Bruce Dingman founded his own consultant business and helps fill international church pastor positions overseas. He also serves as a member of Crossworld’s board of directors. Here he answers common questions about the growing opportunity to serve in international churches.

What’s your experience with international churches?

I’ve lived in several countries as a businessman and been a member of the international churches in São Paulo and Panama City. What started as a hobby assisting international churches in finding pastors has now become a purposeful effort.

What might be the catalyst for someone you’re connecting with?

I meet some older pastors who are saying, “What’s left for me to do?” Their church might be in decline, or the positions they’re looking at are being filled by younger ministers. They have invaluable experience and vibrant passion, and they’re asking where to serve. In an international church, their experience, training, passion, and ability can make a major difference.

What makes international churches unique?

First, they’re nondenominational and acknowledge that some members may believe or practice their faith differently than others (i.e. water baptism versus sprinkling). While teaching and preaching the gospel, international churches tend to avoid theological differences that might divide and instead concentrate on the major points of salvation and integration of Christ into their lives. Compared to the fragmented North American religious scene, international churches provide a unique opportunity to focus on the unity of essential gospel truths.

Second, it’s likely the congregation will be primarily international expatriates (people from all over the world who have moved to work there) and English-speaking nationals. This presents a few unique challenges. Many expats have a short-term assignment at their job, so there’s ongoing transition within the congregation. During school vacations and holidays, many families travel to their home country, so at times there can be a big drop in church attendance.

Why are international churches needed?

Christian expats may not know any other believers in their new host country, and they yearn for a place to fellowship and worship. International churches can provide those as well as a wonderful feeling of community that may not be available anywhere else in the city. Relationships become deep and heartfelt. You as the shepherd of that church can make a big difference in a small but strategic place. I can tell you from experience, this is a unique and rewarding opportunity for pastoral ministry.

Do international church pastors receive a salary?

Some international churches are large enough to pay a reasonable salary, and many have other paid professional staff as well. Smaller churches of 50 people may only offer a small salary at first, although they might pay more as the church grows.

What kind of person would make a good international church pastor?

This opportunity could be ideal for someone with a seminary degree who loves working with other cultures. Though preaching is important, even more important is pastoral and hands-on care. Depending on the church, you may have little or no staff working with you, so you need to be wise in making strategic, tactical decisions.

If you’re married, both you and your spouse need to feel the Lord’s calling to the location and ministry. Only one of you having a sense of adventure is not sufficient. If your spouse senses a lack of comfort in the situation before you go, it will likely intensify and become problematic when you arrive on the ground. So both of you need to feel called and ready for the challenge.

If someone is interested in exploring the opportunity, what should they do?

I hear of new opportunities almost every week. Contact Crossworld, and we’ll work with you to find the best fit for you and your gifts.