Volunteers administered by National Ministries serve in a variety of places through a variety of approaches. They may engage in community development through Christian Centers in the inner city; deliver hot meals to and provide transportation for the elderly poor in Mississippi; fill positions as summer camp counselors in Alaska; teach English as a second language; work with Native American children and youth; engage in advocacy or perform research and action work on environmental and/or hunger issues to list just a few ministries.

National Ministries' volunteers are expected to submit reports or letters which may be used in newsletters, periodicals or bulletin messages and are encouraged to share their volunteer experience by speaking at church gatherings, youth meetings, and regional events, either during their assignment or following its completion.

Applications for a volunteer positions are handled on an individual basis. Each candidate completes a personal information form that is considered by a VIM Review Committee. Once an application is endorsed, it is circulated to mission administrators for study and suggestions. If the skills and preferences of the applicant are matched with the needs of a mission site, a job description is developed and then given to the candidate for acceptance or rejection.

Candidates should allow at least six weeks for completion of the appointment process.

Mission settings that receive volunteers are required to furnish housing accommodations. Volunteers are expected to take care of their own living expenses (meals) and transportation to and from the locality of assignment. They also must carry their own hospitalization and medical plan. National Ministries provides supplemental travel/accident insurance protection.

1. Personal hospital and medical insurance coverage
2. Personal cost-of-living expenses, unless otherwise specified by the specific mission site (congregations often assist in some financial support)
3. Payment for travel to and from the location of service
4. Reports to the director of Volunteers In Mission while in a volunteer position and an evaluation report at the conclusion of service
5. Availability for speaking assignments when possible to share their volunteer experience

1. Mission organizations that accept national volunteers are responsible for providing housing accommodations without charge, orientation and training, an identified supervisor, and written job descriptions
2. Volunteers In Mission provides the endorsed application process and supplemental travel/accident insurance coverage
3. Support and encouragement during the volunteer's term of service
4. Various forms of recognition
5. Financial consideration for special needs