Psychometric Testing and Missionary Selection -- By: Raymond H. Saxe

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 116:463 (Jul 1959)
Article: Psychometric Testing and Missionary Selection
Author: Raymond H. Saxe


Psychometric Testing and Missionary Selection

Raymond H. Saxe

[Raymond H. Saxe was formerly a member of the faculty of Philadelphia College of the Bible, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.]

“The main issue in the recruiting of missionaries is how to find qualified candidates”1 writes the Secretary of the Committee on Missionary Personnel of the Division of Foreign Missions, National Council of Churches of Christ in America. What the secretary has declared is the opinion of the bulk of leadership in mission circles today.

Actually, the desire to get favorable material for the mission field has long been in the minds of Christian leaders. Nearly two decades ago a mission’s report noted that “upon the quality of personnel, far more than upon any other factor, or all other factors combined, depends the real and permanent success of the missionary enterprise.”2

It has been the need for qualified personnel which has made candidate applications lengthy and at times very exasperating. Forms and more forms have been sent to the prospective missionary. Actually every candidate has been required to complete a rather standardized battery of questionnaires. A personal interview with the candidate secretary usually is the initial contact with the mission, and forms the ground for further negotiations. Here pertinent exchanges are usually made and a careful explanation of the candidate procedures is revealed. Then the candidate is required to provide considerable material relating to himself and his desire for missionary service. A complete medical examination by a competent physician and the provision of a full medical history is found of major importance. Educational attainments are listed and transcripts presented, since these are particularly necessary when the candidate hopes to engage in

professional opportunities on the field. The pastor, business acquaintances, teachers, and friends are asked to provide confidential testimonials relating to the character and call of the candidate. Then the candidate himself is usually required to present an extended written autobiography complete with personal photo, statement of his theological views and experience in Christian work, and assurances of agreement with the board’s policies and beliefs. Finally, a personal contact with the board members cements the relationship between society and candidate. He is now a missionary under appointment for the field.

Yet, in spite of these standard approaches to the selection of missionary candidates it was suggested in a foreign missions conference of 1918, because of t...

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