best Practice in Short-Term Mission 2011 and 2012.

Anything else?

BMS World Mission reserves the right to amend or cancel any project in accordance with the Global Connections Code of Best Practice for Short-term Mission. Acceptance for all programmes is subject to medical clearance though Interhealth, obtaining an acceptable criminal record disclosure at enhanced level (CRB) and satisfactory completion of training.

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I didn’t find my answer!

Contact Us! E-mail us at actionteams@bmsworldmission.org or phone us on 01235 517653.