As you approach retirement or embark on a new chapter in your career, you may be looking for meaningful ways to use your skills and experience. Imagine serving as a non-residential missionary, where your influence extends across borders, but you stay rooted in your community.
At One Mission Society, we offer opportunities for individuals like you to make a lasting impact—without the need to relocate long-term.
A non-residential missionary (sometimes referred to as itinerant) supports global church-planting efforts through short trips and remote mentoring. Church multiplication facilitators (CMF) work alongside national leaders to multiply strong, healthy churches. They do this through vision casting, training, coaching, encouraging, prayer support, and providing accountability.
Here is a short testimony from one CMF:
What a privilege it is to serve our partners in the Slavic countries in Eastern Europe. I became interested in being a CMF (Church Multiplication Facilitator) in the late 1990s after having served as a full-time missionary to the former Soviet Union. My calling has been very strong to serve the Slavic peoples since my true conversion to Christ in the late 1960s.
The greatest blessing in serving these peoples is the heart and dedication of the people that we serve. As CMFs, my wife Nancy and I partner with like-minded vision leaders in Slavic countries, helping them to fulfill the calling they have to their own people group. I have been so impacted by their love for God and for their love for their people. I have experienced so much support and appreciation for our service to them over the years. Seeing them smile and hug us when we visit with them is such a blessing.
When we are not on the field (we normally travel 3-4 times/year), we communicate with our partners on a regular basis. We have done coaching sessions and training events online. We share photos and ministry updates on a regular basis. We also travel to training events for continuing education and conferences. We travel occasionally to speak in churches and other social events to share our vision and ministry. We communicate with our donors and supporters at least quarterly. We have a small business where we can raise some funds to help support our ministry. We are involved with other missionaries, both residential and non-residential (itinerate) in the countries in which we serve, and we communicate and collaborate with other OMS leaders both in the home office and in the countries in which we serve.
-Bill Kidwell, CMF, Europe
Another testimony:
My journey toward becoming an ACMF (associate church multiplication facilitator) was sparked by Nancy and Bill Kidwell. These friends were already involved in missions to Ukraine and shared their experiences in the church I was attending at the time. Through their stories, God began to soften my heart toward this calling. By the time they invited me to join, God had already prepared my heart, and I felt a clear confirmation that this was my next step.
During my time in Ukraine, I had the privilege of meeting a group of young adults who were on fire for Christ, passionately teaching the lost. Seeing their zeal and commitment to the Gospel was both inspiring and encouraging, especially as I considered how easily this age group often falls through the cracks in the United States. It brought me so much joy and hope for the future of the church.
Being involved in this ministry has strengthened my faith and deepened my relationship with Christ. I’ve seen God work in remarkable ways, from making a way for me to complete my OMS requirements and raise the necessary funds in a short period to witnessing his hand in the lives of those we serve. When I’m not on the field, I’m an Army wife and a homeschool mom, but missions have given me a unique and fulfilling way to serve beyond my immediate circle.
-Amber Haasenritterm, CMF, Europe
Together, these testimonies highlight the profound impact that non-residential missionary work has had not only on the lives of those served in many countries but also on the personal faith journeys of the non-residential missionaries. From witnessing the resilience of new believers in challenging circumstances to experiencing the joy of God’s provision and the power of prayer, each testimony reflects a deep commitment to sharing God’s love and making disciples around the world.
Do you sense a calling to become an active participant in the Great Commission? Reach out to us today.
Here’s a video report of what God is doing through non-residential missionaries and our partners in Africa through our Village Church Planting ministry.
