Iris Ministries, Inc.

Application Process

The Long Term Service process is in place to ensure that all Iris missionaries have a deep understanding Iris' vision and core values and feel comfortable serving in line with them. The process of joining Iris in long term service has several phases and are as follows.

Familiarize Yourself with Iris

We ask that you familiarize yourself with Iris' history by reading There Is Always Enough, by Rolland and Heidi Baker, and Visions Beyond the Veil, by H. A. Baker, Rolland's grandfather. We also recommend viewing the videos "The Face of Revival, Stopping for the One," or "Mama Heidi". Viewing photo galleries and reading newsletters on the Iris website is also highly recommended.

Complete The Harvest School of Missions

You must attend and complete Iris' Harvest School of Missions, a ~3 month immersive missions training program, in Pemba Mozambique. More information on the Harvest School of Missions can be found on the "Iris Harvest School" web page.

Exceptions: An applicant who has previous mission field service, critically needed skills such as a doctor or registered nurse or has completed a mission/leadership school equivalent that is acceptable to the Bakers may not need to attend Iris' "Harvest School" missions training program. Exemptions are determined on a case by case basis.

Short Term Visit

For all bases other than Pemba, we request a minimum two to three week visit to serve under the leadership of the local base director where you intend to serve. The input of the local base director or leader is a critical part of the process. If you are visiting a base or location, with the possibility of a long-term commitment, be sure the director or leader of that location is on site when you visit and aware that you are a long term applicant.

Pre Application Preparations

Seek the Lord for a definitive confirmation of your call to service with Iris Ministries. Seek the counsel of mature Christians who have experienced the difficulties of severe cultural changes that may be experienced in the mission field. Language study will be critical for long-term service in the country you are assigned to, be sure to have some language learning under your belt. Prepare a thorough plan for your financial support. Develop a team of intercessors who will support you in prayer.

Begin the Application Process

We ask that you prepare following information so you will be ready to complete the Long Term Service application: your "Harvest School" student application, references from the Iris Harvest School of Missions' leadership, pastoral reference, a reference from your last employer, a resume or CV, a recent police report, a vision statement detailing how you intend to serve with Iris, a summary of your giftings and ministry experience, evidence of financial support and proof of adequate medical coverage.

To begin the application process, email Elizabeth Kantel at for instructions.

A member of the committee (Elizabeth Kantel or Pam Cox) will contact Heidi Baker and other center directors for their final approval and send you a "Letter of Invitation."

When the application process has been completed, acceptance and invitations will be given when the skills/gifting, etc. match openings available at the various bases or during the establishment of new bases. Approved applicants will be offered openings as the Bakers, or base leaders, indicate the the positions availability. Applicants can request to be placed on a waiting list for the position/base which would be their first choice.

On Site Review

If you are selected and assigned to a base, the appointed base leadership or long-term committee members will meet with missionaries prior to the end of your three months for a preliminary review with suggestions and/or re-assignments.

Prior to the end of six months, a more structured review will assess ministry/base "fit." This will be the time to initiate further change, e.g., base location, ministry direction, pursuing other options or to be "released" from Iris.

After this six month review, before a departure for a break/furlough, there will be an interview in which leadership will either give permission to return for another year's service or advise that closure be brought to the service of the volunteer missionary.

Begin the Process

If you Have completed steps 1 and 2 and would like to pursue a long term position with iris, you can contact the long term staff.